“When life gets you down, you know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming." Dory, from Finding Nemo.
Swimming is an important life skill that can be cultivated at a young age, especially when ensuring a fun and safe playtime in the pool for little ones. Enrolling young ones in swimming lessons allows the development of physical and mental skills, proper swimming techniques and education on important water safety. However, we must consider the following factors before enrolling your child in any desired swim school:
1. Certification
A certified instructor should have qualifications and certifications from recognized organisations such as Singapore Sports Council or the American Swimming Coaches Association. The right certificate ensures that the instructor has completed training in water safety, first aid, and proper teaching techniques.
2. Experience
Looking for an instructor who is experienced in handling little kids would allow a more interactive and engaging learning experience.
3. Personality
Patience and a friendly personality are traits that you should look for in your child’s swimming instructor, as this would allow your little one to connect with the instructor and learn in a safe and nurturing environment.
4. Teaching Methodology
The instructor’s teaching style should match your little one’s needs and learning styles. Some instructors may adopt a traditional teaching style, while others may use games and other activities to make learning more fun and engaging.
Best Swimming Lessons for Kids & Toddlers in Singapore
Kickstart your little one’s swimming journey today, as we share the 7 best swimming schools and programs with their qualifications to help parents make an informed decision before enrolling into a desired swim school.
1. Happy Fish Swim School
Happy Fish Swim School was founded in 2007 and found in multiple locations for easy accessibility. There are a variety of classes available - from baby classes (suitable for 4 months old and above) to adult classes (for 13 years old and above), and even prenatal swimming classes! Most of their pools are also indoors and heated for a more conducive environment for babies and toddlers. They use a fun and engaging teaching methodology that helps children to build confidence and develop proper swimming techniques.
2. aquaDucks
aquaDucks was founded in 1987 and offers classes for children aged 6 months and above, including parent and child classes, beginner classes, and private lessons. Applying the blend of American, European and Australian teaching techniques, the aquaDucks programme has also been streamlined to best suit the weather conditions and needs in Singapore. They use a child-centred teaching approach that emphasizes safety, fun, and learning.
3. Little Swim School
Little Swim School has been in operation since 2006 and has several locations around Singapore. They specialise in teaching infants and toddlers how to swim and offer a variety of classes, such as baby and parent classes, toddler swim classes, and private lessons. They use a play-based teaching approach that helps children to learn through exploration and discovery.
4. SWISH! Swim School
SWISH! Swim School is located in Dempsey Hill, with both indoor and outdoor swimming pools available. They offer swimming lessons for children aged 6 months and above and are well-known for their small class sizes that offer personalised attention and focused instruction. Swish Swimming School is a great choice for parents looking for a swim school - providing high-quality instructors, a comprehensive curriculum, and a focus on water safety and fun.
5. AquaBambinos
AquaBambinos is located at Serangoon Gardens and Sengkang, with programs designed to introduce children to the water in a safe and nurturing environment, helping them to develop a love for swimming and build water confidence. Aquabambinos provides swimming lessons for babies as young as 3 months old and toddlers and young children’s classes that are taught through a range of games, songs, and activities to make the classes fun and engaging for children while also teaching them essential swimming skills.
6. Little Splashes
Little Splashes offers classes for babies as young as six months old, introducing them to the water through fun and interactive activities. There are also advanced classes for children who want to improve their swimming proficiency, as well as private lessons for those who require more personalized attention. Little Splashes facilities are also designed with children in mind, with child-friendly changing rooms, warm water pools, and a range of toys and float to make the classes more enjoyable for kids.
7. OtterSwim
OtterSwim Aquatic offers classes for babies as young as six months old, introducing them to the water through fun and interactive activities. Classes for toddlers and young children focus on developing proper swimming techniques, water safety skills, and independent swimming. One of the unique features of Otterswim is its focus on a child-led approach to swimming education, where children are encouraged to learn at their own pace and in a way that suits their individual needs.
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