Fish Links Program information

 

Children in our lessons will learn many new skills. All of which help to develop gross and fine motor skills, confidence and self esteem. We do not want children to fear the water, we would like them to respect the water, understanding its dangers while enjoying the many benefits of being in and around water. It is never too late to start your child swimming and it is one of the greatest gifts you can give your child, now and in the future.

What You Can Do At Home

From birth try to bath regularly WITH your baby gently allowing them to relax in the water. Set aside some time each day to do this, or if you do not have a big bath use the baby bath but spend extra time in there rather than just a quick was. one idea is you can place a small amount of warm water in the bath allowing baby to wiggle and feel the water move around them, with little support. This will assist in developing their confidence in the water.

 

Don't be afraid of getting your babies ears wet - it is perfectly ok. Just remember to dry the outside of the ear with a cotton bud after any bath or shower. You can cue your baby by saying his or her name 'Max, ready Go' on GO pour water over their face and watch your babies reactions carefully. If they get distressed please do not panic yourself as the baby will feed off your feelings, this is the same if your baby gets a mouthful of water or pops under the water, try to avoid a sudden jerk to grab baby where possible and gently give them a reassuring cuddle.

 

It is important for all parents to learn CPR and emergency first aid and to identify water dangers around the home -  'Home Water Safety Page'

 

These are just few ideas on how to get your baby ready for the pool.

 

Baby Swimming 3mths - 2yrs (with Parents)

In baby classes we work with you the parent to teach you how to teach your child. As children progress through the developmental stages we work with you to explain what your child may be experiencing. Things such as floating, kicking and moving through the water freely come quite naturally to youngsters. From time to time (like in everything they do) they become unsure of their own ability to attempt new things. We work with you and your child through these stages so they continue to enjoy their lessons and progress.

Did you know that studies have shown that children who start swimming at an early age are less susceptible to illness? Simular studies have also shown that it gives children a head start developmentally. This is due to them being physically active and healthy on a regular basis. 

Being physically active stimulates both sides of the brain meaning that children starting out young are more likely to be ready for kinder and school than those who are not as active.

 

These are just some of the benefits of starting young. Many people ask what exactly can a baby learn and how do they retain this information. Through the first three stages of our swim program we teach you about the stages of development your child will go through in the water and where relevant on land.

 

Our aim is not to make a child 'water proof' it is to teach you (the parent) the skills needed to teach your baby to enjoy the water but more importantly develop a respect of the water.

 

You can start at any stage within the these three levels without having completed the level before. These classes are grouped on age and the babies developmental stage rather than their physical ability. To progress to the Baby Graduate class they must successfully complete one of the first two levels.

 

Classes are fun and encourage babies to interact with others on a regular basis, classes will seem repetitive for parents however babies learn through regular repetition and practice as well as familiarity which is why we set a 'regular' routine for the class.

 

For parents it is a great chance to spend special time with your new baby and meet other parents. Both parents are welcome in the water however consistency is important so if mum or dad will be the person every week in the water it is important the routine be maintained as much as possible. It is a good idea to try and visit a pool outside class times to practice with your child each week.

 

Toddler Swimming 2 years - 3 years

The teachable twos!

Watching children develop their swimming skills at this age is a wonderful experience.

Children are now able to differentiate between shallow and deep water and focus for longer periods on set tasks, we work towards independence and mobility in the water with a big emphasis on water safety.

 

These classes are fun and in no way distressing to the child. Some children may experience an initial fear or reluctance the first few lessons without parents in the water however this usually passes fairly quickly. We offer classes both with and without parents in the water until 3yrs of age. This really depends more on the child's needs and developmental stage as well as how they cope with being separated from their parent for the lesson. 

 

We use interactive play to help teach children to swim. We do not believe in constant use of floaties - they are used only in moderation (like any equipment and toys).

 

 

Kinder Swimming 3 years - School Age

By the age of 3 years old we work with parents and children to progress children into a group lesson without Mum or Dad.

This is only if they have not already done so through our 'slippery seals level' in which the transition may have taken place at a younger age.

 

This transition is usually fairly smooth and teaches children to take instruction from someone other than their parents, it also gives them the opportunity to learn from their peers, develop social skills and participate in interactive play on a regular basis. 

 

Parents are encouraged to continue playing an active role in their child's lesson by providing continuous support and encouragement. While the focus is still very much on water safety skills we do start to progress onto learning the 4 main swimming strokes towards the end of this age group.

 

What's next?

Children can continue on at Fish Links to master their strokes - freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly. We also cater for school age children who have not had lessons before as well as catering to children with special needs. Usually once children have mastered their strokes we progress them into the Links Swimming Club Inc should they be interested in having a go at racing and set some new challenges with their swimming.

The club web site can be found www.linksswimclub.org.au  

 

Ability vs. Age

Occasionally we will place children with older children should their skill development be sufficient to do so. Others may be in a younger age group, we enrol you straight away so children can 'get wet' the first class and if we need to change classes can do so during the term. We tend not to make changes at the end of a term to avoid a rush during re-enrolment.

 

Certificates

Since moving to Vaucluse we no longer provide certificates to all participants, every term. We issue certificates after special events and when children graduate from a level. This is one of the ways we can keep the lesson fees low. Children will still receive weekly colouring in and stickers so be sure to see Jan after your lesson!

 

Program Progressions

 

 

Office: (03) 9306 1548 

Pool: Brunswick Private Hospital (formally Vaucluse) Hydrotherapy Pool 82 Moreland Rd Brunswick 

Mail: PO Box 566 Pascoe Vale 3044 - Email: admin@fishlinks.com.au