Our Learn-to-Swim Programs in Brisbane
SWIMMING LESSONS IN Brisbane
Why Learning to Swim in Brendale and Surrounding Areas is Important
Brendale and its surrounding areas are home to numerous local waterways, including lakes, rivers, and public pools. Living in these areas means that children and adults alike are often near water, making swimming not just a fun skill, but a vital safety measure. Being able to swim confidently reduces the risk of accidents, builds self-confidence, and ensures your family can enjoy the water safely.
What Family Aquatics Can Offer
At Family Aquatics, we provide high-quality swimming lessons for all ages and abilities. Our programs include:
Learn to Swim Programs for Children: Tailored to build confidence and essential swimming skills from beginners to advanced levels.
Adult Swimming Lessons: For adults who want to learn to swim or improve their skills.
Inclusive Programs: Lessons for individuals with disabilities or other physical or mental challenges, ensuring everyone can enjoy the water safely.
Comprehensive Packages: Flexible lesson plans designed to suit your family’s schedule and skill levels.
With Family Aquatics, your family can gain not only swimming skills but also the confidence to enjoy Brendale’s waterways safely, making every trip to the water stress-free and enjoyable.
Brisbane Lessons For:
Babies (3 – 6 Months)
Ratio 1:8
Our baby classes are designed for children aged 3 to 6 months.
At Family Aquatics, we encourage introducing your baby to the water early to give them a positive head start on their swimming journey. Our lessons focus on water familiarisation, conditioning, and acceptance, using a range of interactive songs and rhymes to make each session engaging and enjoyable.
Our qualified instructors guide parents and guardians from the very beginning, teaching a variety of positioning holds and techniques that support your child’s independence in the water. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, our instructors explain the purpose of each skill, why it is important, and demonstrate how to safely and confidently perform it.
Throughout the program, babies explore skills such as moving through the water, developing buoyancy, rolling from front to back, and building a strong connection with their parent/guardian and instructor. We like to incorporate sensory balls, interactive games, and songs—each designed to support your baby’s development and contribute to specific skill sets.
Our goal is for you and your baby to have a fun, enjoyable, and nurturing experience.
Local Brisbane Swimming Lessons for:
Infants 7-12 months lessons
Ratio 1:6
Our Infant Classes are designed for children aged 7 to 12 months.
The aim of this class is to continue educating families on correct techniques and holding positions for little ones who are developing stronger mobility skills. Your swim instructor will guide you from the very beginning and clearly explain the purpose of each activity.
We maintain a strong focus on water conditioning and building your child’s confidence through a variety of interactive and social activities. Key skills include floating, kicking, reaching, and recognising basic commands. Our lessons are carefully tailored to support these skills through songs and rhymes, as well as the use of colourful sensory equipment to keep your child engaged. We also encourage a diverse range of verbal cues, helping to reinforce muscle memory and overall skill development.
For children who are ready, this is also where we can begin incorporating gentle submersions. We never force submersions, and only introduce them when both parent and child feel comfortable, ensuring a positive experience and building confidence in the water.
Water safety is another important component of our infant program. Both you and your child will learn a safe pool exit, controlled fall-in, and how to reach the designated safe zone, ensuring your little one gains confidence and safety awareness in the water.
Local Brisbane Swimming Lessons for:
Toddler 1 (1- 2 years) Swimming Lessons
Ratio 1:6
Our Toddler One Classes are designed for children aged 1 to 2 years.
This class is a progression from our Infant program, building on the skills children have already developed while introducing new activities that support their growing cognitive, fine motor, and gross motor skills. Your swim instructor will guide you from the very beginning and clearly explain the purpose of each activity.
We maintain a strong focus on water conditioning and building your child’s confidence through a variety of interactive and social activities. Children work on floating, kicking, reaching, and recognising basic commands, while exploring new movements that strengthen coordination and independence. Our lessons are thoughtfully tailored to support these skills through songs and rhymes, along with colourful sensory equipment to keep your child engaged. We also encourage a diverse range of verbal commands, helping to reinforce muscle memory and overall skill development.
At this stage, we also begin introducing more gentle submersion activities, only when both parent and child are ready. These activities help children understand what happens in the water and practice what to do if they accidentally fall in, building both confidence and essential water safety awareness.
Water safety remains a key component of the program. Both you and your child will continue to learn a safe pool exit, controlled fall-in, and how to reach the designated safe zone, ensuring your little one develops confidence and safety skills in the water.
Local Brisbane Swimming Lessons for:
Toddler 2 (2 – 2.10 years)
Ratio 1:6
Our Toddler Two Classes are designed for children aged 2 years to 2 years 10 months.
This class builds on the skills learned in Toddler One, introducing new abilities to support your child’s swimming journey. At this stage, children are developing stronger cognitive, fine motor, and gross motor skills, and our lessons are designed to nurture these while improving water confidence. We focus on progressing your child’s kicking, paddling, and reaching skills, while introducing new activities such as blowing bubbles, full-face submersion, and holding onto the pool edge—important milestones in developing swimming independence.
A key focus of Toddler Two is beginning to gain independence in the water. While parents and guardians remain in the pool, they are encouraged to support their child by assisting with corrections and reinforcing skills as needed, helping children gradually learn to perform movements on their own.
We also place a stronger emphasis on submersion and water safety activities. Gentle submersions are introduced only when both parent and child are ready, allowing children to understand what happens in the water and practice safe responses if they accidentally fall in. These activities help children build confidence, awareness, and essential water safety skills.
This class prepares children for our Transition Classes, where they will continue developing independence and self-sufficiency in the water.
TRANSITION (2.10 Years - 3 Years
Ratio 1:3
Our Transition Class is an eight-week program designed to focus on independence in the water and gradually wean parents and guardians out of the pool. This prepares children for the next stage of their swimming journey, ready for progression by the age of 3 years.
By the end of the eight-week program, children are expected to achieve:
Safe entry and exit from the pool (Safety Side)
Swimming confidently from “Monkey Monkey” to the bench
Waiting their turn during activities
Swimming confidently without a parent or guardian
This program ensures children gain the confidence and skills needed to transition smoothly into more advanced swimming lessons.
Level 1 (3+ year)
Ratio 1:4
This is the first class where your child will participate independently, working directly with their swim instructor without a parent or guardian in the pool.
The class begins with a recap of water conditioning, blowing bubbles, and water safety. Children will be asked to demonstrate skills such as submerging their eyes (with goggles) and ears, blowing bubbles, kicking, paddling, and more.
Each child will follow a tailored lesson plan designed to develop specific skills and ensure the best possible outcome: becoming a confident and independent swimmer. The program builds on basic swimming techniques from previous levels while introducing equipment such as kickboards and noodles to develop core strength, muscle memory, and propulsion towards streamline positions.
Children will also be encouraged to combine different elements of swimming in various sequences, integrating their skills to enhance coordination, confidence, and overall swimming ability.
Level 2
Ratio 1:4
Based on your child’s skills and development, our Level 2 class focuses on perfecting swimming technique, including long arm strokes, straight leg kicks, and breath control. These skills are broken down into several elements to strengthen body positioning, which contributes to floating, coordinated movement, and unassisted rollovers.
We also introduce a variety of safety drills, encouraging children to practice self-rescue skills using equipment such as noodles, kickboards, and swim rings. These exercises prepare them for potential real-life scenarios, promoting both confidence and water safety awareness.
Level 3
Ratio 1:4
Now that your child has mastered the correct body positioning, this class focuses on introducing proper stroke and kicking techniques for both freestyle and backstroke. In addition to developing a streamlined position, children learn strokes through a series of structured sequences using a kickboard, which are carefully broken down before combining the movements into a complete swimming technique.
We also further challenge children to develop stronger breath control while their face is submerged, enhancing their overall efficiency and confidence in the water.
Level 4
Ratio 1:4
As your child/ren establishes the basic freestyle and backstroke arms and legs, we now focus on refining their strokes without the assistance of a kickboard, using approximately three-quarters of the pool length. At this stage, lessons emphasize technique correction over distance, ensuring proper form and efficiency in every movement.
Level Four also introduces breathing techniques, helping children learn how to coordinate breath with their strokes for improved endurance and stroke control. We continue to develop core strength, stroke efficiency, and independent swimming skills.
By the time your child is ready to progress to the next level, they will be able to swim both freestyle and backstroke confidently, demonstrating proper technique, breath control, and coordination.
Level 5
Ratio 1:6
At this level, your child will be perfecting both freestyle and backstroke techniques and will be able to swim four continuous laps of the pool with control and efficiency. Their endurance has progressed, allowing them to maintain proper technique over longer distances and swim continuously with confidence.
We also introduce breaststroke and butterfly kick as new skills, laying the foundation for more advanced swimming techniques. By the end of this level, children are expected to swim a minimum of four laps of all focus strokes, demonstrating proper arm and leg technique, timing, glide, and sustained endurance, building both skill and confidence in the water.
Level 6
Ratio 1:6
This is our Stroke Development Level, designed to refine and improve your child’s technique in freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke, while introducing butterfly arms coordinated with the kick.
As with previously taught strokes, the swim instructor will break down each stroke into separate elements before combining them into a complete, flowing stroke. Children will learn proper timing, coordination, and breathing techniques, helping them develop efficiency, strength, and confidence in all strokes.
In addition, this level introduces other essential swimming skills such as tumble turns, correct starts, and strong finishes, giving children the foundation to swim confidently and efficiently in a range of swimming activities.
ADULTS
Ratio 1:5
Our Adults Classes are designed for anyone aged 18 and over who would like to learn to swim.
Classes are taught by a qualified swim coach, who will guide you from the very basics, helping you develop confidence in the water and overcome any fears. You will learn proper swimming strokes, as well as essential basic survival and rescue skills, ensuring you feel safe, competent, and confident in the water.
Everything You Need to Know About Our Swim School | Family Aquatics
Family Aquatics welcomes students from three months old through to adults for their very first swimming lesson. Our North Brisbane swim school offers a carefully structured 12-phase Learn-to-Swim Program, designed to accommodate all ages and abilities.
With over 40 years of combined teaching experience across our professional team, we maintain specific instructor-to-child ratios for each developmental stage. Our youngest students benefit from instructors qualified in infant and preschool swimming, ensuring safe and effective early learning. Older children and adults receive age-appropriate instruction that develops both confidence and competence in the water, helping every student progress safely through the program at their own pace.
Our mineral pool is heated to a minimum of 32°C year-round, providing comfortable swimming conditions even during Brisbane’s cooler months. This consistent temperature allows us to operate six days a week, Monday through Saturday, without seasonal closures.
The heated pool creates an ideal learning environment for babies, toddlers, and young children, who may be more sensitive to cooler water. Parents consistently appreciate that our indoor, climate-controlled facility ensures lessons continue uninterrupted, regardless of the weather, making every swim session safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Our team brings a wealth of diverse qualifications and experience, including AUSTSWIM certifications, Swim Australia coaching credentials, teaching qualifications, and specialized Water Safety and Infant/Preschooler certifications.
- Founder and Owner Kay contributed 42 years as a qualified nurse and midwife before establishing Family Aquatics.
- Co-Founder Lorna competed for the Nottinghamshire County Elite Squad in England and has eight years of childcare experience.
Manager Ryan has been teaching and coaching swimming since 1994 and holds full Swim Australia coaching qualifications.
- Assistant Manager Courtney has been fully qualified in Teaching Swimming and Water Safety (TSW) and Infant/Preschooler programs for three years and continues to grow her knowledge and experience daily.
This combination of competitive swimming backgrounds, formal teaching credentials, and child development expertise ensures that your family receives instruction from highly qualified, experienced professionals dedicated to safety, skill development, and confidence in the water.
Family Aquatics is a family-owned and operated business, established in 2020, that prioritizes core family values over corporate franchise models. Our facility is designed with families in mind, featuring parent-friendly amenities such as a dedicated parents’ room, a play area for siblings, and a mini café serving coffee and refreshments.
We offer small class sizes to ensure personalized attention, and our curriculum is based on the principles of renowned Australian swim educator Laurie Lawrence. Upon enrollment, families receive complimentary welcome items, including a towel, bag, and swimming cap.
Our mother-daughter founding team brings both competitive swimming experience and a deep understanding of family needs, creating a genuinely welcoming and supportive environment for every student and their family.
Family Aquatics offers both private and semi-private lessons in addition to our small group classes.
Private lessons provide one-on-one instruction, tailored to the individual’s learning needs, goals, and schedule. Semi-private lessons allow two students—often siblings or friends at similar skill levels—to learn together while still receiving focused attention.
These options are ideal for students who require specialized instruction, are working on specific competitive skills, or for families seeking more flexible scheduling. Our experienced instructors adapt their teaching methods to maximize progress, whether students learn best individually or in a small group setting.
Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on essential water safety skills, including self-rescue techniques, recognizing water hazards, floating and treading water, proper pool entry and exit, understanding depth and distance, and responding appropriately in water emergencies.
Children also learn the importance of adult supervision, never swimming alone, and respecting water boundaries. Living in a water-focused society, particularly in Queensland, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to develop comprehensive water safety skills.
With over 40 years of combined teaching experience, our instructors integrate water safety education into every lesson, from our youngest students learning basic water awareness to advanced swimmers refining rescue techniques. This approach ensures children develop confidence, competence, and lifelong safety skills in the water.
Progression through our 12-phase Learn-to-Swim Program is based entirely on each child’s individual skills, confidence, and consistent attendance. Some children advance quickly through the early phases, while others may need additional time to master specific skills before moving forward.
Our instructors use positive reinforcement, recognition rewards, and engaging activities to motivate students at their own pace. We never rush progression based on age or set timelines that don’t reflect a child’s readiness. Instead, we focus on genuine skill mastery at each phase before advancement.
Regular attendance, consistent practice, and the development of water confidence all contribute to steady progress. Our small class sizes enable instructors to provide personalized feedback and accurately track each student’s development, ensuring every child reaches their full potential.
Families should bring appropriate swimwear for their child, including swim nappies for babies and toddlers who require them. Swimming caps are mandatory for children in Level Two and above, while goggles are optional but can help children feel more comfortable, particularly as they begin learning underwater skills. Swimming caps and goggles are available for purchase at the counter if needed.
Parents may also wish to bring a change of clothes for their child and any comfort items for younger swimmers.
Our facility offers family-friendly amenities, including change rooms and a selection of refreshments available at reception. We maintain a comfortable indoor environment, so heavy outerwear is typically unnecessary, even during winter months.
Family Aquatics provides a dedicated parent viewing area on the floor, allowing parents to observe lessons comfortably while maintaining a safe and focused environment for all students. Parents are not encouraged to remain on the pool deck, ensuring the health and safety of children and instructors and maintaining fairness for all families.
Our instructors provide regular feedback on each child’s progress, helping families support their child’s skill development and water safety practices at home.
The facility also offers family-friendly amenities, including a parent room, a kids’ space for siblings waiting during lessons with activities such as drawing and reading, and simple refreshments available at reception for those who wish to relax. We maintain a comfortable indoor environment, so heavy outerwear is typically unnecessary, even during winter months.
Our diverse team qualifications and small class ratios allow us to accommodate children with a wide range of learning needs and abilities. Instructors assess each child individually and adapt teaching approaches to suit their unique requirements.
With backgrounds in childcare, education, and child development, our team understands different learning styles and developmental considerations. We recommend discussing your child’s specific needs during enrollment to ensure appropriate class placement and instructor matching.
Our commitment to personalized instruction ensures every child receives support tailored to their learning pace. For children requiring additional attention or modified teaching approaches, some families find that private or semi-private lessons work particularly well, providing focused guidance to maximize progress and confidence in the water.
Contact the Nearest Family Aquatics to Book for Swimming Lessons Today!
Family Aquatics is proud to be your trusted local experts for pool and aquatic services across South East Queensland. We proudly serve a wide range of surrounding communities, including:
Strathpine | Lawnton | Warner | Brendale | Cashmere | Warner Lakes | Warner | Eatons Hill | Albany Creek | Bald Hills | Aspley | Deagon | Fitzgibbon | Zillmere | Carseldine | Stafford | Everton Park | Everton Hills | Keperra | Griffin | Taigum | Grovely | Stafford Heights | Wavell Heights | Virginia | Cashmere | Keperra | Boondall | Chermside | North Lakes | Eatons Hill




