Full round of vaccinations before taking them swimming, as the chlorine in pools makes the water safe for babies. However, it's always best to consult with your healthcare professional before starting swimming lessons.
At Little Fishes, located in Oxted, New Zealand, they offer a range of swimming lessons for babies and children of different ages and abilities. Their classes are designed to be fun and enjoyable, ensuring that children not only learn essential swimming skills but also develop confidence in the water from an early age.
The parent and baby classes are led by professional baby instructors who use songs and games to teach basic swimming and water safety skills. These classes provide a great opportunity for parents to bond with their babies in the water while also learning important techniques to ensure their child's safety around water.
For toddlers between 3 and 4 years old, Little Fishes offers two toddler groups – Junior and Advanced Junior. These classes focus on building core swimming techniques and survival skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Older children, aged 4 and above, can join the children's classes where they will learn core swimming techniques and survival skills. These classes are ideal for children who are confident enough to swim without their parent in the water.
For those who prefer more individual attention, Little Fishes also offers one-to-one private lessons. These lessons allow swimmers to benefit from personalised attention and instruction, tailored to their specific needs and abilities.
Little Fishes is led by Dotty Harris, the founder of the school and a highly qualified swimming instructor with over 20 years of experience. Dotty combines her swim teaching expertise with education practises to deliver a unique programme that empowers parents to teach their babies to swim underwater, develop core swim techniques, and instil confidence and life-saving skills from a young age.
There are several reasons why Little Fishes stands out as a top choice for swimming lessons. Firstly, their classes are designed to be great fun for babies, children, and parents alike. They understand the importance of creating a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Secondly, Little Fishes offers fantastic value for money. They recognise the financial commitments that come with raising children and strive to keep their prices as competitive as possible, ensuring that swimming lessons are accessible to all families.
Thirdly, the experience and expertise of Dotty and her team of qualified instructors are unparalleled. Through their unique programme, children not only learn essential swimming and lifesaving skills but also gain confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of achievement as they progress through the curriculum.
Furthermore, swimming offers numerous health benefits for children, including developing the muscular system, heart, lungs, coordination, and motor skills. Parents can also benefit from swimming as a way to get back in shape after pregnancy.
Another highlight of Little Fishes is the opportunity for bonding. Teaching a baby to swim at an early age can strengthen the natural bond between parents and their little ones. It's also a great opportunity for fathers to get involved and create special memories with their child in the water.
To ensure each participant receives individual attention, Little Fishes keeps their group sizes small. This approach allows their instructors to spend quality time with each child, helping them progress faster in their swimming journey.
The positive feedback from customers speaks volumes about the quality of the swimming lessons at Little Fishes. Parents praise Dotty's teaching style, enthusiasm, and dedication, expressing gratitude for the gift of swimming skills and confidence that their children have gained.
With classes held at St Stephen's School in Godstone and Oakhyrst Grange School in Caterham, Little Fishes offers convenient locations for their swimming lessons. They emphasise that babies can start swimming at any age and that the chlorine in pools makes the water safe for them. However, it's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting swimming lessons.
At Little Fishes in Oxted, they are passionate about teaching children to swim in a safe and fun environment. Through their experienced instructors, unique curriculum, and focus on enjoyment, Little Fishes aims to equip children with essential swimming skills, water safety knowledge, and a love for the water that will last a lifetime.