Swim school · Ages 6 months to adult
Floats first. Then laps.
Warm water, four swimmers to a class and a clear level for every age, so you always know what your child is learning and what comes next.
32°C
Teaching pool, all year
4
swimmers in a class, at most
6
levels, shallow end to deep
30 min
lessons, once a week
Free
first assessment in the water
The six levels
From the shallow end to the deep end
Each level says who it’s for and exactly what a swimmer must do to move up. No guessing, no waiting for a teacher to remember.
Level 1
0.6 m deep
Water Babies
6–36 months
With a parent in the water. Songs, floating on your back, getting comfortable with a wet face.
Moves up when
Happy on their back with your hand under their head.
Level 2
0.8 m deep
Tadpoles
3–4 years
First lessons without a parent. Holding the wall, blowing bubbles, listening to a teacher.
Moves up when
Floats 5 seconds alone and climbs out unaided.
Level 3
1.0 m deep
Floaters
4–6 years
Face in the water, kicking on front and back, and the safety skill of turning to float.
Moves up when
Swims 5 metres and rolls onto their back to breathe.
Level 4
1.2 m deep
Gliders
5–8 years
Freestyle arms, side breathing and treading water out of their depth.
Moves up when
Swims 15 metres of freestyle with breathing.
Level 5
1.4 m deep
Strokes
7–10 years
All four strokes get a proper look, plus starts, turns and longer distances.
Moves up when
Swims 50 metres and treads water for 1 minute.
Level 6
1.8 m deep
Squad
9 years and up
Fitness sets, stroke correction and racing skills for swimmers who want more.
Moves up when
This is the top level. Adults start here too, at any ability.
Age groups
Not sure where to start?
Find the age, start at that level. Your free assessment confirms it in the water.
Babies and toddlers
6–36 months
Start at: Water Babies
1 parent + 1 child, up to 6 pairs
Parent in the water
Preschool
3–5 years
Start at: Tadpoles or Floaters
4 children, 1 teacher
Parent on poolside
School age
5–12 years
Start at: Floaters to Strokes
4 children, 1 teacher
Viewing gallery
Teens and adults
13 and up
Start at: Squad or private lessons
4 swimmers or one to one
Beginners welcome
Term timetable
Same day, same time, every week
Lessons run through the term at a fixed time, so your week doesn’t change.
Mon
3:30
Floaters
4:00
Gliders
4:30
Strokes
5:00
Squad
Tue
9:30
Water Babies
10:00
Tadpoles
3:30
Floaters
4:00
Gliders
Wed
3:30
Tadpoles
4:00
Floaters
4:30
Strokes
6:30
Adults
Thu
9:30
Water Babies
10:00
Tadpoles
4:00
Gliders
5:00
Squad
Fri
3:30
Floaters
4:00
Gliders
4:30
Strokes
5:00
Private
Sat
8:30
Water Babies
9:00
Tadpoles
9:30
Floaters
10:00
Gliders
Term dates and fees
Four terms, one simple price
Pay by the term. Join part-way through and you only pay for the weeks left.
Term dates
Term 1
2 Feb – 2 Apr
9 weeks
Term 2
20 Apr – 26 Jun
10 weeks
Term 3
13 Jul – 18 Sep
10 weeks
Term 4
5 Oct – 11 Dec
10 weeks
Lesson fees
Group, up to 4
$22 a lesson
Water Babies pair
$24 a lesson
Pair, 2 swimmers
$34 a lesson
Private, one to one
$52 a lesson
Second child from the same family: 10% off. Assessment is free.
The rules
Missed a lesson? Here’s what happens.
Clear rules up front mean no awkward conversations at the poolside.
Makeup lessons
Two a term
Tell us 2 hours before
Cancel in the app or by text and you get a makeup credit.
Sick on the day?
Send a photo of the doctor’s note and we’ll still credit it.
Use it the same term
Book into any class at your level with a spare place.
Pool closed?
If we cancel, you get a credit or your money back. Your choice.
Pool safety
Every lesson
A lifeguard on every session
Separate from the teacher, watching the whole pool.
Under 5s stay in arm’s reach
A parent or carer stays on the poolside for the full lesson.
No diving under 1.8 m
Depth markers are on every wall. Follow them.
Stay home if unwell
No swimming for 48 hours after a tummy bug.
Teachers
Who’s in the water with them
Every teacher is qualified, first-aid trained and background checked.
MR
Mere Rangi
Head teacher
14 years teaching. Runs Water Babies and trains new staff.
JT
Jonah Tait
Stroke coach
Former club swimmer. Takes Strokes and Squad.
AL
Ana Lopes
Learn-to-swim teacher
Patient with nervous beginners, adults included.
Questions
What parents ask first
My child is scared of the water. Should we wait?
No. Start with a free assessment. Most nervous children settle within three or four lessons.
What should they bring?
Togs, a towel, goggles from level 3 up. Under 3s need a swim nappy.
Do you do adult lessons?
Yes. Wednesday evenings in a small group, or private at a time that suits you.
How long until they can swim?
It depends on age and how often they swim, which is why we show what each level needs instead of promising a date.
Can I watch?
Yes. Parents of under 5s stay poolside, and everyone else can use the viewing gallery.
What if we move up mid-term?
Teachers move swimmers as soon as they’re ready and we’ll find a spot in the next level.
Start here
Book a free assessment
Fifteen minutes in the water with a teacher. We’ll find the right level and show you the classes that have space.
Book online
Or call 09 555 0142 · hello@backstroke.example