What Age Should My Baby Start Swimming Lessons? A Guide for Hoppers Crossing Parents

One of the first questions new parents ask is how early is too early to start swimming lessons. At Shawn's Swim School in Hoppers Crossing, babies can start from 4 months of age, with a parent in the water. The focus at this age is water confidence, bonding and early survival skills — taught through play, at your baby's own pace.

The short answer: from 4 months

We welcome babies from 4 months old in our baby swimming lessons. A parent or carer comes into the water with their baby, and classes are led by experienced infant swim teachers.

If your baby is a little older, that is absolutely fine too. Many families start later in the first year, or when it suits their routine. The important thing is to begin when your baby is comfortable, and to keep lessons regular once you start.

Why start in the first year?

Baby lessons are not about teaching a child to swim independently, and they do not make a baby "drown-proof". They are about helping little ones feel safe and happy in the water, and giving parents practical skills and confidence too.

Royal Life Saving Australia's infant and toddler programs focus on water familiarisation, enjoyment and early skills — such as getting in and out of the water safely, floating with support, and becoming comfortable with water on the face — with a parent or carer in the pool. Kidsafe also reminds families that swimming ability never replaces active adult supervision. An adult should always be within arm's reach of a baby or toddler in or around water, including in the bath at home.

What happens in a baby class at Shawn's?

Our baby classes are 30 minutes, with a maximum of seven babies in the group and a parent in the water with each child. Lessons use play, songs and simple activities to build confidence, water awareness and early survival skills.

Two lessons a week are recommended, and once a week is also available. Classes run on weekday mornings: Monday and Wednesday from 9:00am to 12:30pm, and Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am to 12:30pm. You're welcome to drop in during lesson times to see our youngest swimmers in action.

Progress is tracked with six baby certificates, so you can see the skills your little one is working towards as they grow.

The first lesson on selected children's programs, including baby classes, is free — so you can try a class before you commit.

From baby classes to pre-school

When children are ready, they move on into our pre-school program, which starts from 2.5 years. These are small, teacher-led classes in a warm, shallow pool — a maximum of four children, with the instructor in the water, and parents watching from the poolside. From there, children can continue through our 11-level certificate pathway, from first strokes through to squad.

What to pack for baby swimming lessons

Babies need our approved, non-disposable Aqua Pants and tight-fitting swimwear. Aqua Pants can be purchased at reception, and disposable swim nappies are not accepted. A hooded towel, a warm change of clothes, and a bottle or snack are also handy, as little ones are often hungry after a swim. Caps are not required for babies.

For the full checklist, see our guide on what to pack for your child's swimming lessons.

Baby swimming lessons in Hoppers Crossing and nearby

Shawn's Swim School has been teaching families in Hoppers Crossing and across Wyndham since 1994, from babies through to squad and adults. We are a family-run school at 35 Richards Rd, Hoppers Crossing, and we welcome families from Werribee, Tarneit, Point Cook, Williams Landing and the surrounding suburbs.

To start baby swimming lessons, contact us or call 03 9369 6977 to book. New enrolments and enquiries can be made over the phone, or through the form on our contact page. You can also read more in our FAQs.

Frequently asked questions