Waterbabies Swimming School

With all the various aquatic environments in South Africa, such as beaches, rivers, water parks, public and private swimming pools, it is vital that children are provided with the opportunity to develop effective water safety skills. Learning to swim is an important key to this also enables children to enjoy the advantages afforded by the climate and natural surroundings in our beautiful country. Our aim at Waterbabies is to do just that, while having fun! Using fun rhymes and songs, babies and toddlers learn vital skills through repetition.

Swimming allows babies to move independently much sooner than on dry land. Every time you catch him/her you are building trust in your relationship. Each time you praise him/her for each achievement you are building your little one's self-esteem as they look for your parental acknowledgement, approval and validation. Best of all you are building on the parent-child bonding process! Fitness benefits include increase in strength, muscle tone, endurance and lung capacity. For young babies water liberates them from a comparatively static life on land in comparison to their mobility in water. Swimming also allows babies to improve on their land based skills quicker due to the fact that they use both lobes of the brain improving coordination, motor development, and balance and of course better sleeping patterns! At the appropriate developmental capability and enough practice children can acquire the necessary swimming safety skills to aid then in the event of a water emergency. A child that is well adjusted to the aquatic environment will proactively implement the techniques she/he has learnt rather than panicking in an emergency situation. However, no child should ever be considered 'drownproof' and you should always be vigilant when your child is in the water.

All our Instructors are highly qualified and are registered at Swim South Africa (SSA). We are also affiliated with Professional Swimming Teachers and Coaches Association (PSTCA) and the Professional Baby Swimming Teachers Association (PBSTA) in South Africa. All instructors are also in possession of a valid CPR certificate.

Did you know?

Swimming is a vital life skill that everyone needs – regardless of age
Knowing the basics of swimming helps reduce drownings
Swimming is a great way to keep fit and helps maintain a healthy lifestyle

Statistically speaking
About 70% of the South African population are not proficient swimmers. Drowning still accounts for the second highest cause of accidental death amongst children under the age of fifteen.
About 60% of drownings happen in rural South Africa - typically around rivers, lakes and dams. Approximately 95% percent of drowning involves South Africans from historically disadvantaged communities. More than 56% of cases involve children under the age of 15, with the majority drowning within a meter of the edge of the water.
Swimming is an activity that can continue to be enjoyed for a lifetime and it’s healthy too!