The organisation of my swimming classes reflects the STA badges system and Aqua Sensory approach.
Seahorses (0-6 months)
The perfect introduction to the pool environment and swimming class. Slow down, ground your feet and observe your breath. Let little floater be rather than do. Enjoy skin-to-skin contact. Lay down the foundation for swimming and confidence. Be supported to build your confidence and safety in the water. Joyful playful time to sing and float all together on tummy and back, for example with flip-flop, open and close gate. Experience magical bonding with your baby, floating, splashing, and creating lifelong memories.
I highly recommend HE AQUATICS baby swimming lessons. My daughter has been in classes with Helena since she was 2 months old and absolutely adores Helena’s fun, Aqua Sensory teaching approach. Sophia is now 1 and has gained so much water confidence already and moving on to the toddler classes. Helena has an amazing relationship with each and every swimmer and parent and has also helped me to gain water confidence myself. The classes are held at the beautiful Hotel Collingwood in Bournemouth which has a lovely warm heated pool, a bubbly hot tub and a brand new sauna!
- Beth Almond -
Dolphins (6 months - 1.5 years)
Your toddler will love dipping cheeks, blowing bubbles, pushing toys, scooping hands, kicking legs, holding on, turning, gliding and diving. Learn to guide your toddler gently and keep close contact with safety holds and positions in the water. Discover playful duets and group games using Aqua Sensory floating on a back under the rainbow or holding the mirror in their hands and miming – smiley face, laughing, blowing kisses. The class pace is child-led, flexible and sensitive to the needs of every child. Observe your child's progression into more dynamic holds and figure of 8 floatings.
We’ve been swimming with Helena for a year and in that time she has developed a bond with both my children that have allowed them both to be more confident and at ease in the water. It’s been challenging having 2 in the water together but Helena has shown nothing but patience and kindness as well as an amazing ability to block out the screaming and distract them back to the task at hand! I’d highly recommend Helena.
- Laura Versfeld -
Octopi (1.5 - 2.5 years)
Be prepared to step back, let your toddler have great fun, and swim more independently. We are introducing floatation aids like backpacks and armband discs for independent swimming. Let your toddler dive into interactive games with floatation aids, vibrant toys, poolside and other children. We will use songs and repeated actions for embedding good swimming practices above and underwater.
Helena has taught both my children to swim. She has a wonderful approach to learning, making it fun but also educating the children and ensuring that each session is an educational experience where skills are developed each time they are in the water. I have highly recommended Helena and would continue to do so as both my 4-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son have thoroughly enjoyed her lessons and I have felt so confident in her ability to teach them both in a safe and beautiful sensory environment.
