Wonder - 6 to 36 Months

‘Wonder’ represents the first stage in a lifetime of fun and safety in the water, so it is only natural that it is approached in a way that builds on a child’s natural curiosity and fascination with the water.

Wonder is the water familiarization component of the Swim and Survive program, designed specifically for children aged 6 to 36 months.

Children will explore the sensations of buoyancy and movement, with the security of having the parent close by. Parents will learn to be a strong part of their child’s aquatic education through activities that provide for developing water familiarisation, exploration and water safety skills.

Wonder is a child-centred program which is taught with parent or carer and child together in the water. It uses songs, games and activities to teach children a variety of skills including:

Getting wet

Is about entering the water safely and using different entries appropriate for each motor development stage progressing towards encouraging safe independent entries and exits.

Keeping balance

Provides experiences of body orientation and rotation skills which are vital for developing survival and mobility skills.

Breathing skills

Develop confidence in getting the face wet, blowing bubbles and learning to submerge. Fun activities promote relaxation and breath control.

Kick and arm action

Activities promote kicking and paddling to develop basic propulsion skills. Initially, these skills will be rudimentary but as crawling, walking and running skills are gained on land, coordination of kicking and paddling skills will develop and become stronger.

Going under

Is a gradual process encouraged as each child shows readiness to participate and initiate the skills themselves. Using simple cue words, actions and songs, this will create a fun and non-threatening environment to support the learning of this skill.

Staying afloat

Activities focus on experiencing floating on the front and back. Learning to float is an important skill not only to progress to propulsion but is an essential survival skill for every child.

Water safety

Is encouraged through emphasising the message ‘always swim with an adult’. Introducing young children to a simple message early in their aquatic education establishes a positive attitude towards safe behaviour.

Parent education

Focuses on the 4 key messages of the Keep Watch drowning prevention program; Supervise, Restrict Access, Familiarise and Learn Resuscitation.

ENROLMENT

To enrol your child into Swim and Survive “Wonder” contact the ASTA on 8814 8637.

Term 1 (30 January - 5 April 2012)

Term 2 (23 April - 1 July 2012) bookings are open now!

Cost - $145.00 for the term (10 lessons).

The Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive program is GST free!

Royal Life Saving has worked tirelessly with the Australian Federal Government to ensure that water safety programs that taught essential personal aquatic survival skills are GST free. The Swim and Survive program completely complies with the criteria.