“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” – Plato
Athena™
From Fear to Confidence
A gentle, proven program for children aged 3 - 12 years old who feel afraid to go underwater — or even step into the pool.
Years ago, while I was still teaching in a public pool, I heard an 8-year-old boy screaming in panic from across the lanes. The next week, he was brought to me — clearly shaken and afraid.
His mother told me his previous teacher had promised to go slowly… but then dunked him under the water on purpose.
“That teacher said it was the only way to teach him,” she explained. But it shattered the boy’s trust.
I sat beside him, and let him share his story. He looked at me — still shaken — and asked, “Please don’t take me under.”
I looked him in the eyes, shook his hand, and promised: “I will never do that to you. Because you can learn to swim without going under.”
That moment stayed with me. It’s one of the reasons I created this program — because I believe there’s a better way to help kids build water confidence than force.
With patience and step-by-step care, that same boy learned how to blow bubbles, float, and swim with his head above the water — all on his own terms.
That’s how real water confidence begins — not with fear, but with trust.
— Nikos, Founder of Nereids Aquatic Coaching
Verified Google Review
“Our son was afraid to even put his face in. After just 5 lessons, he’s swimming happily — and going underwater on his own. We’re beyond pleased!”— Hayley Woodrow— And That’s Okay.
Some children cry before getting in the pool. Others freeze at the first splash or cling tightly to a parent’s hand. Many have tried group lessons and other swim schools — where sometimes they’re even pushed to go underwater before they’re ready — and left feeling even more afraid.
If this sounds like your child, you’re not alone. And you’re in the right place.
Athena™ – From Fear to Confidence is a gentle, proven approach for children aged 3–12 who are afraid of water.
We work patiently, one-on-one, to help them feel safe — and show them that swimming can begin above the water, not below it.
The Win That Changed Everything
One of our students — a 7-year-old boy — came to us with severe anxiety and a strong fear of water. He would cry just stepping into the pool — and going underwater wasn’t even close to possible.
But one of our swim teachers worked with him gently and patiently, always focusing on trust and confidence. Each lesson was made fun and positive, at a pace that felt safe for him.
The goal? To help him swim breaststroke — with his head above the water — and to learn how to tread water, one of the most important water safety skills.
After a few weeks of slow, steady progress, something amazing happened.We tested him in the deep end — and he swam five meters completely on his own!
When we handed him his certificate, his face lit up. That moment sparked something inside him. He felt proud. He felt safe. And he wanted more.
Not long after, he started going underwater on his own — smiling, laughing, and truly enjoying the water.
Sometimes all it takes is one small win — to unlock a lifetime of confidence.
Why This Approach Works
Because confidence grows faster
when children feel safe, seen, and in control.
Many children have been pushed too hard, too fast. At Nereids, we do things differently. We never force kids to go underwater — we help them build trust, one small step at a time. When a child feels safe, real progress begins.
Most swim schools teach freestyle first. But for kids who are afraid, that’s not the best place to begin.
We start with a modified breaststroke — a calm, head-above-water movement — so children can float, move, and swim with confidence.
And just as importantly, we teach them how to tread water — a powerful skill that builds safety and independence in any depth.
Once kids see what they can do, something changes.
They feel proud — and safe. And when that happens, many begin exploring underwater on their own… not because we asked them to, but because they’re ready.
Every child is different. That’s why all our lessons are private and only one-on-one.
This lets our swim teachers adapt completely to your child’s pace, fears, and personality — helping them grow faster, with less stress.
Real goals. Gentle steps. Big confidence.
At Nereids, every child’s journey is personal — but the goals are clear.
Below is what we typically aim for during the Athena™ program, depending on your child’s age and comfort level.
Preschoolers (Ages 3–5½)
What We Aim to Achieve in Just 12 Lessons:
- Swim around 2 to 4 metres using beginner breaststroke — with clear arms and legs, and no noodle
- Tread water for about 5 to 10 seconds without help
- Enter and exit the pool safely and calmly
- Stay above the water confidently — no forced submersion
- Understand basic water safety:
- How to call for help
- What to do if they fall in
- Dangers to avoid in pools and at the beach
⏱️ Each lesson is 45 minutes and taught one-on-one.
School Age (Ages 6–12)
What We Aim to Achieve in Just 12 Lessons:
- Swim around 4 to 7 metres using beginner breaststroke — with clear arms and legs, and no noodle
- Tread water for about 15 to 30 seconds without help
- Enter and exit the pool safely and calmly
- Swim with head above the water — no forced submersion
- Understand age-appropriate water safety:
- How to call for help
- What to do if they fall in
- Key dangers in pools, oceans, and natural water
⏱️ Each lesson is 45 minutes and taught one-on-one.
Some children may go even further and learn extra skills — others might need a bit more time. That’s totally okay.
Most children start out feeling unsure, and by the end they’re moving through the water with more confidence, floating on their backs, and starting gentle swimming. We go at their pace and always make it feel safe and fun while building their confidence.
We believe every child deserves to feel safe, strong, and confident in the water. And we believe in our method so much — we back it with a bold guarantee.
If your child doesn’t reach at least 3 of the key goals by the end of their 12 private lessons, we’ll give you 2 extra private sessions — completely free.
You’re not just paying for swim lessons.
You’re investing in real progress, peace of mind, and water confidence that lasts.
A Few Important Notes:
- Applies to students aged 3–12 enrolled in the Athena™ Program
- All lessons must be completed within 16 weeks of the first session
- Students must attend consistently and follow teacher guidance
- This guarantee does not apply to students with diagnosed disabilities, as their learning journey may follow a different structure
Every child learns differently, and we always respect their pace. These goals are based on real outcomes we've helped thousands of children achieve since 2015.
Why This Guarantee Matters
Most public swim schools and private swim instructors working on their own don’t offer any kind of guarantee.
At Nereids, we stand behind our method — with care, accountability, and real results.
Want to Chat About Your Child's Needs?
BOOK A CALL
Athena™ Confidence Program
12 Private Swimming Lessons (One-on-One)
For children aged 3–12 with fear of water.
What’s Included:
- 12 private lessons (45 minutes each)
- One-on-one with a trained Nereids swim teacher
- Step-by-step approach to build confidence
- Certificate of Achievement
- Progress tracking and milestone goals
- Flexible lesson times that work for your schedule
- ✅ Guarantee results — we stand behind the results of this program
Program Fee: $1200 AUD
Fixed price — no hidden fees.
Payment surcharge:
All card transactions - 2.25%
Bank transfer - no surcharge
Not sure if this is right for your child?
Book a quick call — we’ll guide you step by step.
— Grandparent of 5-Year-Old
Ready to Get Started?
If your child is afraid of the water — or has had a tough experience in the past — you're not alone.
The good news is, there’s a gentle way forward. And it starts here.
Spots for the Athena™ program are limited — especially during peak season — so we recommend booking early.
Here’s what happens next:
- Click the button below to book a quick call with our team
- We’ll answer your questions, check availability, and walk you through everything
- We’ll help you create your member account, purchase your program, and schedule your lessons
We’re here to help your child build confidence, feel safe — and maybe even fall in love with the water.
Book a Call
About the Athena™ Program?
What if my child doesn’t even want to get in the pool?
That’s okay — we’ve worked with many children who were scared to even step into the water. Our swim teachers are patient and trained to build trust from the very first moment. We never force, and we always move at your child’s pace.
Does this program really work without putting their head underwater?
Yes. That’s the whole point of the Athena™ program. We use a special method that starts with swimming head above water, like a modified breaststroke. Many children eventually choose to go underwater on their own — but only when they’re ready.
Is this a good fit for children with a disability?
We’ve had great success with students with various disabilities. While Athena™ is not a special needs program, our calm, personalised method works well for many children with anxiety, autism, or sensory challenges. If you're unsure, just book a call and we’ll help assess what’s best.
What if the teacher doesn’t feel like the right fit?
If you have any concerns, let us know right away. We can send a supervisor to observe the lesson and offer guidance — or reassign your teacher if needed. Your child’s comfort and progress always come first./p>
How many lessons per week do you recommend?
Most children do best with 1 to 2 lessons per week, but we also offer the option for up to 5 sessions weekly during school holidays or when faster progress is desired.
The right pace depends on your child’s comfort, age, and how quickly you’d like to build water confidence.
We’ll guide you through the best option during your call.
Can I watch the lesson?
Yes. As part of our child safe policy, a parent or guardian must be present during every lesson. Your presence also helps your child feel safe and supported. If you notice your child is getting distracted, you’re welcome to watch discreetly from a short distance.
What if we need to reschedule a lesson?
No problem — we understand life gets busy. We just ask for at least 24 hours' notice so we can reschedule without a penalty.
How do you choose the right teacher for my child?
We match your child with a swim teacher based on personality, teaching style, experience, and preferred availability. We also consider location and any specific preferences you mention during your call.
What if I need to travel or miss a week?
You’ll have up to 16 weeks to complete your 12 lessons, giving you flexibility while still keeping progress on track.
Where do the lessons take place?
We come to your home pool or the pool in your apartment building.
If you don’t have a pool, we may be able to teach you at a rock pool, a netted beach, a rented home pool through Swimply.au, or with an instructor who has access to one.
Just let us know when you book your call with us.
Can I sign up more than one child?
Absolutely. While each child needs their own Athena™ program, we can schedule lessons back-to-back. Ask us during your call, and we’ll help create the best plan for your family.
for All Ages and Abilities
Playful lessons for preschool children (3-5 years) to enhance water safety skills and become comfortable in water
Range of ability programs for school-age children, available even during holidays
Customised lessons for adults of various ages and abilities including complete beginners, stroke correction and seniors
Inclusive coaching for children and adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, empowering them through individualised attention
Our son was far behind his peers and afraid to even put his face in the water. Just 5 lessons later, he’s swimming confidently and going under with joy.
As an adult with some fear of water — and not a native English speaker — I felt a big difference after just one lesson. By my 7th session, I could swim a full lap. My teacher was kind, patient, and made it fun.
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