Preschool
Private Swimming Lessons (Ages 3–5½)
“Let early education be a sort of amusement; you will then better be able to find out the natural bent.” — Plato
Every confident swimmer… once began with a splash and a smile.
You watch them stand at the edge of the pool — tiny feet, wide eyes, holding your hand just a little tighter.
You want them to be safe.
You want them to be happy.
And more than anything…
You want them to feel free.
At Nereids, we know that moment — and what comes next.
We’ve guided thousands of children from their first gentle splash to confident swimming across the pool.
Safely. Joyfully. With purpose.
That’s why we created our signature preschool programs — a complete journey designed to meet your child exactly where they are:
Athena™ – From Fear to Confidence
For little ones who are scared of the water or don’t want to let go of you yet.
We help them feel safe, supported, and ready — without rushing or pressure.
Triton™ – Water Safety & Independence
For children ready to explore the water with more freedom.
We focus on floating, breathing, and body control — building water safety and confidence step by step.
Poseidon™ – Stroke Development
For preschoolers who already feel at home in the water.
We develop early stroke techniques using their natural strengths — with a focus on enjoyment, control, and smooth progress.
Some children move through all three stages in a few months. Others take longer — and that’s perfectly okay.
Take a breath. Wherever your child is today, it's exactly where they are meant to be. With Nereids, your child is never pushed or compared. We follow their pace, build their confidence, and celebrate their wins.
And when you look back… You'll remember the moment they first clung to your hand. And you'll see them now — smiling, strong, and free.
“Are they really ready?”
“Maybe we should wait until they’re older…”
It’s a question we hear often — and it comes from love.
At this age, your child is still discovering who they are — curious, playful, and wonderfully open. It’s also the age when fear begins to take root… or is gently prevented before it ever grows.
That’s why 3–5½ years old is the perfect time to introduce the water — not with pressure, but with play.Not to push them… but to guide them, gently and joyfully.
Here’s what we see every day:
- Children this age learn fastest when they feel safe and nurtured
- Early positive experiences help prevent fear before it starts
- Their bodies adapt naturally — they float, move, and breathe with ease
- Lessons feel like play, not work — so progress comes without resistance
- The earlier they start, the sooner they build real water safety and confidence that lasts a lifetime
Because in the water, they don’t just learn to swim. They learn to trust — their body, their teacher, and themselves.
Why Water Safety Starts Early
According to the National Water Safety Strategy, children aged 0–5 are the most at risk of drowning — especially in home pools. Many of these tragedies happen quietly… and within seconds.
That’s why this stage is not just about play.
It’s about teaching your child to move with confidence, float with calm, and know how to stay safe — even when no one’s watching.
And we’ll do it gently, step by step, at their own pace.
Every child is different — which is why our lessons are never one-size-fits-all.
We take the time to understand your child’s unique temperament, comfort level, and natural strengths before anything else.
Our lessons are warm, playful, and calm — but always purposeful.
They’re designed to make your child feel safe, seen, and supported from the very first moment.
Here’s what you can expect:
Each session is fully focused on your child — no group pressure, no distractions. Just steady and joyful progress at their pace.
Lessons take place in an environment your child already knows, which boosts comfort and progress
We prioritise consistency — so your child can build trust and familiarity
Games, gentle movement, sinking and floating toys are woven into each lesson — progress happens through joy
Choose the lesson duration and frequency that fits your child’s energy and your family’s schedule
The goal isn’t just swimming. It’s helping your child feel at home in the water — and proud of every brave step they take. Because the real magic isn’t just what they learn in the water — It’s the spark they feel when they realise... “I can do this.”
Verified Google Review
“Our 3 year-old son had done lessons for over a year with little progress and growing fear. After just a few private sessions with Nereids, he overcame that fear — and now looks forward to swimming every week.”— Sara Nasr
Some parents want a clear path to progress.
Others aren’t quite sure what their child needs yet — and that’s perfectly okay.
At Nereids, we understand that every family — and every child — moves at their own rhythm.
Sometimes, it starts with one splash… and suddenly, something beautiful begins.
That’s why we offer two flexible ways to begin your child’s journey with us:
1. Signature Programs
Our signature programs — Athena™, Triton™, and Poseidon™ — follow a structured path with clear goals and milestones.
They’re designed for families who want fast progress, defined outcomes, and a guided journey from fear to confidence — and from safety to skill.
Each program is grounded in Australia’s national water safety benchmarks — and purposefully built to exceed them.
For preschoolers, the national goal is simple:
To swim at least 5 meters and begin to submerge and recover with confidence.
Our programs help children not only meet these goals — but move well beyond them, step by step.
Each program includes:
- A recommended number of lessons
- A purposefully designed teaching arc
- Key milestone achievements tailored to your child’s age and ability
If you’re looking for a clear, proven path to transformation — this is it.
Athena™ → Triton™ → Poseidon™
Athena™
From Fear to Confidence
For children who are afraid of water or cling to you at the pool’s edge.
- Focus: Floating, breathing, body control
- Style: Playful learning with water skills woven in
- Outcome: Safer, more confident movement in water
Stage 1 of 3 – The Journey Begins Here
Triton™
Water Safety & Independence
For kids who enjoy water but need structure and control.
- Focus: Floating, breathing, body control
- Style: Playful learning with water skills woven in
- Outcome: Floating, breathing, and body control — with a goal of swimming at least 5 meters and beginning to submerge with comfort
(Aligned with national preschool benchmarks for safety)
Stage 2 of 3 – Building Safety & Strength
Poseidon™
Stroke Development & Confidence
For confident swimmers ready to learn real skills.
- Focus: Early technique using natural strength
- Style: Fun-based stroke development (not correction)
- Outcome: Early stroke technique and endurance — with a goal of swimming 15–25 meters continuously
(Above national water safety benchmarks for preschoolers in Australia)
Stage 3 of 3 – Ready to Thrive
2. Flexible Lesson Packages
For some families, flexibility matters more. With our packages, you choose the number and duration of lessons, and we adapt the pace to suit your child’s energy and confidence.
Even outside our programs, every child still receives:
- Our founder’s proven methodology
- Personalised lesson plans
- The same nurturing, 1-on-1 attention from start to finish
Curious about more flexible options?
See Our Fees & Packages — and find the rhythm that fits your family.
Because choosing the right path isn’t about being perfect — It’s about meeting your child exactly where they are, and helping them fall in love with the water at their own pace.
Take a breath. Wherever your child is today… it’s exactly where they are meant to be.
We’ve guided thousands of preschoolers from their very first splash to smooth, confident swimming — and no two journeys are ever the same.
But here’s what we often see when a child feels safe, supported, and seen:
- Smiling in the water, where there was once hesitation
- Letting go of the wall — and discovering they can float
- Jumping in with joy and returning to the edge with pride
- Swimming their first 5 metres — and turning around to say “watch me!”
Some reach these moments in just a few months. Others take a little longer.
But with the right guidance, every step forward becomes a memory worth celebrating.
Because with the right guidance, every small step forward becomes a memory you’ll hold forever — a quiet reminder of how far they’ve come.
Verified Google Review
“My 5 year-old grandson wouldn’t even get his head wet. After 5 lessons, he was floating, jumping in, and swimming with a board. Nereids' private approach made all the difference.”— Grandparent of a 5-Year-Old (Reviewer: One Wombat)Most swim schools follow a set curriculum. We follow your child’s natural curriculum.
At Nereids, we don’t just teach swimming — we strive to awaken something deeper.
Our method was born out of one core belief:
Every child learns differently — and those differences are sacred.
Here’s how that belief shapes every lesson:
We follow their natural strengths
Instead of forcing every child into the same stroke order, we observe how they move — and start with the stroke that feels most natural to them. Some children learn to swim in just a few weeks — not because they’re being pushed, but because they’re finally being understood.
We make safety joyful
Water safety isn’t about fear — it’s about freedom. Through games, laughter, and trust, we teach children how to stay safe in the water while feeling powerful and in control.
One teacher. One student. One bond.
Every lesson is private — no group chaos, no distractions.
Whenever possible, we aim to match your child with the same trusted teacher — because connection matters.
We don’t just want your child to learn how to swim. We want them to fall in love with the water — not because we asked them to, but because they were ready.
Sometimes we’ll do something wrong on purpose — then ask,
“You’re the teacher now! How should I fix it?”
They laugh, engage, and suddenly... they know.
When a child says, “It’s hard,” we reply, “It’s not hard — it’s just a challenge. And challenges are what heroes are made for.” When they shiver, we smile: “You’re not cold — you’re just too warm! Let’s move and make waves.”
“You can do it.”
“I believe in you.”
Again. And again. Until they believe it too.
After every 3 lessons — especially with good sleep — we often see a leap.
It’s how synapses form.
It’s how joy becomes skill.
Every child learns differently — so we combine kinesthetic, auditory, and visual cues to make learning deeper, faster, and more lasting.
“Why do you think you floated better that time?”
“What did your arms feel like when you kicked?”
This is the Socratic method — ancient wisdom wrapped in preschool joy.
It’s also why we call ourselves swim teachers, not instructors.
Because in every child’s learning moment, there’s a spark —
And when someone believes in them enough to ask, not tell…
That spark becomes a light that lasts — in the water, and in them.
Verified Google Review
“Our 3-year-old couldn’t swim after a year in group classes. Seven weeks of private lessons later with Nereids — he was swimming confidently and can’t wait for every session.”— Kristen PearceNot every week looks the same. Some days your child is buzzing with energy. Other days, they’re tired, teething, or just need more cuddles than kicking.And sometimes — like during school holidays — you finally have the time and space to say: “Let’s go all in. Let’s help them feel what real progress feels like.”
That’s why we offer intensive and school holiday options alongside our regular weekly rhythm.
- Some families book 1–2 lessons per week
- Others dive into 4, 5, even 6 lessons during school holidays
- Some mix and match as life unfolds
We’ll work with you to find the rhythm that matches your child’s energy, your availability, and your goals.
Because when time, trust, and readiness meet — even a single week of focused swimming can spark a transformation that lasts a lifetime.
What if my child is afraid of water — or won’t let go of me?
That’s exactly what our Athena™ program is made for. We move slowly — no pressure, no tears. Just trust, play, and one small step at a time. And when your child feels safe, that’s when the magic begins.
Can my child really learn to swim at this age?
Yes — and often faster than expected. Preschoolers are curious, open, and full of potential. When they feel safe, their bodies adapt naturally — and progress often comes through joy.
How many lessons does it usually take to see progress?
Some children surprise you after just a few sessions. Others take a little longer — and that’s perfectly okay. Either way, you’ll notice steady positive change. We keep you updated every step of the way.
Do you come to our home — or do we need to travel?
We come to your home pool or apartment building. It’s more familiar, more calming — and a lot more convenient for your family.
How many lessons per week do you recommend?
Once a week works beautifully for most children. If your little one is excited and ready, two or even three sessions a week can really build momentum — especially during holidays. But the truth is, the best schedule is the one that matches your child’s mood and energy.
Is there a package expiry?
Yes — all packages are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. That gives you plenty of time to find your child’s rhythm — and the space to enjoy the journey together.
Can we change teachers if there’s no bond?
Of course. While most students build a beautiful connection with their teacher, sometimes the chemistry just isn’t quite right. If that happens, we’ll find a better match — no questions asked.
What if I’m not sure which program to choose?
We’ve got you. Just book a quick call, and we’ll ask a few simple questions about your child’s age, water history, and comfort level — then guide you step by step toward the right program.
What if my child cries or refuses to get in the water?
It happens — and it’s okay. Our teachers are trained to work through tears with kindness, patience, and creativity. Many children who start out tearful finish the lesson smiling. We always go at your child’s pace — and we never force.
Still have a question we didn’t answer?
Let’s talk — no pressure, just a real conversation to find the right path for your child.
BOOK A CALL