Babies and toddlers, water, joy and safety. A wonderful combination every parent and guardian wants for their much loved little ones. Whether it is splashing in the bath, tottering steps at the beach, or fun in a blow up paddling pool in the back garden on a hot summer’s day, water is a delight – a favourite play thing – for so many of our youngest children.

At Surrey Park we encourage little ones to begin developing their love of water as a baby. Our baby and toddler swimming lesson program accommodates ages from 6 months to 3 years old. At these ages, our specialised infant trained instructors work with both babies and parents / guardians in the pool. Our swimming lessons include games, songs and progressive activities designed to keep both babies and toddlers engaged whilst developing an enjoyable and positive experience in the water. This is not just for the babies! Our teachers work closely with parents, fully recognising that development of an adult’s skill and confidence with their baby in and around water is essential.

At Surrey Park our philosophy, program, and criteria that has been honed over five decades to teach babies, toddlers and accompanying adults how to safely enjoy water. At the same time, we develop a very solid foundation for children to develop survival skills in the water. Whether it’s to watch our little ones delightfully splashing around in the water, or for our own confidence in knowing how we can safely encourage this, Surrey Park is ready to be part of your baby’s journey towards a lifelong love of water.

  • Great opportunity to bond with your child
  • We nurture confidence and never force development
  • A fun, gentle introduction to water
  • Lessons in warm water
  • Mineral water at Blackburn and Heidelberg locations – gentle on baby’s skin
  • Specialised, infant trained instructors
Baby floating on back looking at mirror

Level progression

Our baby and toddler program is organised by age groups to ensure babies are learning with their peers: Tiny Tots (6 months – 1 year), Tots (1-2 years), and Talented Tots (2-3 years). Teachers will ensure each child is given individualised progressions based on their skills, ability, and confidence.

Our programs and progressions

After baby and toddler lessons, your child will be ready to swim without their carer in a Pre-School class:

Pre-School Learn to Swim

Lesson details

  • Offered 7 days a week
  • Duration: 30 minutes per lesson
  • Maximum of 6 students per class
  • Classes run during school terms
  • Lessons organised by age so learning occurs with peers
  • A parent or guardian must be in the water with the baby / toddler for every lesson
  • Please contact the centre you wish to swim for further information

What to bring

  • A waterproof nappy if your child is not toilet trained
  • Bathers for baby / toddler
  • A top for the parent in the water with the baby – we encourage climbing to practise getting out of the pool, so this will protect your bathers
  • Goggles for 2.5 year olds+ (not essential)
  • Spare nappy and wipes
  • Towel
  • Snack / bottle for after lesson as swimming will make them hungry
Toddler in hooded towel and goggles

When my grandson first started lessons he was very hesitant to enter the water. The team were so encouraging and patient and now you can’t stop him in the water. He loves his lessons and the improvement is amazing. Just love watching his confidence grow each week. Thank you to everyone

LesleyWhat our customers are saying

The swimming teachers are always patient, reduce any fears the young children may have and build a fantastic rapport with the kids. Would definitely recommend for those looking to start their young children swimming. My daughter wouldn't go near a pool until we started lessons here

NickyWhat our customers are saying

We’ve got you covered in the north and south eastern suburbs!

  • Mineral based pool water
  • Water gentle for sensitive skin
  • Private centre
  • Quiet centre for focused learning
  • Small class sizes
  • Specialised tuition
  • Consistent monitoring of progression

Suburbs our students travel from for lessons:

  • Box Hill South
  • Blackburn
  • Nunawading
  • Blackburn North
  • Forest Hill
  • Burwood East
  • Mitcham
  • Vermont
  • Glen Waverley
  • Mount Waverley
  • Doncaster
  • Doncaster East
  • Donvale
  • Burwood
  • Box Hill
  • Box Hill North
  • Whitehorse city council residents
  • Monash city council residents
  • Manningham city council residents
  • Stay and play after your lesson
  • Dedicated learning pool
  • Public centre
  • Learn to dive offered
  • Small class sizes
  • Specialised tuition
  • Consistent monitoring of progression

Suburbs our students travel from for lessons:

  • Box Hill South
  • Box Hill
  • Box Hill North
  • Surrey Hills
  • Deepdene
  • Mont Albert
  • Mont Albert North
  • Camberwell
  • Balwyn
  • Balwyn North
  • Auburn
  • Hawthorn East
  • Hawthorn
  • Burwood
  • Doncaster
  • Ashwood
  • Whitehorse city council residents
  • Boroondara city council residents
  • Monash city council residents
  • Salt and Mineral based pool water
  • Water gentle for sensitive skin
  • Private centre
  • Quiet centre for focused learning
  • Small class sizes
  • Specialised tuition
  • Consistent monitoring of progression

Suburbs our students travel from for lessons:

  • Heidelberg
  • Rosanna
  • Ivanhoe
  • Eaglemont
  • Viewbank
  • Lower Plenty
  • Macleod
  • Heidelberg Heights
  • Heidelberg West
  • Bellfield
  • Bulleen
  • Alphington
  • Fairfield
  • Ivanhoe
  • Kew
  • Kew East
  • Banyule city council residents
  • Manningham city council residents
  • Boroondara city council residents