Levels and Assessment

Assessments

The Gawler Aquatic Centre Learn to Swim Program uses an ongoing assessment model to support consistent skill development and ensure swimmers progress at the right pace.

We recognise that every child learns differently and may develop skills at different rates. Ongoing assessment allows instructors to build a clear understanding of each swimmer’s progress over time and provide lessons that support their individual needs.

Swimmers are assessed regularly during lessons by their instructor, with support from the Program Supervisor. This collaborative approach ensures progress is monitored consistently and professionally, allowing swimmers to move through levels when they are confidently ready.

All assessment information will be added to the PerfectMind - Portal, with 24 hours of the assessment being completed.

Promotion to the next level

When a swimmer has demonstrated the required skills and is ready to progress to the next level, the parent or guardian will be notified by the Program Supervisor.

The Program Supervisor will discuss the swimmer’s progression and provide guidance on the next suitable class level. Parents or guardians are then responsible for working with the Learn to Swim team to arrange the swimmer’s move into the appropriate class.

Our Levels

Tadpole 6 - 18 months (Parent/Guardian In Water)

Enter and exit the water safely with Carer
Using cue words, undertake submersion preparation with Instructor and/or Carer’s guidance
Experience surface glides, remaining in contact with Carer
With assistance, float on back with head on Carer’s shoulder and/or chest
With assistance, roll from front to back and back to front
With support, lean forward, reach for Carer’s shoulders and enter the water from a seated position
Carer to assist manipulation of legs and arms to introduce kicking and paddling on front and back positions

Frog 18 months - 3 Years (Parent/Guardian In Water)

Enter and exit the water safely with minimal assistance
Blow bubbles below the surface of the water
Using cue words, complete a full submersion with Instructor and/or Carer guidance
Hand walk along the edge of the pool and climb out with minimal to no assistance
Experience assisted glides from Instructor to Carer, and/or to poolside holding onto the edge with minimal support Float on back with support under the shoulders and/or back
With support, safely enter the water from both a sitting and standing position towards Carer, turn towards poolside and hold onto edge
With Instructor guidance, demonstrate pulling arm and kicking leg actions

Seahorse - Beginner 3 - 5 Years

Enter and exit the water safely with minimal to no assistance
Demonstrate front and back floats with minimal assistance
With assistance using a flotation aid, kick on front and back with correct body position
Swirl, pull and push the water to feel water resistance
With assistance, submerge to retrieve an object in waist depth water
With assistance, safely enter deep water and return to the edge
Answer questions about dangers in various aquatic environments

Pufferfish Advanced 3 - 5 Years

Independently enter and exit the water safely
Demonstrate front and back floats, recovering to a secure position
Torpedo with correct head and body position for 3 metres with minimal to no assistance
With assistance using a flotation aid, kick on back for 3 metres
Independently demonstrate simultaneous arm and leg action for 3 metres
Safely enter and gain familiarisation in deep water with minimal assistance
Independently submerge to retrieve an object from waist depth water

Jellyfish - 5 + Years

Jellyfish
5 + Years

Independently enter and exit the water safely
Demonstrate front and back floats, recovering to a standing position with minimal assistance
Using a flotation aid kick on front for 5m independently
Using a flotation aid kick on back for 5m independently and return to a secure position
Demonstrate a push and glide in streamline position on the surface for 3 metres
Independently submerge to retrieve an object from waist depth water
Safely enter and gain familiarisation in deep water with minimal assistance

Starfish - 5 + Years

Confidently enter and exit the water safely
Demonstrate front and back floats in waist depth water, recovering to a secure position
Independently torpedo with effective kicking, correct head and body position for 5 metres
Demonstrate freestyle without breathing for 5 metres
Independently kick on back with effective kicking, arms by side and correct body position for 5 metres
Independently submerge to retrieve an object in waist depth water
With assistance enter deep water confidently and return to the edge safely

Crab - 5 + Years

Independently perform a slide in entry in various depths of water
Demonstrate front and back floats in chest depth water for 10 seconds, recovering to a secure position
Demonstrate freestyle with functional breathing for 7 metres
Demonstrate backstroke with correct head and body position for 7 metres
Independently submerge to retrieve an object in chest depth water
Confidently and independently enter deep water and tread water for 5-10

Penguin - 5 + Years

Perform a step-in entry into deep water
Confidently float on front and back in deep water
Demonstrate freestyle with correct side breathing for 10 metres
Demonstrate backstroke with correct head and body position for 10 metres
Demonstrate breaststroke kick in streamline position for 7 metres with minimal manipulation
With assistance safely enter deep water to retrieve an object
Demonstrate a sitti

Otter - 5 + Years

Demonstrate a compact entry into deep water
Demonstrate freestyle with correct head and body position for 15 metres
Demonstrate backstroke with correct head and body position for 15 metres
Demonstrate breaststroke with correct technique for 15metres
Demonstrate survival backstroke with correct technique for 15 metres
Demonstrate continuous harmonic undulations (butterfly kick) with correctly timed breathing for 10 metres
Independently and safely enter deep water to retrieve an object
Perform a kneeling dive in deep water

Octopus - 5 + Years

Perform a stride entry into deep water
Demonstrate freestyle using correct technique for 25 metres
Demonstrate backstroke using correct technique for 25 metres
Demonstrate breaststroke using correct technique for 25 metres
Demonstrate survival backstroke using correct technique for 25 metres
Demonstrate introductory butterfly arm and leg action using correct technique
Demonstrate correct streamlining and push off’s, correlating with each competitive stroke.
Demonstrate a stand

Seal - 5 + Years

Perform a survival entry of choice in response a given scenario
Demonstrate freestyle with correct technique for 50 metres
Demonstrate backstroke with correct technique for 50 metres
Demonstrate breaststroke with correct technique for 50 metres
Demonstrate survival backstroke with correct technique for 50 metres
Demonstrate butterfly with correct technique for 25 metre
Demonstrate a racing dive in deep water
Demonstrate correct turns for each competitive stroke, swimming in and out of the wall
Demonstrates an understanding of swimming on a cycle using correct lane etiquette utilising the pace clock

Turtle (Accessible 1-on-1)

Turtle classes are for students with a disability. Students will be in a one-on-one class with an instructor, and together they will work together to improve the students swimming, water safety skills and confidence in and around aquatic environments.

Private Lessons

Dive into a personalized aquatic journey with our private swimming lessons, tailored to your unique goals and abilities. Whether you're a beginner aiming to conquer water confidence or an experienced swimmer seeking advanced techniques, our certified instructors are here to guide you every stroke of the way.

What to Expect:

Personalized Attention: Enjoy one-on-one coaching that focuses exclusively on your progress and technique.
Customized Learning: Lessons are crafted to meet your specific needs, whether you're refining strokes, learning new techniques, or overcoming challenges.
Flexible Scheduling: With sessions available throughout the week, finding a convenient time to enhance your skills is effortless.

For just $52 per 30-minute session, elevate your swimming abilities with focused attention and expert guidance. Whether you're embarking on your swimming journey or striving for excellence, our private lessons promise to empower you in the water.