Guardian Training is an adult-centric program, taught in the water with the parent / carer and child together. The parents’ participation is essential to their child's aquatic education, and the Guardian program allows for the development of skills, knowledge and confidence of both the child and parent through the delivery of water familiarisation, exploration and water safety skills, all within a supported environment.
For Guardians with babies 6 months to toddlers up to 3 years. We build water confidence and provide experiences to help the parents better understand some of the foundations that will give children a positive experience in the water (respecting the skills and limitations of each child)
For children over 3 years of age that want to continue their aquatic journey, we offer an optional Guardian-Discovery level where children can begin to explore independence with their Guardian in preparation for lessons with a teacher-only structure.
This is an introductory online module designed to give Guardians a base understanding around skills and reasons for how we introduce children to the aquatic environment.
We recommend attending a CPR course for all of our Guardian participants, below are some links to providers we work with:
Royal Life Saving Tasmania
St Johns Tasmania
Throughout the year we hold internal training sessions at DKHAC for our customers, We will list the details of these course here once confirmed.
6-8 (Guardians and children in the water)
In this age group, toddlers begin to independently explore a variety of aquatic experiences. Using their body more actively to pull with arms and to pump with their legs. Working on breath control and submersion when they are ready, the introduction to blowing bubbles, self holding and flotation with assistance, and assisted small jumps /glides.
Skills taught in this level:
- water familiarisation - introduction to submersion - assisted back and front flotation - vertical body rotation - kicks and pulls introduction - blowing bubbles introduction - assisted self holding
In this age group, toddlers start to develop some independence. More effective pulls and kicks. Working on breath control and submersion, self holding and flotation.
- back and front flotation - vertical body rotation - kicks and pulls - blowing bubbles - self holding
This is the last level of guardians and children in the water together ... the Guardians are guided by teachers to encourage their kids to build confidence and independence through fun activities designed to develop skills and be aware of safety.
The ultimate aim here is to build the bridge for the next step on the child's aquatic journey, being in a class on their own. This is an new optional level keeping adults and children in the water together while extending skills and building confidence. The aim of this level is to gently prepare kids for independent lessons. In this level parents and teachers work together to lead and encourage the kids to be independent and follow instructors in the water.
Skills taught in this level: - Independently enter and exit the water safely - Get your face wet by yourself - Independent float and recover with aid - Independent kick with an aid
Are you interested in becoming a swimming teacher? Click here to see the current opportunities at DKHAC.