Stages
Swim Cubs Stages
Find out below which stage is best for your bear cub. If in doubt, get in touch with us.
At Swim Cubs we have classes to suit babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers from 2 months to 4.5 years. Our stages are expertly designed by age and ability and take into account varying developmental stages within the age groups. Classes are loads of fun incorporating songs and toys to teach swimming techniques and potentially lifesaving water safety skills. Most importantly, our classes have been developed with a child -led, gentle approach, working at your bear cub's individual pace.
BABY CUBS:
2 months to 17 months
Stage 1 to Stage 5
Baby Cubs classes are suitable for babies from 2 months (in our hydrotherapy pools in Bray & Sandymount) and 3 months in all of our other pools. We recommend popping a baby wet suit on smaller babies to keep them nice and cosy. You can buy one here and collect it at your first class.
Baby Cubs Stage 1 classes are suitable for beginners who have never attended a swimming class before. Classes are calm and relaxed to aid bonding with your bear cub in the water. In this stage we introduce your baby to the wonderful world of water. Your baby will learn their first swimming positions, how to float and basic water safety skills. You will learn how to hold and care for your baby in the water with the help of our expert teachers.
If your bear cub is over 4 months old and a beginner, you can also choose to join Baby Cubs Stage 2. When your baby cub is that little bit more developed, toys are added to the classes to progress their swimming skills.
As your bear cub progresses through the five stages of Baby Cubs, we will gently develop your baby's paddling, kicking, breathing and floating techniques. More advanced underwater swims will be added at your bear cub’s pace. Your bear cub will progress and learn new lifesaving skills. The emphasis is still on learning through play to build your bear cub's water confidence while having lots of fun.
If you and your bear cub have attended classes with other swim schools, you can join from Baby Cubs 2 to 5, depending on their ability.
TODDLER CUBS:
18 months to 3.5 years
Stage 1 to Stage 5
Toddler Cubs classes are suitable for bear cubs aged from 1.5 years to 3.5 years. Our stages are tailored to suit absolute beginners who have never attended swim classes before and also water confident toddlers. Toddler Cubs classes are energetic and loads of fun. Your bear cub will progress through the stages developing their swimming skills through repetition and song.
Toddler Cubs Stage 1 is a beginner’s class for toddlers aged between 1.5 and 3.5 years of age who have never done a swimming lesson before. Your toddler will learn basic swimming skills and water safety to build their confidence in the water through repetition. We do this in an energetic fun way using lots of swim toys and songs to keep your toddler engaged and enjoying every second.
If your toddler is happy in the water, you can also choose to join our Toddler Cubs Stage 2 classes. If you and your bear cub have attended classes with other swim schools, you can join from Toddler Cubs 2 to 5, depending on their ability.
Toddler Cubs Advanced:
Our Toddler Cubs Advanced stages are for toddlers who have graduated from our Baby Cubs programme. Toddler Cubs Advanced classes are also suitable for toddlers who have taken classes with other swim schools.
BIG CUBS:
3.5 years to 4.5 years
This stage is suitable for bear cubs aged between 3.5 years and 4.5 years who have never attended a structured swimming lesson before. Big Cubs classes are especially great for bear cubs who are a little apprehensive about swimming and need the support of their mama or papa bear in the water. Classes are kept small, to a maximum of 10 parent/child pairs. The emphasis is on building your bear cubs water confidence in a supportive, caring, gentle and fun way. The aim is to progress your bear cub to swim short distances independently with aids to build on their water and lifesaving skills. All this will prepare them for swimming lessons without their mama or papa bear in the water with them.
If you don't see a stage that seems to fit your little bear cub, give us a shout. We'll try to make sure everyone can get involved.