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Baby & Toddler
Swimming Lessons

From Duckling to Starfish

Starfish toddler swimming class illustration AquaBuddies Coogee

Gentle, fun parent-accompanied baby swimming lessons for infants and toddlers aged 4 months to 3 years, available at our Coogee swim school.

Our baby and toddler swimming lessons in Coogee offer a warm, relaxed introduction to the water for children from 4 months of age. Every class is parent-accompanied, kept to a maximum of 6 families, and led by qualified instructors who understand how young children learn best.

Classes are grouped by age and developmental stage, so your child is always with peers at a similar level, progressing at their own pace with the right support around them. No rushing, no pressure. Just happy babies, confident toddlers and parents who leave feeling like it was time well spent.

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White Ducklings
(4-8 months) 

Most babies in White Ducklings are having their very first pool experience. Classes focus on water familiarisation, gentle breath control, early floating and kicking responses, all through play and connection with you.

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Yellow Ducklings
(12-18 months)

Babies at this stage show more voluntary movement and social awareness in the water. Classes develop free floating, kicking and paddling coordination, and simple turning skills through games and playful activities.

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Starfish
(24 months+)

Our Starfish level builds water confidence and independence in toddlers, preparing them to transition around age 3 into either a semi-private Crabette or small group Crab class when ready.

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Pink Ducklings
(8-12 months)

Building on White Ducklings, this level revisits and extends early skills as babies grow more responsive in the water. Classes develop breath control, floating confidence, early grip strength and simple movement cues.

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Brown Ducklings
(18-24 months)

Our Brown Ducklings level builds independence. Children develop short independent swims, independent propulsion, climbing out of the pool safely and beginning to jump and push off the wall with confidence.

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Crabette

A supported transition class for toddlers moving away from parent-accompanied lessons. Parents can remain in the water initially, with a gradual focus on building independence over time. With only 2 children per class, Crabette offers a calm, supportive step toward a regular group lesson.

Lesson Fees at Coogee

We offer flexible class options to suit your child’s needs and stage:

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Weekday

Group (max 3): $28.50

Semi-Private (2 students): $37.50

Private (1:1): $75

 

Weekend

Group (max 3): $30

Semi-Private (2 students): $40

Private (1:1): $80

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Fees are calculated monthly based on scheduled lessons and collected by direct debit on the 25th of each month. Enrolment is ongoing - to cancel, written notice is required by the 20th of the month. At Coogee, classes continue as normal during the school holiday period, however public holidays are closure periods and are not included in monthly fees.

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Prefer flexibility? Try a Flexi Pass (Baby & Toddler classes at Coogee only)

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Rather than a fixed weekly spot, our Flexi Passes let you book Parent & Baby sessions whenever suits you.

  • 5 sessions – $160 (expires 6 weeks from purchase)

  • 10 sessions – $300 (expires 3 months from purchase)

  • 15 sessions – $420 (expires 5 months from purchase)

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Purchase your Flexi Pass →

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Why Parents Choose AquaBuddies for Baby Swimming Lessons

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AquaBuddies baby swimming lessons in Coogee are designed specifically for the way infants and young children learn. Every baby and toddler class runs with a maximum of 6 families, so your child gets genuine attention at every lesson rather than just a spot in a busy group. You are in the water with your child throughout - parent-accompanied from White Ducklings all the way through to Starfish - which is a big part of why young children settle so well and progress so quickly.

 

Classes are grouped by developmental stage rather than age alone, so your child is always alongside peers at the right level, moving at their own pace with the right support around them. We build genuine water confidence from day one with no back bubbles or reliance on floatation aids.

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All AquaBuddies instructors hold Austswim or Swim Australia qualifications plus current CPR certification, and our Coogee pool is indoor and heated to 32 degrees year round, comfortable for babies in every season.

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When Should My Baby Start Swimming Lessons?

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Babies can begin swimming lessons from as young as 4 months. Starting infant swimming lessons early builds water familiarity and comfort that makes every subsequent stage easier. There is no single perfect age, but children who have regular water exposure from infancy typically develop confidence and water safety skills faster than those who start later.

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If your child is already 3 or over and ready to swim without a parent, our Kids Swimming Lessons program is the right starting point. Contact us and we will help you find the best fit.

Baby and Toddler Swimming Lesson FAQs

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When can babies start swimming lessons?

AquaBuddies baby swimming lessons in Coogee start from 4 months of age. Our White Ducklings class is designed specifically for babies aged 4 to 8 months having their first pool experience.

 

Do I need to get in the water with my baby?

Yes. All classes from White Ducklings through to Starfish are parent-accompanied. You will be in the pool with your child for every lesson, which is a key part of why young children progress so well in our program.

 

What do we need to bring?

Swimwear for you and your baby, a swim nappy (mandatory for children not yet toilet trained, we recommend a disposable nappy with a reusable Happy Nappy over the top), towels, warm clothes for after class and a small snack or bottle for post-swim comfort. Happy Nappies are available to purchase at our Coogee centre.

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What if my baby cries?

Completely normal, especially in the first few sessions. Our instructors are experienced with infants and toddlers and will guide you through it. Most children settle quickly once they find their rhythm in the water.

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What temperature is the pool?

Both our Coogee and Bondi pools are heated indoor pools. Our Coogee pool is maintained at 32 degrees year-round.

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My baby was born premature, when can they start?
We recommend starting from 4 months corrected age rather than chronological age for premature babies. If you're unsure, chat with your paediatrician first and feel free to contact us to discuss your situation.​

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Accredited and endorsed by leading swim and aquatic bodies in Australia.

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AquaBuddies Swim School Coogee and Bondi

 

© 2026 by AquaBuddies. Designed by Strawberry Leopard

 

Our Locations

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Bondi

Wairoa School Pool, Cnr Hastings Parade & Brighton Boulevard, North Bondi, NSW 2026

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Coogee

Shop 3, Lower Ground, 54B Bream Street, Coogee, NSW 2034

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