AquaBuddies Holiday Swim Intensives are the fastest way for children to build swimming skills between school terms. Running daily across one-week blocks during the school holidays, each session is 30 minutes and delivered in small groups of up to three children by a qualified AquaBuddies instructor.
The concentrated format means children swim five days in a row, which builds muscle memory and confidence far more quickly than weekly lessons alone. Many families see more progress in one holiday program week than in a full term of regular classes.
Holiday swimming programs run at our Bondi pool at Wairoa School Pool, North Bondi. A carpark is available on site for families attending.
Upcoming Holiday Programs: January 2027
Our summer Holiday Swim Intensives run at Bondi across two weeks in January:
Week 1: Monday 11 to Friday 15 January 2027
Week 2: Monday 18 to Friday 22 January 2027
Bookings open around mid-November. Register your interest below and we’ll email you as soon as enrolments open, so you can secure your child’s spot before places fill.
Looking for something different? Our Water Safety Sports Camp at Bondi combines water safety education with a full day of multi-sport fun, running on selected days across the summer school holidays.
How Our Holiday Swimming Program Works
Each program runs across one week, Monday to Friday, with a 30-minute lesson each day. Children are grouped by age and ability so every session is pitched at the right level. Programs are open to children aged 3 and over.
Children do not need to be existing AquaBuddies students to join a holiday program. Whether your child is brand new to swimming lessons or looking to accelerate their progress, there is a group to suit them.
Places are limited and fill quickly each holiday period. We recommend registering your interest early to secure a spot when bookings open.
Holiday Swim Intensive Pricing
Group lessons: $160 for 5 days (five 30-minute lessons, small groups of up to 3 children)
Private lessons: $400 for 5 days (five 30-minute one-on-one lessons)
Private intensives are a great option for children who are nervous in the water, need extra one-on-one attention, or are working toward a specific goal.
Why Choose a School Holiday Swimming Program?
Daily repetition is one of the most effective ways for children to build swimming skills. When children swim five consecutive days rather than once a week, the skills they practise each session carry over directly into the next, reinforcing technique and building confidence at a much faster rate.
Holiday intensives are particularly effective for children who are working toward a specific milestone such as swimming independently, improving freestyle technique, or building the water safety skills needed heading into summer. They are also a great option for children who have missed time during the term and want to catch up before returning to group classes.
Looking for another way to keep kids active in the pool during the school holidays? AquaPlay Open Swim runs at our Coogee pool and is a great option for extra swimming and practice time outside lessons.
Register Your Interest for January
Fill in the form below and we’ll let you know as soon as January bookings open. Not sure which level your child is? Use our quick Find Your Child’s Level tool first, then pop the result into the form.
Holiday Swimming Program FAQs
What are the benefits of a holiday swim intensive compared to weekly lessons?
Daily lessons over five consecutive days help children retain skills faster than weekly classes, since practice carries over from one day to the next rather than being spaced out. Many families see more progress in one holiday week than in a full term of regular lessons. Read more about the benefits of holiday swim intensives.
What age are holiday programs suitable for?
Holiday Swim Intensives are designed for children aged 3 and over, with a maximum of 3 children per group. Children must be toilet trained to enter the water at our Bondi pool.
Where are the programs held?
All AquaBuddies holiday swimming programs are held at our Bondi location in the Wairoa School Pool. Our Coogee pool continues to run regular term classes during the school holidays.
How much do holiday swim intensives cost?
Group intensives are $160 for five days of 30-minute lessons. Private intensives are $400 for five days of one-on-one lessons.
What should I bring for my child's holiday swim program?
Pack swimwear, a towel, a full change of clothes, and goggles if your child uses them. See our full checklist for everything to prepare before the first day.
Does my child need to be an existing AquaBuddies student?
No. Holiday programs are open to all children aged 3 and over, regardless of whether they currently attend regular lessons with us.
How do I know which level is right for my child?
When you register your interest, we’ll ask about your child’s current swimming ability so we can place them in the right group. If you are unsure, please click here to use our quick level determination tool or get in touch if you are still unsure.
When do bookings open?
Bookings for our January 2027 intensives open around mid-November. Register your interest on this page and we’ll email you directly when enrolments open.