Group Swim Classes – Baby & Toddler

Our Baby & Toddler classes are group swim sessions for kids ages 3 months to 3 years. Little Penguins are parent accompanied classes provide foundation swim skills, water safety and water confidence. Little Squids classes do not require parents in the water.

LITTLE PENGUINS

Our baby swim group sessions are for ages 3 months to 3 years. The parent accompanied sessions are all about safety and building water confidence through bonding, songs, exercises, play and socializing. Skills such as submersions and safety reflexes are key elements taught through repetitions of various exercises.

 

These classes require one parent or guardian to be in the water with the child. The aim of Little Penguins  is to teach breath control, swimming underwater and how to return to the edge of the pool and pull themselves out of the water. The program helps build the skills, strength and stamina needed to become an independent swimmer. Children typically progress to our Learn to Swim program between age 3 to 4.

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LITTLE SQUIDS

Independent group class for our confident and competent toddlers who are ready to transition from having a parent or caregiver in the water to swimming independently with an instructor. Class size is small: 3 children to 1 instructor. This is ideal for younger kids under 3 years, who have done a lot of baby swim or who are confident swimmers already but are too young to join our Learn to Swim program.

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FAQs

What age is the Little Penguins Program for?

If your baby is between 3 months to 3 years they are the perfect age to join the Little Penguins Swim Program.  We have different age groups based on the developmental stage of babies so that our babies learn at a similar speed. Choose the age group that your baby will be starting the term of lessons:

3-9 months

6 – 12 months

13 – 24 months

2 – 3 years

Where are lessons held for the Little Penguins Baby & Toddler program?

We currently run the Little Penguins Baby & Toddler program at THREE venues:

  • The outdoor temperature controlled pool at Jumeirah Islands Club, click here for a location map
  • The indoor pool at Blue Wave Club Al Quoz, Click here for a location map
  • The outdoor shaded pool at Dwight School Dubai in Sports City, click here for a location map

Watch this space for more exciting venue announcements!

How much and how long is a Little Penguins lesson?

Each lesson is for 30 minutes.  We know that 30 minutes for a little baby or toddler is enough for their attention and enjoyment.

Single session 125 AED

6 Week Package 115 AED (per session)

13 Week Term Package 105 AED (per session)

It’s really helpful to practice what you have learnt each week at home in your backyard pool or community pool, or even in the bathtub. Ask your instructor for more details on things to practice at home!

How many weeks can we book at a time?

Since we know families with young children need flexibility we offer three different options for baby and toddler group class bookings. Book a single session, a six week term or book the full term. Normally our full term follows the school term of 11 or 12 weeks and you will book for the term to ensure that you and your baby swim regularly.  (Check the app when booking as we pro-rata the term rate if you book partway through the term). This is to guarantee your spot in the class each week, but also so that your baby learns the activities and routine week on week. As skills are mastered, the instructor can offer more challenging progressions or recommend a class change so that you get the most out of your swim time.

I have twins . . . Can I bring my husband or caregiver to help in the pool?

Yes, absolutely!  Each Little Penguin will need a parent or caregiver in the pool with them.

How often should I bring my Little Penguin to class?

It’s completely up to you!  We just recommend that you make it part of your regular weekly schedule as we know babies need routine!

What should my Little Penguin wear?

Your Little Penguin must wear a leak free swimming diaper.  Click here to shop our reusable happy nappys. It’s up to you if you want them to wear a rash vest.  The pool is temperature controlled but sometimes the little babies may feel the cold of the air conditioning when they get out of the pool.

We recommend a swimming hat or sunblock (if it’s an outdoor pool).

For parents, please wear appropriate swimwear and a rashvest or swim t-shirt in class. This is for your Little Penguin to grab on to as they master underwater work and go to reach for something as they surface. Trust us, this keeps dads chest hairs in place and mums swimmers in place!

How do we book into the Little Penguins program?

Booking your Little Penguin into our program is as simple as clicking on the BOOK NOW tab in the main menu.

This will give you the option to choose the venue that works for you and then the day and time that suits you and your baby.   Then you can register and pay online (contactless) which starts to create a record of your baby’s swimming journey with us.

What happens if we can't make it to class?

If you or your child cannot attend a session for any reason, please notify your coach the day before your lesson by filling in the make-up form. Please click here to access the form.  Please note, if you decide to use your make-ups for family holidays, social events, school exams or to engage in other activities and THEN fall sick, you will not be given additional make-ups. These are yours to use each term as you see fit but once they are gone, they are gone. 

Make-up lessons will be honoured based on the formula ‘Number of term sessions weekly x 2’. Term fees cover coaching services with Urban Swim Academy and are not attributable to individual coaches. Make-up lessons may be offered at other venues / days subject to availability.

Regrettably, we are unable to arrange make up sessions if you inform us after the session has taken place, or if there is an outstanding balance on your account. 

To read our full T&C’s click here .

Can I book a trial class?

Yes absolutely. We have single class options available to purchase so you can give Little Penguins a try. Please know that children may not feel comfortable for just one lesson and it will take a couple of lessons at least to get into the swing of the class so we recommend that you join for at least six weeks.

If things really aren’t working out and you’ve signed up for the whole term, then we’d be happy to discuss options with you and come up with a plan that will work for you and your child.

However, if you are really unsure and feel you can’t book for the whole term, then we may be able to offer you one paid trial class subject to availability.

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