Infant History

The Australian Swim School’s Infant Program is the evolution of over 35 years of research and experience. The founder of the schools, John Bainbridge, wrote his Master’s Thesis "Teaching a 6 month old to be poolsafe"  in 1976, at California State University Long Beach. As the founding Chairman of the Infant Committee for the United States Swim School Association (1989 – 2000), John travelled the United States and the world, certifying teachers, holding workshops, and speaking at international conferences. These ongoing experiences have put the Australian Swim School at the fore front of Infant swimming.  John has the reputation of openly sharing his research and experiences with other swim professionals around the world. From Finland to Japan and New Zealand to Australia aspects of the Australian Swim School's Infant class can be observed. In the early years our infant program revolved around teaching a baby or toddler to float independently on their back.  Although this technique is impressive to watch and grabs the attention of "u-tube" fans, we found that parents needed to fully investigate different techniques in infant swimming before they chose a program. For some  the" back floating" technique is too intensive during the time the baby is acquiring the skills to independently float on their own. In time the Australian Swim School's infant program moved from the private lesson back floating technique toward a group class that incorporates a less intensive back float as well as learn to swim techniques that are based on child developmental stages and routine.  Today aspects of our Infant program is known around the world and is published in books and course manuals alike.   

Philosophy


Orientation


Publications by John


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best age to start your program?
We recommend 3-6 months as the optimum age to start. Babies at this age have a real affinity to water. Click on the link ‘Child Development and the Implication of Swimming’ for what you can expect for your child’s age group.

How often should we attend?
We recommend twice a week until the baby is comfortable underwater. Then once a week, year round, allows your baby to retain his affinity with the water, and attain the skills appropriate for his age group.

Can we take a break during the first few years of the program?
Yes. But the break should not be more than a month or two. The younger your baby is, the shorter the break should be.

When will my baby be able to swim?
This is a difficult question to answer briefly. First we have to define what you mean by ‘swimming’. We are going to assume you mean “propelling oneself through the water, surfacing to breathe, and continuing forward movement. Next we have to consider the variables involved:
· Age when baby begins the program
· Number of times per week the baby comes for lessons
· Number and lengths of breaks taken
If you start your baby during the first year, then continue to come once a week without any lengthy breaks, you are looking at somewhere between fifteen months and two and a half years of age. It should be remembered that no two infants are the same and these estimates may vary.

Will my baby be safe?
There is never such a thing as a safe baby, child, or adult, around water. We like to think that your baby will be safer around water. Along with barriers (eg fences, pool covers, alarms), supervision, Infant CPR - infant swimming skills are just one of the links in the chain to keep your child safer around water.