Learning to swim well is more than just a life-saving skill – It is a powerful tool for building confidence and resilience. Carlile Swimming has created a nurturing environment where children can learn to swim while developing confidence and self-assurance to excel beyond the pool.
Scientist and Carlile swimming founder, Forbes Carlile produced 8 world record holders and pioneered baby and toddler swimming. However he always knew there was more to life and learning to swim than winning medals. The sign at the entrance to his pool at Ryde read.
“Our object is not to produce a champion but to create an atmosphere where champions are inevitable.
However, swimming is a means to an end…to build self-confidence, self- discipline, integrity and courage for life.”
Learning to swim doesn’t come easily or naturally.
Not every child who swims will become an Ian Thorpe or Emma Mckeon but because learning to swim well requires patience and persistence the rewards are endless.
The Carlile Difference
Carlile Swimming is the oldest learn-to-swim organisation in Australia and has taught children to learn to swim well for more than 75 years. Dedicated to nurturing children as they learn, Carlile’s facilities are purpose built to help your child develop the skills they need to progress happily and confidently in the water.
What does purpose built mean? Surely every pool has been built on purpose? Indeed they are but the difference is that Carlile’s learn to swim facilities are built to support the Carlile approach to learning to swim.It’s not just the warm 32-degree water or the world class air handling keeping children warm and comfortable. Carlile pools have platforms, ledges and variable depths to help children feel confident and safe as they learn.
Knowing you can stand in shallow water makes the progression of putting your head down and beginning to propel yourself feel much less daunting.
The lessons themselves are also carefully designed to build the foundation at one level to allow children to progress to the next happily and confidently. Lessons should also be fun and engaging.
Whether your child is just learning to float or mastering their strokes, each achievement helps build their self-esteem and resilience, paving the way for future successes in and out of the pool.
Building confidence in a fun and positive environment!
For many children, confidence starts with a positive experience in a fun, comfortable environment. Through group lessons, children learn critical water safety and swimming skills while interacting with their peers.
These group lessons are fundamental to the Carlile approach. Research shows that group learning is highly effective for children’s swimming lessons, providing opportunities for encouragement, peer interaction, and support. Learning alongside peers of a similar age and ability make swimming lessons more engaging and less intimidating.
Children share in each other’s progress, which can be incredibly motivating. Sharing a sense of accomplishment after learning a new skill is incredibly rewarding and boosts their resilience. Plus, children learn by observing their peers attempting the same skills. Repetition is also vital, allowing time for muscle memory to develop muscle memory ensuring skills are “locked-in”.
A social learning environment, much like school, helps foster communication skills and teamwork, enhancing their swimming ability and personal development.
Along with consistency, attending group swimming lessons regularly brings its own benefits as well. It allows for skills and milestones to be achieved that aren’t just related to the lifesaving skill of swimming.
Australia’s Griffith University, published a ground-breaking study over the course of 4 years. It found children from the ages 3- 5 years old who regularly attend swimming lessons were:
- 11 months ahead in verbal skills
- 6 months ahead in mathematical skills
- 2 months ahead in literacy skills
- 17 months ahead in story recall
Fear as a path to confidence.
For some children, building water confidence starts by overcoming fear. Many kids experience anxiety around water. Children should never be forced to do something which makes them feel uncomfortable.
Carlile will never force a child into the water or to attempt something that they are not ready to do. Instead teachers take a p[positive, encouraging approach. This allows children to turn fear into strength.
Instructors work closely with parents to understand each child’s needs, helping them navigate their emotions and develop a healthy, fun relationship with water.
By addressing the root of fear, group lessons, and using techniques like positive reinforcement and fun games, children gradually become more comfortable with the water.
Children also experience a sense of accomplishment as they move through each level, with progress constantly monitored by trained teachers and supervisors. Each new milestone builds their confidence and encourages resilience.
Carlile’s expert guidance
The innovation of Carlile Swimming’s founders, Forbes and Ursula Carlile was at the heart of their legacy. They knew that learning to swim well was more than just a lifesaving skill. They invented and pioneered teaching techniques that are now common place around the globe, you can find out more here Their legacy of excellence in teaching children to swim and constantly innovating IS at the heart of the Carlile approach. Every lesson is structured and tailored to ensure each child progresses comfortably, allowing confidence to grow naturally.
Carlile parents are encouraged to actively participate in their child’s learning process. Practicing swimming skills at home is an important part of building confidence and resilience in the water. The collaboration between the child, instructor and parents is key to a love for swimming. In a country surrounded by water learning to swim well opens the door to so many opportunities. Your child may decide to be a competitive swimmer, play waterpolo, join a surf club, sail, scuba dive or enjoy countless other activities on and around water.
With the right support, every child can dive into swimming and emerge with confidence and resilience.
