With a sparkling pool gracing most condos across Singapore, swimming is more than just a fun pastime – it’s a vital life skill for all ages. From swimming classes for infants, to a child building stamina in the water or an adult perfecting their stroke, this swim school has the expertise to create confident swimmers. We chat to DAVID VERLINDE, AquaDucks chief operating officer, to find out more about their swimming classes in Singapore for adults and infants.
Swimming classes in Singapore
From beginner to champion
Since its inception in 1989 at the Hollandse Club, AquaDucks has been at the forefront of swim education in Singapore. Initially aimed at providing Dutch children with swimming lessons following the ABC Dutch curriculum, AquaDucks has grown into a reputable institution, developing a unique programme that helps swimmers of all ages feel at ease and safe in the water. Over the years, the school has produced many excellent swimmers. Three of its alumni have even reached the Olympics!
“We started AquaDucks to provide a structured and supportive environment for children to learn to swim,” says David. “By collaborating with local and international coaches, we’ve developed a fun and rewarding programme that not only teaches swimming but also instils a lifelong love for the water.”
Personalised progression at this swim school
AquaDucks ensures each child progresses at their own pace through customised lessons for toddlers, children and adults. There are also focused classes for helpers and caregivers. Every programme is conducted under the professional guidance of energetic and experienced swim coaches, providing personalised attention and instruction tailored to individual needs and skill levels. “Our inclusive approach means that anyone, regardless of age or ability, can learn to swim confidently and competently,” says David.
The ideal age to start swimming classes in Singapore
According to David, swimming lessons can begin at home with proper bathing techniques. “If you learn how to bathe your child properly, swimming will be very easy once they come for their first lesson from as young as four months old. We start with an introduction to the pool from four to six months old and begin breath control from six months.”
Learning stroke techniques
Children are generally ready to learn proper stroke techniques from the age of five. AquaDucks begins with breaststroke and front crawl, followed by backstroke and butterfly. “We recommend lessons twice a week to master all four strokes,” advises David.
Tackling the butterfly stroke
Butterfly is known as the hardest stroke to learn. “It takes around 12 teaching hours to learn the butterfly and 40 teaching hours to master breaststroke,” explains David. “Stamina is crucial for the butterfly, so it’s best to wait until children are a bit older (around six or seven years old) and have built up their strength and speed with freestyle. At our swim school we start with short distances and gradually increase as the technique improves.”
Overcoming water phobia with swimming classes for infants and adults
AquaDucks is skilled at helping children overcome their fear of water. David shares the story of Raphaela, a six-year-old girl with a tremendous fear of water. “It took us three months just to get her to touch the water, six months to submerge her head, and another three months to learn to float. But within two years, she competed in her first race and won!”
Convenient locations
AquaDucks operates across six locations in Singapore, with everything from an open pool or semi-covered pool to a fully-covered and salt-chlorinated indoor pool. Locations include Hollandse Club, Swiss Club, Queenstown, Normanton, Mountbatten and Pasir Panjang (opening August 2024).
Get in touch with the team to find out more about their swimming classes in Singapore, from Babies and Toddlers, Preschool and Learn to Swim classes, to Competition Training, Domestic Helper Water Safety, Adult Swim Training and AquaFit lessons.
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