We hope you've been enjoying all the long weekends lately! However, if that has meant your child has missed swimming some weeks, now is a great opportunity to make up that time in the water by using any make up tokens you may have. Also, did you know? When you make a permanent booking for two lessons per week, the second lesson is half price! Attending twice a week can make a big difference in your child's progress and confidence in the pool. 
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Little Nipper and Learn to Swim Programs
Over the next few issues, we will be focusing on our Little Nipper and Learn To Swim programs, showcasing one level in each program. Check out the skills to see what is being taught in the levels below:

Little Nipper 1 (6-12 months)

• Move my legs in a kicking motion
• Develop my vestibular system and muscles to balance in water
• Hold on and pull myself up for a breath
• Move my arms alternatively
• Lay still and flat on my back
• Rollover in the water
• Turn my body in preparation to reach for safety
• Happily and comfortably submerge

Breathers 1 (5+ years) 

• Freestyle kick with board 12.5m
• Backstroke kick with board 12.5m
• Side breathing with board or noodle 12.5m, with correct head and body position and consistent bubbles
• Freestyle with and without board 12.5m, maintain correct technique and breath control
• Backstroke streamline kick unassisted 12.5m
• Backstroke 6 kick switch drill 12.5m
• Backstroke swim 12.5m with correct technique
• Introduction to breaststroke and butterfly kick

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Why Practice Makes Perfect!
Repetition is crucial for babies and toddlers learning to swim because it helps build familiarity, confidence, and muscle memory. Here's why it works so well at this developmental stage:

1. Reinforces Learning: Repeating the same movements and routines helps young children understand and remember what to do in the water, making skills like kicking, paddling, and holding their breath more automatic.
2. Builds Confidence: Repetition reduces fear by making the water a predictable and safe environment. The more familiar the child is with swimming routines, the less intimidating it becomes.
3. Develops Muscle Memory: Young children learn physical skills best through consistent, repeated practice. Repetition helps their bodies remember how to perform swimming movements without conscious thought.
4. Strengthens Neural Connections: Early childhood is a prime time for brain development. Repetition supports the formation and strengthening of neural pathways related to coordination, balance, and water safety.
5. Encourages Routine and Structure: Predictable, repeated swim lessons help toddlers feel secure. Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and increases their willingness to participate.

We need you! 
Love working with kids? Want to join a great team? We are looking for a Junior Squad Coach. Email [email protected] if you’re interested. We’d love you to join the Dipadees team.

Progression certificates for Little Nipper 1 through to Safety Kickers
If you haven’t received one already, please pop by reception and collect your child’s progression certificate, which comes with your very own stickers to put on! This is a great way to track your child’s progress and something for the children to work towards. Everyone loves stickers!

Race Night
Our next race night will be held on Friday 9th May 2025 from 6pm. Open to all B1 and above swimmers to come and have a go. Entry cost is $6 which includes a sausage sandwich at the end. Extra sausages can be purchased for $3. How many new PBs will be set?

Water hygiene
We are very proud of the quality of our water and you can help us keep it clean! Please consider using moisturiser/lotion/perfume/deodorant AFTER your swimming lesson. Alternatively, a quick dunk in the shower before your lesson can help: 

• enhance water quality
• reduce health risks
• improve swim comfort
• minimise pool maintenance

Some countries actually enforce this rule (we’re not that strict!). For example, in many public bathhouses in Japan, a pre-swimming shower is mandatory. Something to consider - you’re going to get wet anyway, right?! 

Swimming caps
If your child is 3+ years old, we strongly encourage them to adopt the practice of wearing a swimming cap at every lesson. Swimming caps will help them maintain their body position in the water (it’s easier to stay horizontal in the water when you don’t have to wipe the hair out of your eyes) and assist in keeping hair out of the pool filters. We have three different types of caps available at reception, in lots of fun colours. Check them out when you’re next in!

Adult Learn to Swim / Stroke Correction
​It's never too late to learn! Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your stroke, our adult learn to swim and stroke correction classes are supportive, confidence-building, and tailored to your level. 

Adult lessons run for 30 minutes and are held at 6pm on Tuesdays and 5:30pm on Thursdays. Each lesson is $24.80. Unlimited make-up tokens are also available for adults—just be sure to mark yourself absent at least one hour before your class.

Trial lessons are available if you'd like to test the water before booking in. 

Staff Profile - Miss Keeley
​How long have you been working at Dipadees? Since November 2023
What is the funniest experience you have had while at work?
When someone thought that I was my older sister Miss Emily and started to ask me questions only she knew the answer to. 
Describe one of your favourite memories at Dipadees?
When I see my kindy kids at swimming. 
What was your first job?
Fish and chip shop
Where are you from?
Brisbane
What do you do in your spare time?
Play soccer and hang out with my friends.
Can you play any instruments? 
​Yes, violin.