Aquatic education at the Melbourne City Baths caters for children from six months of age. Infant and pre-school aquatic education lessons are conducted in a designated small pool away from the public and main pool hall. This minimises distractions for the children and enables them to focus solely on their teacher.
All teachers have current AUSTSWIM teacher of swimming and water safety certificates, and those teaching infants also hold AUSTSWIM teacher of infant and preschool aquatics certificates.
Our customer service staff can assist you in establishing which level is most suitable for your child. Enrolments can be made in person at the Melbourne City Baths. You can enrol into Aquatic Education classes at any time throughout the term (except the last two weeks of term).
For more information, download the aquatic education flyer:
Aquatic education (PDF, 1.7Mb) 
Aquatic education (Text only, 72kb)
Infants
Infant classes focus on water familiarisation with the parent/carer in the water environment. This is done through songs, games and other water based activities.
This bonding experience between yourself and your child is a great way for you to develop social and interactive skills.
| Lesson |
Age group |
Lesson duration |
Teacher:child ratio |
| Starfish* |
6–12 months |
30 minutes |
1:8 |
| Jellyfish |
12–24 months |
30 minutes |
1:8 |
| Tadpole |
2–3 years |
30 minutes |
1:8 |
*Starfish classes are currently unavailable.
Pre-school aged lessons
The Pre-School (3-5 year olds) aquatic program expands upon the skills children learn as infants. As they progress through the numerous levels, they will acquire personal survival and water safety skills as well as an introduction to the strokes.
Parents are required in the pool with the child throughout the Goldfish levels, progressively weaning the parent away from the child.
| Lesson |
Lesson duration |
Teacher:child ratio |
| Goldfish |
30 minutes |
1:5 |
| Turtle |
30 minutes |
1:5 |
School aged lessons
Children aged five and over participate in a fun and energetic aquatic learning environment where they will develop personal survival and water safety skills.
The children’s basic swimming strokes and techniques will be developed as they move through the levels. The program is designed to allow development at the child’s own pace.
| Lesson |
Lesson Duration |
Teacher:child Ratio |
| Otter |
30 minutes |
1:6 |
| Platypus |
30 minutes |
1:6 |
| Dolphin |
30 minutes |
1:6 |
| Whale |
30 minutes |
1:6 |
| Shark |
30 minutes |
1:8 |
| Stingray |
45 minutes |
1:8 |
For further information visit Enrolments and upgrades.
For more information on our Children’s Aquatic Education program phone (03) 9663 5888 or email mcb@melbourne.vic.gov.au