News

Meet the Team: Katrina

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 23:27:43 GMT

Let’s get to know Vanessa a little better… our Aquatic Development Manager.

What’s your favorite swimming stroke and why?

My favorite stroke? Butterfly, hands down. Maybe it's because I grew up during the reign of Queen Suzie O'Neill—aka Madam Butterfly—or maybe it’s because my mum couldn’t bear to watch me thrash around like a drowning moth. Either way, I was hooked! ��

Did you have a swim teacher when you were a kid? What were they like?

I swam at The Swim Factory back in the 90s—when the goggles were foggy and the memories were strong. My parents always said the coaches were amazing, and honestly, The Swim Factory was (and still is) the best in Ipswich for a reason. The ones who really stood out for me were my first teacher Andrew, my squad coach Stephan, and of course, Peter—because every great swim chapter has Peter in it.

What’s the coolest place you’ve ever gone swimming?

I haven’t swum anywhere particularly fancy, but a firm family favorite—especially with my Nanny Pat—was Dicky’s Beach up at the Sunny Coast. Not exactly Olympic trials, but hey, if it’s good enough for Nanny Pat, it’s good enough for me!

If you could swim with any sea animal, what would it be?

If I could swim with any animal, I’d probably choose a sea otter. They always look like they’re having a great time, floating around and just enjoying life. I feel like we’d get along pretty well in the water!

Have you ever worn flippers, goggles, or a snorkel to the grocery store—just for fun?

No, but challenge accepted ��

What’s your favorite pool game? (Marco Polo, anyone?)

Pool Noodle Jousting, its just so much fun!

What’s your swim superpower? (Like blowing the biggest bubbles or the fastest kick!)

I can hold my breath for 2mins

Can you float like a starfish for a whole minute without moving?

Nope, but I wish I could! ��

If you could invent a new swimming stroke, what would you call it?

The silly goose, a wacky sideways wiggle

Do you like to swim more in the pool or the ocean?

In the ocean, I love how warm sand feels on my feet

Have you ever seen a dolphin or sea turtle while swimming?

Yes I saw a turtle at the beach on holiday a few years ago

What’s the silliest thing that ever happened during a swim lesson?

So, I was attacked by a dinosaur once… okay, maybe not a real one, but it felt that way when I nearly lost my finger!

Let’s just say, those prehistoric claws don’t mess around.

What’s your favorite snack after swimming?

Apart from a Nap nothing beats a vegemite sandwich

If you were a water superhero, what would your name be?

MC Freestyler

Why do you love teaching kids how to swim?

I love to see them all grow into becoming their own little swim champions! Especially when they come and show us how they won a ribbon at their school swimming carnival

Meet the Team: Brooke

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 04:47:02 GMT

Meet Brooke: We all love Brooke, our amazing Ipswich Assistant Centre Manager! Let’s get to know her a little better...

Q) What is your position at The Swim Factory?

A) I'm the Assistant Centre Manager at our Ipswich (Woodend) centre.

Q) How long have you worked at The Swim Factory?

A) Six years, with many more to come!

Q) What does an average day look like for you?

A) Waking up and getting my daughter dressed for school and my son for Playgroup. Me getting the schoolbags packed and getting ready for work, whether that’s in togs or shirt and pants, and heading off to The Swim Factory. I get home to dinner cooked, lucky me, and I then spend time with the kids before I head off to bed.

Q) What brings you the most joy about your job?

A) Knowing that I’m helping children learn the safety of water and teaching them to save themselves if they ever in a dangerous situation.

Q) What are the three things you love about working at The Swim Factory?

1. The fabulous people I work with.

2. Building a connection with the parents and the children.

3. Enjoying every lesson with the kids

Q) Do you have a favourite memory about your time with The Swim Factory?

A) I can’t really say I have one certain favourite memory, but I do have a few working with The Swim Factory team.

Q) Favourite class activity / game to play with the little ones in the pool?

1. I love ‘Ring a Ring a Rosie’, ‘Giddy up Horsey’ and ‘Motor Boats’.

Q) Favourite sport?

A) I’m not really a fan of sport!

Q) Favourite hobby?

A) I love to craft and paint in my spare time.

Q) What did you want to be when you grew up?

A) A school teacher … although what I do now is much better for me.

Q) What would you choose as your last meal?

A) Potato bake, cob loaf and a glass of wine.

Q) Favourite animal? Do you have any pets?

A) I have a massive obsession with sloths! I also have one dog and she’s very much like my third child.

How long does it take to learn to swim?

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 04:36:14 GMT

It’s a question we are often asked at The Swim Factory Australia ...

How long does it take to learn to swim? It’s not really an easy one to answer, as everyone is different, so we can’t give you an exact answer.

Just like learning to walk, talk and read … every child learns and grows at their own pace. Learning to swim is a process, not an event. 

But we can generalise. So, let’s talk about little ones first, as The Swim Factory Australia is focused on gifting small children with a passion for swimming and a skill for life.

Practice and water exposure are key

First and foremost, practice and exposure to the water are key. It’s just like any new skill – practice and repetition are crucial to success. The more lessons your little one has, the faster they will develop their skills and build confidence in the water.

If you want your child to learn quickly, they will need to visit the pool regularly. And you’ll also need to invest in formal lessons. Yes, it’s an investment in their safety, health, and cognitive development. One of the best investments you can make for your child.

Remember that each year in Australia, an average of 23 children under five   die from unintentional drowning , usually due to factors such as a  lack of adult supervision , unrestricted access to water and not having the skills to stay safe in water.

Your swim instructor and deck supervisor will monitor how your little one is progressing and alert you of any concerns they may have, so don’t worry if you feel they’re not as confident as you expected them to be. They’re on their own journey.

Now, to the adults! As they say, it’s never too late to teach an old dog new tricks, especially when it comes to learning to swim. You are never too old!

For many adults, just being near a body of water can cause anxiety or negative feelings, ranging from discomfort to paralysing fear, simply because they never learnt to swim

Many people think that they’re past it when it comes to swimming. They have a belief that swimming is something you must learn when you’re young or you’ll never be able to do it.

Nothing could be further from the truth. There is no maximum age when you can start learning to swim and getting all the benefits that come with it. You could be four or eighty four… it makes no difference.

In fact, as a form of exercise,  swimming is ideal for us as we age . The low-impact nature and added resistance from the water keep our bodies  strong ,  flexible  and  lean.

And because adults have greater patience and are better at taking on feedback, they can usually learn faster than kids!

No matter what your learn to swim needs, The Swim Factory Australia can help .

Learn to swim across Ipswich, Springfield Lakes, Karana Downs, Yamanto and everywhere in between. The Swim Factory Australia has been teaching people the life long skill of swimming for over 30 years. With centres close to every major Ipswich and Springfield Central suburbs, our centres are easy to find. Ask us about a free trial lesson today!

Drowning Prevention Tips

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 01:45:41 GMT

Did you know that drowning is the greatest cause of accidental death in children under five in Australia? The sad reality is that each week, on average, one child drowns. 

Even children who do survive drowning can suffer long-term brain damage, developmental delays, and other health problems. It’s a sobering thought for any parent.  

While pools can be a major drowning hazard, children can also be exposed to danger in baths, spas, dams, rivers, creeks, garden ponds, water features, buckets, or any source of water (no matter how shallow). 

In 1988, Laurie Lawrence created the Kids Alive – Do the Five water safety program to educate families on five important steps to reduce the risk of preschool drowning.

Fence the pool 
Shut the gate 
Teach your kids to swim – it’s great 
Supervise – watch your mate and 
Learn how to resuscitate

While this is a catchy way to remember five important steps, there are other things you can do to keep your little ones safe.  

Let’s dive (pun intended) into these tips in more detail …  

Supervise your children  

If children aren't supervised closely in or around water, they can drown quickly in just a few centimetres of water.  

Supervision doesn’t just mean watching them, but being within arm’s reach in or around water, especially with children under five. It means giving all your attention all the time, without distractions.  

Children aged six to 10 years old should be watched carefully and constantly by an adult. Be prepared to get in the water in case of an emergency. Children 11 to 16 years old should also be watched by an adult, and not left in charge of younger children.  

At outdoor parties or barbeques, choose an adult to be responsible for supervising the children in the pool. A handy tip is to give them a special hat!  

Restrict access to water  

A baby or child can drown in as little as a few centimetres of water. And any pool that can be filled with 30cm of water or more must have pool fencing that complies with the law of your state or territory.  

It’s important to restrict your little one’s access to bodies of water.  

Make sure there are no objects such as bikes, furniture, or pot plants that a child can climb on to access the pool or any other sources of water after using them.  

Oh, and always take the plug out of the bath immediately (and pop it somewhere little hands can’t reach it). 

Check your pool gate / fencing  

Ensure pool fencing and gates are in good working order and meet all council requirements and Australian standards. 

Regularly check your pool fence and pool gate to make sure it’s safe and get it fixed as soon as possible if it is not. You can also organise an inspection of your swimming pool with your local council or an accredited pool inspector. 

Enrol your kids in swimming lessons  

It’s no surprise that structured swim classes that help kids become familiar with, and confident around, water can set the foundation for later swimming skills and aquatic safety.  

Learning to swim not only keeps a child safe in the water, it helps enhance a child’s concentration, behaviour and physical coordination as they develop new skills, and learn new abilities. At The Swim Factory Australia, we recommend starting lessons at three months of age.  

Don’t rely on floaties  

Floaties, pool noodles and inflatables are not pool safety devices. Do NOT rely on them to keep your child safe in the water. It’s as simple as that.  

Learn to resuscitate  

Learn CPR and update your skills regularly so that you are prepared in the event of an emergency. Resuscitation posters are a good reminder to keep around pools and spas. 

We recommend learning baby and child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) so you have the skills in case of an emergency, and refresh your skills every year. Visit this link for a free online CPR and First Aid learning program that anyone can do - https://kidshealth.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/cpr-resuscitation .  

Laws also require you to have an approved CPR sign displayed near your pool. You can get one from your local council, pool shop or community organisations such as St John Ambulance 

In case of a drowning emergency, Call Triple Zero (000) and start chest compressions and rescue breaths straight away. And note that any attempt of CPR is better than no attempt. 

Follow these tips and you’ll be doing all you can to keep your little one safe around the water.  

The Swim Factory Australia has been teaching little ones to swim for 30 years across Ipswich. Our centres are close to all major population centres including Yamanto, Karana Downs, Ripley Valley, Bundamba, Rosewood, Redbank Plains and Springfield Lakes. Learn to swim with our passionate team!

Pre-conditioning bub for swimming lessons in the bath

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 00:14:19 GMT

Fun fact. When babies come into the world, they’re generally quite acclimatised and readily accepting of water. Many may lose their sense of bravery in the water at around the age of one.

Therefore, The Swim Factory Australia supports the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers’ Association’s position to start swimming lessons early in life and we welcome bubs from just three months of age.

But little ones are never too young to start learning basic water safety skills at home, starting from their very first bath. Bath time makes the transition into the pool later much easier.

Early bath-time experiences should be free from stress and are a lovely way to build rapport with the water and their parents. The bath should be a fun, familiar place for learning.

Bath time is the perfect time to pre-condition your baby for swimming lessons by teaching them

breath control and preparing them for submersions.

Tips for bath time with baby:

Set specific time aside for bathing to ensure you can give your little one your undivided attention with minimal interruptions.

Bathing before bedtime will help your baby to relax and sleep better.

Avoid baths before or after feeding time. A hungry baby will not be able to relax and enjoy bathing.

Ensure you have everything you need before you start – Never leave your child unsupervised or alone in the bath.

Check both air and bath temperatures, and don’t be afraid to warm the water during bath time if needed.

Sing songs! Singing and playing in the bath will benefit your little one in so many ways.

Communicate with your little one by exchanging ideas both verbally and non-verbally. Verbal cues will strengthen your baby’s word association abilities and will help them to pick up these cues from others in formal lessons, such as splash, kick, ready, go etc.

Splashing is fun. Do not be afraid to splash, sing and laugh … and to let water touch your baby’s face. Teach your child to blink the water away with verbal and non-verbal cues.

Even before your little one can sit up, it’s important to lie your baby face up in a shallow tub and allow the water to make contact with his or her ears. It’s an unusual sensation that can take some getting used to outside of the womb. From here, increase the depth and allow them to float, if and when they’re comfortable enough to do so. Holding a favourite toy above will encourage them to keep their chin up and their head back.

Wetting your baby’s face for the first time is very important too. Some tips:

- Sit baby up, facing you.

- Start by gently wiping your child’s face with a wet washcloth.

- Eventually, you can progress to using a cupping hand, scooping water and allowing this to trickle over your child’s head, making contact with their face.

- These steps can be repeated over time until your child is comfortable and ready to progress.

- Be your child’s biggest cheerleader. Positive reinforcement increases your child’s confidence and relaxation.

Once your child is used to getting wet, it’s time to practice breathing. Babies can be taught to hold their breath. This is done by gently pouring a small amount of water onto their face. In the bathtub, try some of these techniques to teach your child how to hold their breath.

Take a brightly coloured cup of water to get your child excited.

Use the cup as a visual cue to gain your child’s attention.

Use your child’s name and say “Ready? Go!” and then pour a cup of water evenly across the head. The cue, “Name, Ready, Go!’ is important. The phrase tells your child to hold their breath.

Blowing bubbles is super fun and essential for development. Show your baby how to do this repeatedly. This encourages skill development and doing things together makes them more fun!

By focussing on the tips above, you’ll be giving your bub a fantastic head-start to feeling comfortable and confident in the water when starting formal lessons. What an incredible gift to give your little one.

The Swim Factory Australia has been teaching little ones to swim for nearly 30 years across Ipswich. Our centres are close to all major population centres including Yamanto, Ripley Valley, Brassall, Rosewood, Redbank Plains and Springfield Lakes. Learn to swim with our passionate team!

Meet the Team: Cathy

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 07:25:12 GMT

This week, we meet one of our much-loved swim instructors at The Swim Factory, Cathy!

Q) How long have you worked at The Swim Factory?

A) 13 years

Q) What does an average day look like for you?

A) Making children and parents feel comfortable by teaching them water safety and survival skills.

Q) What brings you the most joy about your job?

A) Meeting and teaching a very important skill to children and parents.

Q) What are the three things you love about working at The Swim Factory?

1. The respect from all work colleagues.

2. The friendly atmosphere at work.

3.The feeling of being one big work family.

Q) Do you have a favourite memory about your time with The Swim Factory?

A) Yes, the day I was told by a parent that the safety skills we had been teaching actually saved their child's life.

Q) Favourite class activity / game to play with the little ones in the pool?

A) My favourite class activity is the welcome song in baby lessons, and welcoming children to the pool and making them happy and comfortable.

Q) What is your favourite sport?

A) I used to play netball a long time ago, and I now follow the NRL. Go Parramatta!

Q) Do you have a favourite hobby?

A) Gardening.

Q) What did you want to be when you grew up?

A) A cheerful and helpful person.

Q) Do you have a special talent or skill?

A) Apparently, I have patience with children, so I've been told on numerous occasions, and I am pretty good at making children feel comfortable in the water.

Q) What would you choose as your last meal?

A) Butter chicken, and chocolate for dessert.

Q) What’s your favourite animal? And do you have any pets?

A) Butterflies are my favourite, and I have lots of birds and two cats.

Q) What’s your biggest fear?

A) Spiders

Q) Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

A) Sara Carrigan (who is my cousin). She is an Olympic Gold Medallist from Athens in 2004 (cycling).

We have been trusted by Ipswich for over 30 years! From Ipswich to Springfield Lakes, our centres are close to all Ipswich suburbs including Ripley Valley, Yamanto, Augustine Heights, Goodna, Karalee and everywhere in between!

Meet the Team: Lily

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 22:26:54 GMT

Meet Lily: We are nothing without our incredible people! Today we’d like to introduce you to Lily, or Lil as she’s known, one of our amazing instructors and deck supervisors.

Q) How long have you worked at The Swim Factory?

A) I have work at The Swim Factory for nearly two years now.

Q) What does an average day look like for you?

A) I wake up and run errands or see some friends then head to work in the afternoon. I finish off the day with a touch football game or gym session.

Q) What brings you the most joy about your job?

A) Seeing the joy on the kids' faces when they progress and achieve new skills is probably what brings me the most satisfaction.

Q) What are the three things you love about working at The Swim Factory?

1. Working alongside great people

2. Being able to help kids who fear the water to enjoy it

3. I just love the joyful atmosphere

Q) Do you have a favourite memory about your time with The Swim Factory?

A) My favourite memory so far was probably when one of our instructors raced one of our squad students in butterfly and lost.

Q) Favourite class activity / game to play with the little ones in the pool?

A) When I have some extra time at the end of a class, I love to do Ring a Rosie with the little ones. Seeing their big smiles and hearing their little giggles when they get water splashed on them is adorable.

Q) What’s your favourite sport?

A) My favourite sport is rugby, however, don’t ask me to choose between rugby league and rugby union because that is my biggest dilemma to this day.

Q) What’s your favourite hobby?

A) My favourite hobby is either photography or painting. My mother is a very artistic person, so I always had a pencil or paintbrush in my hand growing up.

Q) What did you want to be when you grew up?

A) When I was a kid, I wanted to be a teacher.

Q) Do you have a special talent or skill?

A) I can remember any piece of information if I put it into a song.

Q) What would you choose as your last meal?

A) My last meal would have to be the traditional beef Bolognese gnocchi from Gnocchi Gnocchi Brothers in Brisbane.

Q) Let’s talk animals. Do you have any pets? And what’s your favourite animal?

A)My favourite animal is a dog, especially big dogs. I have one dog; his name is Clyde, and he is a bull mastiff.

Q) What’s your biggest fear?

A) My biggest fear is probably snakes.

Q) Who is the most famous person you have ever met?

A) I met Bindi Irwin when I was younger and she complimented me on my shirt. Little seven-year-old me was starstruck!

Learn to swim with our trusted team from Ipswich to Springfield Lakes! Our centres are a short drive from major Ipswich suburbs including Brassall, Yamanto, Ripley Valley, Redbank Plains, Rosewood, Karalee and everywhere in between!

Five reasons to continue swimming lessons in winter

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 23:25:43 GMT

How lucky are we in Queensland to enjoy a warm climate that allows for swimming in pools, spas and at the beach even during the winter months? So lucky!

Which is just one reason why you should continue with your little one’s swimming lessons at The Swim Factory (Woodend and Orion Springfield) throughout cooler months.

It is a common misconception that drownings only happen in summer when everyone’s at the pool or beach. However, Royal Life Saving found that 34% of drownings happen in the autumn and winter seasons . Continuing lessons throughout the cooler months really could save your little one’s life.

Potential drowning hazards exist all year round – baths, ponds, pools, laundry tubs, water features and even nappy buckets filled with water. They are all risks.

Did you know that swimming is the only sport that can save a life?

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children under five in Australia. Keeping your child’s swimming skills sharp by taking lessons through winter is one of the best actions you can take to prevent drowning, and will help your child develop into a strong, confident swimmer.

Here are five fun facts about swimming at The Swim Factory throughout winter …

The Swim Factory Australia has been trusted for generations and truly believes swimming is a skill for life. Our experienced and friendly team proudly teach swimming lessons across Ipswich and Springfield. Our centres are close to all major suburbs including Yamanto, Brassall, Redbank Plains, Bundamba and Ripley Valley. Experience the Swim Factory difference today with our free trial swimming lesson. Register below!

Why consider a career as a swimming teacher?

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 00:44:01 GMT

So, you love the water, you adore kids, and you get a real kick out of making a difference. Sounds like you might just make an exceptional swimming teacher! 

When asked what they love most about their role as a swimming teacher, most of the instructors at The Swim Factory said, “The satisfaction of building a young child’s confidence in the water and giving them a skill for life.” 

We love what we do – it’s hugely rewarding knowing that you’re making a real difference to the health and safety of so many little people, every single day.  

It’s a fun, rewarding and flexible career that offers up unlimited opportunities. And you’re never too old or too young to consider becoming a swimming teacher.  

 
The Swim Factory family boasts teachers of all ages and experience level.

So, why should you consider a career as a swimming teacher? 

1. To help others discover the joys and benefits of swimming   

As a swimming instructor, you get to teach others a vital life skill so they can enjoy the benefits of swimming for the rest of their lives. What an incredible gift!  

2. To work with kids and make a real difference  

Children love to learn, and they are willing to try new things and have fun! If you love working with people of all ages, from babies as young as three months through to adults, this may be the ideal career for you. Singing, splashing, playing, laughing … it’s all part of an average day for a swimming teacher. How fun does that sound?

3. For the flexible work hours   

Most jobs have fixed work hours and long days, which can make life seem like a burden. Teaching swimming is about as far from the monotony of a nine to five office job as you can get, as you can work part-time and casual hours around other commitments. It’s also a highly “transportable” skill that you can take from state to state and even overseas.

4. To be fit and active while you work   

We all know that swimming is one of the best ways to boost your fitness, work your muscles, burn calories, boost your heart rate and lung health, and increase flexibility. As a swimming teacher, you’ll be in and out of the pool all day, swimming with your students, staying active and fit. Another benefit to the role.

5. You love variety – no two days are the same   

Every day is unique as a swimming teacher, and there is always a new challenge to enjoy. You get to work with people of all ages and from all walks of life – so much variety. You can also diversify your skills to teach different ages and abilities. For a swimming teacher, variety is the spice of life.

6. To help save lives  

The role a swimming teacher plays in the prevention of drowning cannot be underestimated. Teaching children and adults essential water skills is the best way to prevent accidents in and out of the water, and to teach lifesaving skills.  

7. For a career you love   

Becoming a swimming teacher can provide an exciting career path. Many teachers progress and grow into many other exciting roles within the swim school environment. 

So, how can you become an accredited swimming teacher?

Visit https://ascta.com/learn/how-do-i-become-a-swimming-teacher-in-australia/ or https://austswim.com.au/ for more information.  

How to help your little one conquer their fear of swimming lessons

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 05:08:45 GMT

As a parent, nothing breaks your heart more than seeing your toddler or young child scared or anxious, especially about something that’s good for them. Like swimming lessons.  

While you understand the many benefits associated with enrolling them in lessons, they may not share your enthusiasm. 

Maybe they come up with creative excuses not to go? 

Maybe they refuse to leave the house? 

Maybe the fear is too much, and they simply won’t get in the water? 

Or maybe the waterworks hit when they enter the pool, refusing to let go of Mum or Dad? 

If any of these scenarios sound familiar, you’re not alone.  

It’s completely normal for toddlers and young children to feel apprehensive about beginning swimming classes, especially if being in the water is new to them or if they’ve had a scary experience in a pool.

While it’s frustrating, the first thing to remember is that their feelings need to be validated.  Whether we understand their fears or not, it’s important we don’t dismiss how they feel and force them into something that genuinely scares them.  

Just like any other childhood fear, being afraid of the water is perfectly normal. To your little one, the water is a scary unknown — a strange place that they may feel trapped in, with no way out. 

Remember to be patient.  While their fear of the water is normal, you may never know exactly what triggered it.  

So, how can you help your precious little one to embrace the pool, and their passion for swimming?  

Work with your teacher and swim school and together you can move your little swimmer from anxious to confident.  

Learn to swim in Ipswich: The Swim Factory Australia has been trusted by the Ipswich community for over 30 years to teach kids how to swim; a truly valuable skill for life. If you are looking for swimming lessons that are close to you (and heated during winter) then connect with our friendly team today.

Why swimming all year-round is best for your little one

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 06:27:07 GMT

Children reap many rewards from taking swimming lessons all year-round

Yes, swimming is synonymous with summer in Southeast Queensland. But swimming for your little one shouldn’t just be about splashing, playing, and cooling down on a hot, summer’s day.  

Continuing with swimming lessons as the months turn cooler and the days shorter is just as important, even with competing recreational activities vying for your spare time and budget. The risks posed by drowning do not go away in the cooler months, and neither should the lessons, especially when indoor pools are available.  

Not only is swimming a skill for life that benefits children mentally and physically, but it is the only sport that can save their lives. Fun fact!  

Children reap many rewards from taking swimming lessons all year-round.  

Safety and drowning prevention    

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children under five in Australia. Keeping your child’s swimming skills sharp by taking lessons year-round is one of the best actions you can take to prevent drowning, and will help your child develop into a strong, confident swimmer. Although lessons are never a substitute for parental supervision, they play a crucial role in building layers of protection for young children. These skills and behaviours need to be constantly reinforced throughout the year.  

Continuing lessons is important for building and reinforcing skills       

This is especially the case with children under five whose long-term skill retention and muscle memory are just beginning to develop. A break in lessons that stretches over many months will often result in a loss of skills. Even if parents don’t believe they can see development and progress in class, the child is at least maintaining their current ability level, and that is progress within itself.  

Keeping fit in the cooler months         

Swimming indoors in winter helps keep kids active when it’s too cold to play outdoors. Staying active keeps kids engaged and healthy and can even boost their immune systems. Establishing a routine of fitness for our little ones, especially considering our increasingly sedentary lifestyle, is imperative.

Exercise all-year-round with minimal injury       

Swimming is one of the best activities for all-round good health, with minimal risk of injury. It’s a low-impact, aerobic exercise, strengthening the heart and lungs while the water helps take the stress off the joints. Kids are much less likely to injure themselves in the water. With infants, there’s the added benefit of enhancing and stimulating their general development.   

All-year-round bonding       

Parents involved in lessons in the water with their children benefit from close physical contact and quality time together, which helps to strengthen the natural bond, like no other environment. Why confine this level of bonding only to the summer months? Especially when an indoor pool is available? 

Increased confidence      

Constant exposure to water, the whole year through, helps children become confident with water play, while large gaps of time between lessons – or no lessons at all – can allow a fear of water to develop. Swimming lessons offer a unique combination of social and physical interactions with the teacher, their classmates, and the aquatic environment. For some children, before starting school, these relationships can become their primary social bonds outside of the home and immediate family. It's important to maintain these bonds with regular attendance.  

Stronger social skills      

Swimming helps teach children how to take turns, listen, share, and cooperate. Studies show that young children who took regular swim lessons could adapt to new social situations easier because they had more confidence in social settings.  

The Swim Factory proudly offers indoor, heated pools, all-year-round, so even when it’s a little cooler outside, your little one can still be warm and cosy in the pool.  

The benefits of swimming go far beyond summer fun and can set your child on the path to success in and out of the water. 

Are you looking for swimming lessons for your children? We love teaching kids to swim across Ipswich, Springfield, Yamanto, Ripley and the wider region. We've been trusted for over 30 years.

Why teach babies to swim?

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 05:06:13 GMT

So why teach babies as young as three months of age to swim?

At The Swim Factory Australia , our passionate, experienced teachers don’t just teach little ones to swim, they’re preparing them for a lifelong journey of self-confidence, achievement, physical development, health, resilience, fun, and adventure.    

Children who commence swimming at an early age (we recommend from as young as three months) tend to be happier in the water and are less likely to develop the fear and anxiety about swimming that some older children struggle with. 

After three months, lessons in a gentle and developmentally appropriate program, like we offer at The Swim Factory Woodend (Ipswich) and Springfield, can and should be started straight away.  

So why teach babies as young as three months of age to swim? Why not wait until they are older? There are so many benefits!  

Young babies accept the water more readily than older children.

Fear of water is acquired as children grow older. The longer a child is kept away from the water, the more likely it is that they will develop aquaphobia.

Swimming is a gentle exercise that works the whole body, encouraging your baby’s muscle, lung, and heart development. Although babies are limited in how much they can improve their endurance, swimming has a beneficial effect.

Babies can exercise more muscles in the water, as they are less restricted by gravity. This increased strength often manifests itself in early acquisition of physical skills like crawling and walking.

Babies that begin swimming early show long term health benefits in the form of better balance, catching and grasping skills

Swimming encourages mental development. Babies that start swimming early are up to 15 months ahead of their peers in math, counting and language by the time they start school.

Early mastery of water movement gives children a head start in learning basic swimming skills.

The whole family can enjoy swimming together as part of an active lifestyle. With obesity levels rising it is important to establish healthy habits early in life.

Movement in the water helps improve coordination and balance by forcing babies to move laterally to maintain their equilibrium.

Gentle exercise, together with warm water, will help your baby to eat better and sleep longer, especially on swimming days. 
 
The pool is a place free of distractions where you can focus exclusively on your baby. Enjoy those precious bonding moments with lots of skin-on-skin contact, cuddling and splashing.

Lavishing praise on your child as they begin to master their swimming strokes is great for baby’s self-esteem and independence. Babies flourish with this kind of attention.

Teaching your young baby to swim isn’t just about fun and development, it’s also about safety. Did you know that drowning is the major cause of accidental death in Australia for under-fives?

To register your interest in teaching your baby to swim and learn more about The Swim Factory Way by securing your free trial lesson.

Swimming lessons and your baby’s cognitive development

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 02:31:39 GMT

Swimming lessons and your baby’s cognitive development

We all know that teaching your little one to swim from an early age, we recommend three months, is gifting them with an asset for life.

While keeping them safe in and around water is essential, it’s just one of the many benefits associated with learning to swim. The earlier you start your little one, and the more regularly they attend, the more benefits you will see, especially when it comes to their mental, physical and cognitive development. It’s a proven fact.

Research shows that children who swim from a very young age are sometimes a year ahead of their peers in their cognitive and physical development.

Another excellent reason to enrol them at The Swim Factory, Woodend or Springfield, today!

Griffith University researchers looked heavily into the impacts that swim lessons can have on a baby’s growth, physically, psychologically, and cognitively. They surveyed 7,000 parents and closely observed 176 children (birth to five years of age) for three years, who were regularly attending swim classes.

One of the most noteworthy results of this study was that children in swim lessons from an early age are, on average, seven months ahead on motor skill developmental milestones than the normal population.

What does this mean in a practical sense?

Well, for starters, that are far more adept at activities like drawing, using pencils and building with blocks. They also tend to have better balance and coordination than their peers who are not learning to swim.

When it comes to motor skills and other physical markers, this study determined that swimming helps the cognitive aspect of child development, advancing it as much as 10 months ahead of the normal population.

This means that parents can expect babies and young kids who are actively learning to swim, early and often, to reach levels of reasoning in areas like reading, writing and arithmetic significantly ahead of their similarly aged peers.

There are also benefits on the language front, with swimming classes being classed as a “language rich environment”.

One of the milestones many parents look forward to most is when their little one says their first word. If you have enrolled your baby in swimming lessons, this may happen sooner than expected, with instructions given throughout the classes helping the further development of language, with the inclusion of prepositions and useful words, like colours, shapes and more. As a parent, you want your child to be intelligent, but social and emotional stability is just as important.

The Griffith University research study found that young kids involved in swim lessons are, on average, 15 months ahead of the normal population in social and emotional development.

They tend to understand direction better, which helps them adapt to school as they get older, and they also are more comfortable interacting with their peers and other adults.

Other research has shown a connection between emotional maturity and regular exercise, and swimming also provides an outlet through which little ones can expend their energy and release frustrations.

You really will give your baby the best possible start in life by enrolling them in learn to swim lessons from as early as four months. It’s never too late to start.

At what age should my child start swimming lessons?

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Sun, 13 Feb 2022 02:21:23 GMT

At what age should my child start swimming lessons?

It’s a question we are often asked here at The Swim Factory. Learning to swim is obviously an important life skill for your little one, especially in Australia (and Ipswich) given our warm climate and love of the water.

It’s also an excellent form of exercise, and an asset for life.

Starting as a baby won’t necessarily make your child a better swimmer in the long run, but provided the lessons are age appropriate, there are many benefits to be had with an early start.

Swimming lessons can help prevent water fears, provide additional movement opportunities, help develop social skills, help with bonding, and assist in the child’s overall development in a myriad of ways.

It’s important to remember that, before birth, your baby was immersed in a fluid environment inside the womb, so we’re not really talking about when to introduce them to water, but rather, when to reintroduce them to an element they called home for close to nine months.

While professional swimming lessons are essential to ensure their ongoing safety in and around the water, as well as cognitive development, you can start pre-conditioning your baby for the pool by gently pouring water over their face at bath time (starting with a warm flannel and working up to a cup) and using verbal triggers.

This can help your little one to learn early breath control and prepare them for submersions in formal lessons.

These early bath-time experiences should be free from stress and are a lovely way to build rapport with the water and their parents. The bath should be a fun, familiar place for learning.

Starting this process from just a few months of age lays a great foundation for joining a more formal learn to swim program later.

So, back to the question at hand. What is the best age to start formal swimming lessons?

We recommend parents wait until three months of age before they start lessons.

Why three months? This allows time for a medical history to develop, the infant’s immune system to strengthen, and bonding to occur with their primary care giver, which is essential to ensuring they feel safe and supported in the pool.

After three months, lessons in a gentle and developmentally appropriate program, like we offer at The Swim Factory Woodend and Springfield (Ipswich), can and should be started straight away.

Children who commence swimming at this age are rarely unhappy in the water and don’t often develop the fear or anxiety about swimming that some older children struggle with. That said, it’s never too late to start swimming lessons.

Learn to swim classes aren't only designed to teach children to become good swimmers, but also to enjoy and respect the water.

Starting early and continuing lessons long-term will help your child to feel confident in and enjoy the water for the rest of their lives. What an incredible gift to give your little one.

Regardless of these or other swimming skills a child may have, it’s important to remember that we can never take our eyes off our little ones in or around any body of water

Learn to swim with our dedicated and friendly instructors. The Swim Factory Australia has been trusted for over 30 years by countless families across Ipswich. We have a swim centre near you , easily accessible from most Ipswich suburbs including Ripley Valley, Yamanto, Brassall and Redbank Plains.

The Swim Factory brand gets a makeover!

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 23:56:28 GMT

The Swim Factory brand gets a makeover!

Welcome to the new-look The Swim Factory Australia.

Yes, we’ve had a bit of a makeover. What do you think?

Next year, The Swim Factory will celebrate an impressive 30 years in the business of teaching children of all ages to swim, under the expert guidance of our founder, Peter McMahon.

So, we decided it was time for a refresh, which included an updated name (we’re now called The Swim Factory Australia) and a brand-new logo.

It wasn’t an easy decision to make, as Peter McMahon’s Swim Factory has been our moniker since 1992, a name that has become synonymous with the delivery of quality swimming lessons in the Ipswich region.

With our 30 ^th birthday celebrations just around the corner, we knew the time was right to update our look, so we bid a fond farewell to our “swimming man” from our original logo, thanked him for the memories, and welcomed in two playful dolphins.

We love what our two dolphins stand for – the older dolphin guiding the younger one, teaching them to swim, keeping them safe. These dolphins really resonated with the team.

It wasn’t easy to say goodbye to our swimming man – he has been a part of the family for so long. But we love the bond between the dolphins, as it’s one of nurturing, support, trust, and guidance, which is what we strive for with our swimmers and their families.

Today is day one for The Swim Factory Australia, and not only will you notice the new branding roll out on our social media pages and customer portal we also have a brand new website we can’t wait to share with you all.

Head to www.swimfactoryaustralia.com.au to check it out.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. After all, you’re the reason we are still going strong after almost 30 years. Our families are the cornerstone of everything we do, as our founder Peter McMahon has always passionately believed.

No matter what our name, we would not be here today if it weren’t for the tens of thousands of families who have trusted us to teach their little ones to swim over the past three decades. Thank you all.

At The Swim Factory, we don’t just teach your little one to swim. We are giving them confidence, a sense of achievement, resilience, problem-solving skills, as well as contributing to their physical, emotional, and social development.

And while Peter’s name is no longer present, he wants to reassure The Swim Factory Australia community, including past and present students and their families, that he isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

The launch of The Swim Factory Australia brand and its new look and feel is only the beginning, with significant plans underway as Peter and his team prepare for their 30 ^th anniversary celebrations and future growth.

Watch this space.

To learn more about The Swim Factory Australia and sign up for a free trial lesson, head to www.theswimfactoryaustralia.com.au

Our September 2021 Achievers

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 23:22:30 GMT

A big congratulations to our September, 2021 Achievers!

We love celebrating success no matter how big or small. If you would like to be featured in next month's Swim Factory Achievers, share with us a photo and a few words to be included in our monthly Facebook post. It could be anything swimming related such as;

- Gaining confidence to try new things

- Progressing to a new level in swimming

- Demonstrating skills at the pool

- Using learnt skills outside lessons

- Participating in a school swimming carnival or club events

- Any story of success or achievement

Photos and stories can be shared with us via email (admin@swimfactory.com.au or springfield@swimfactory.com.au) or via Facebook.

Congratulations to Alastair for receiving his first Super Swimmer ribbon! Alastair has been loving his swimming lessons this year!
Congratulations to Manny who completed the half Ironman on the Sunshine Coast in September. Manny accomplished a fifteen-minute person best, well done!
Congratulations to Scarlett who recently moved up to Level 6, fantastic work Scarlett!
Congratulations to Hudson on progressing to Baby 2 in September!

Our August 2021 Achievers

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 23:27:57 GMT

A big congratulations to our August, 2021 Achievers! Swim Factory Australia

A big congratulations to our August, 2021 Achievers!

- Gaining confidence to try new things

- Progressing to a new level in swimming

- Demonstrating skills at the pool

- Using learnt skills outside lessons

- Participating in a school swimming carnival or club events

- Any story of success or achievement

Photos and stories can be shared with us via email (admin@swimfactory.com.au or springfield@swimfactory.com.au) or via Facebook.

Congratulations to Akihiro on his recent achievement of moving up to Level 2! Akihiro loves attending his swimming classes with Felicity.
Congratulations to Braxton who has been working hard on building his confidence and moving up to Stepping Stones!
Congratulations to Isabel who recently moved up to Level 7, well done Isabel!
Congratulations to Jarren who has recently moved up to Level 3! Excellent work Jarren!
Congratulations to Ollie who has been working super hard in his swimming lessons recently. Ollie recently received a Super Swimmer ribbon, well done Ollie!
Congratulations to Arabella who has recently moved up to Level 3. Well done Arabella!
Congratulations to Elijah who recently moved up to Level 3. Excellent work Elijah!

Week Intensive School Holiday Program for September, 2021!

marketing@swimfactoryaustralia.com.au (Jonathon Mcmahon) — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 23:34:41 GMT

Just Announced - Week Intensive School Holiday Program for September, 2021!

5 Lessons in 5 Days - The Week Intensive Program is a great way to build water confidence, practice swimming skills and have fun these school holidays.

Monday 20th September, 2021 – Friday 24th September, 2021 (5 Lessons)

Bookings will fill fast - be quick to secure your child's place.

For more information or to book your place, contact our friendly team on;

IPSWICH - (07) 3812 2923

SPRINGFIELD CENTRAL - (07) 3470 0556