The Waterbabies Story
The Waterbabies® program was founded by Kelly Rae in 1991.
From small beginnings and a core group of six families, Kelly has developed Oceanic Waterbabies into a world class program, teaching thousands of parents over the years how to safely and joyfully teach their babies to swim.
“I wanted the program to be nurturing, educational and empowering for parents. Our philosophy of doing it with your child… not to them, helps create a happier and more connected learning process for both parents and their babies, and it has to be fun”.
Kelly’s own children were her primary teachers in understanding the importance of the parent child relationship in water and the motivation behind this highly successful program.
Kelly initially undertook training with her mentor, Australian infant aquatic expert, Cookie Harkin from Melbourne. “Cookie provided a fantastic learning foundation, believed in me and continued her support and encouragement through the years. One week with Cookie and I knew this was the work I was born to do. What could be better than the combination of working with gorgeous children, their loving families and a great environment… the water.”
Kelly’s natural teaching ability and motivational speaking has been inspirational at conferences and training seminars in Australia and internationally in New Zealand, Canada, the UK, Sweden, Denmark and Norway.
The Oceanic Waterbabies story continues to unfold, driven by a deep unrelenting passion to provide the very best guidance and support for parents wishing to teach their babies to swim.
The Waterbabies Philosophy is about love and connection
Teaching your baby to swim can be an incredibly rewarding and uplifting experience, with memories to last a lifetime. We know that what is done to the child, is absorbed by the child and becomes their way of dealing with others.
So let’s get underway with a positive, loving start in the water!
We believe that “parents can make the best teachers” of their babies as the bond of trust is strongest between them. To help make this happen, we empower parents by providing essential education, expert guidance and a high level of support as they teach their baby to swim.
Our program is gentle, stimulating and fun for everyone. Our philosophy of “doing it with your child”, not to your child… helps parents to connect physically and emotionally with their child, strengthening trust between them.
As baby’s feelings of trust expand, so will their natural love of learning and connection with the water. Our teaching approach revolves around “learning is play and play is learning”, ultimately leading to a more positive experience and happier babies.
Ignite your passion and become part of something very special and make a positive difference to lives of the future… our children
Contact us for more information about our teacher training program and employment.
The Waterbabies Team
We are fortunate at Oceanic Waterbabies to have a remarkable team of dedicated individuals who each play an important role in organising, coordinating and keeping the program flowing in a positive and joyful way.
With a friendly and caring approach, our office staff go that extra step. Whether it be a new enquiry about the program, needing support about a challenging stage of development your baby is going through or what to do in the program when your next baby is due, you can ask any question and we will do our best to assist you.
To the pool… where our wonderful teachers will be there to provide a safe and enjoyable lesson for you and your baby. We know there is no substitute for the standard and quality of our teachers and their commitment to this most important work is pivotal to ongoing successful swimming for all families who join our program.
Teacher Expertise
Waterbabies teachers are trained to an exceptional standard, much more than national guidelines. The depth of training provides extensive education and hands on experience to prepare teachers to give families the very best care and guidance possible.
- Austswim qualified.
- CPR certified.
- Comprehensive 6-12months specialised Infant Teacher Training Program.
- Ongoing training incorporating personal and professional development, in water observation and technical application.
- Most of our teachers have or still are swimming in the program with their own children.
You are in safe loving hands!
Waterbabies Teacher Training
Our innovative and progressive training program was developed by Kelly Rae to meet increasing demands of parents wishing to teach their babies to swim with Oceanic Waterbabies.
To ensure families receive the very best aquatic instruction and care, we provide teacher training to the highest possible standard to become a specialist in this field.
Are you looking for an awesome career?
Teaching a baby to swim with Oceanic Waterbabies is not an ordinary job… rather it is an extraordinary experience! We seek passionate individuals who want to reach their potential and enjoy great job satisfaction with our professional and supportive team.
Training Overview
The Waterbabies Teacher Training program takes approximately 6mths, held over over two swimming terms. Training involves weekly theory and practical training sessions with a Training supervisor and weekly practical teaching development and observation during Waterbabies classes with a senior teacher.
Our teacher training program will inspire and motivate so look forward to diving into all areas of teaching a baby to swim and beyond, including:
- Program philosophy & vision
- Teaching guidelines & duty of care
- Pool health & safety
- Parent & child relationship
- The water connection
- Birth experience & early interactions in water
- Breathing & submersion
- Ages & stages of aquatic development
- The Waterbabies technical program
- Program lesson planning
- Practical observation & interactive water sessions
- Health & well being
- Personal & professional development