“I put Maija into swimming lessons with Duck and Dive when she was 5 months old. We only made it through half of the first lesson before I got out of the pool due to her not liking it and loudly letting us know! Barbara and Jo were really calm, encouraging and kind. This unpromising start was the only lesson like that, afterwhich we have always had a really good time. In the second lesson Maia was smiling and she has continued to do so in every other lesson we have had. Maija has made such amazing progress and I look forward to seeing each new skill she masters. Duck and Dive is the only baby and toddler swim school I came across that had a curriculum that was well thought out and where visible progress could be seen lesson after lesson. The classes are more than just singing rhymes in the pool, you can see the steps the teachers are instructing on and you can see what skill you are working towards. I can’t thank Barbara and her team enough for the confidence and skills Maija has gained through their programme.”

– Nina & Maia

“Just a quick one, firstly to say a huge thanks. Poppy attended her first class on Tues and loved it so much. It was amazing to see her so into it after being out of classes for a while, we swam lots of Christmas but I was concerned whether she would listen or just want to play (we did what you said re keeping some formality to swimming!). But I think she blossomed because Saskia was quite frankly awesome. I loved seeing her energy, the attention she gave to Poppy being new especially, the pace of the class and the challenges she put them through. I can hands down say you are 10 x better than the competition. I only wish we had switched sooner. The facilities are great too, so clean (we witnessed many cockroaches at the last place!!) and the welcome we got was lovely. So we are delighted we chose you and I wanted to formally say thanks and praise Saskia. Thanks so much, we can’t wait for the next class!”

–  Melanie & Poppy

“After contacting several swim schools, Duck and Dive were the only ones that offered lessons for babies under 6 months. At 6 weeks, we started lessons and now into term 2, my little boy loves being in the water and is being taught essential skills for water safety. The facilities in Artarmon are second to none, having a private purpose built pool heated to a minimum 32 degrees, large change rooms with change tables and ample on site parking. This enables the focus to be on the little bubs rather than having to share pools or manage logistics. Barbara and Adam are excellent teachers, giving parents the confidence and tools to continue building their babies’ skills outside of the lessons. I highly recommend this school to all my family and friends”

– Karli & Baxter

“We love our baby swim classes! My son is now so excited to get into the water and be submerged, and I’m so much more confident getting wet with him! At stage one we’re learning water safety – so important for small children. The personalised instruction has been fantastic, and and the private pool and facilities are excellent. There’s even off-street parking right at the door! We tried classes at the council pool and found they just didn’t give us the care and instruction we were looking for with a baby. We highly recommend trying Duck and Dive”

–  Deb &  Harvey

“I was very keen to get my daughter started with swimming lessons early and am so pleased we found Duck and Dive. My daughter Emilia stared in the Ducklings class at 13 weeks of age and she has been loving it so far!
Adam was wonderful with answering all my questions over the phone and provided a thorough welcome pack that covered everything from how to find the pool, what to wear and what to expect in our lessons. Our teacher Barbara is just fantastic. She remembers all the bubs names and I feel that she is really paying attention to each child and how they are progressing. The lessons are fun and include water safety skills and activities that get the little ones used to being in the water. The submersions were initially daunting but we’ve felt safe with Barb standing by every time. I’ve also really liked the “homework” that we can continue in the bath and shower at home. I drive to Artarmon from the Eastern Suburbs but it is so easy to access and there is parking right by the pool which is a great bonus. The pool is nice and warm so it’s a great activity to do even in winter. I’m so pleased we started swimming with Duck and Dive and have already recommended it to my mothers group and other friends.”

– Emelia & Lette

“Just a quick one too say Thank-you again, the effort you’re putting in Harvey is above & beyond & we really, really appreciate it. Adam, you really do have the patience of a saint!”

–  Mike, Sarah & Harvey

I would like to let you know how much we have enjoyed your classes – with your great teaching over the past almost 3 years! Grant it, the last while has proven ‘mildly’ tricky to enjoy in full with monkey Maple often failing to pose as a well behaving student however I still have enjoyed them and Maple just loves it too much I think – thus her water monkey ego! Over the years, you have not only enabled Maple’s great love for water along with her preparational ground work for independent swimming but you have also given us both some of the most amazing and fun moments in which a mother and her baby could share from 4 months of age to the toddler glory stages! I have such dear and fond memories of all our fun classes (which will be cemented into my recollections of Maple’s most wonderful early years) and then an amazing teacher who doubles up as the most caring, empathic, bubbly, fun loving and beautiful lady one could have the pleasure to meet and be honoured to call their daughters first ever swim teacher. You truly are wonderful – you have made such a special impact on so many children and their parents.
Keep up your amazing work. Maple & I will certainly miss you and won’t forget you! Many thanks!

– Grainne & Maple

I just wanted to let you know how great we think Helen is.  We are in our third term now and her teaching style, knowledge and genuine love of what she does shines through.  I can’t speak highly enough of her and of your swim school.  I was nervous about starting Scarlett so young (I think she was 8 weeks) when so many other places say don’t start until 6 months.  I am so glad I took your advice and got started.  Scarlett is so much more confident in the water than so many of the other babies we know of for her age and that’s thanks to you guys.

– Natalie & Scarlett

Regarding the Aqua Play Session and Mother Craft Advice talk (with Super Nanny Helen) held at the Artarmon location: “Can you please just pass on a message to Helen who I spoke with today about feeding & rocking Imogen sleep…I thought I’d give the ‘leave your baby to settle themselves’ a go this afternoon when I got back from swimming and so gave her a t-shirt of mine, and within 15mins of babbling and moving (no crying) she went to sleep, thinking that she may have just been exhausted from swimming I just tried it again now, and she took about 10mins to get to sleep with no rocking or feeding from me… its actually amazing! So, thank you so much Helen, it was lovely to meet you, and the advice you gave was excellent!!  (the swimming was also great, looking forward to a lesson next week!)”

– Nikki & Imogen

“I just wanted to thank you so so much for the amazing swim lessons you guys run. It has been such a pleasure to watch Paddy’s confidence and experience in the water grow and develop over the years. He just loves swimming lessons thanks to you and it is a pleasure to watch him have so much fun in the water which is just as important as the skills. Thank you again and I will always recommend your school to anyone who asks.”

–  Sasha & Paddy

“Highly recommend this swim school. Very professional and friendly staff, excellent swim instructors – my son absolutely loves his swimming lessons.”

–  Beth & George

“An excellent way to introduce bub to the water. My daughter loves the warmth of the water and the fun activities. We always have a great time. I feel complete trust in Barbara who is really engaged with the babies and their development and enjoyment. It’s great to know the experts are there, they make you feel totally comfortable just enjoying the water (something I was a little afraid to do alone with my bub).”

–  Beck &  Alexander

“A wonderful purpose built facility! So great to have a programme that starts babies in the water early. My son loves it! They also provide great opportunities to explore baby development and meet other parents. Warm staff and instructors complete the experience! Highly recommend.”

–  Carmel &  Alexander

“Fantastic swim school.  My daughter has been going from four months old and is now in her 3rd term.  She loves it and she’s learning so much already. Her instructor Helen is amazing and so friendly and encouraging. The school is so welcoming it feels like being welcomed by family. I truly would recommend this school to anyone.  Thank you for making Lexie our very own little mermaid and making me as a mum so much more confident with her in the water.”

– Natalie & Lexie

Just wanting to say thank you so far for the experiences and learnings you have provided for my son Joshua. His skills and confidence in the water are a total credit to you both and your outstanding learn to swim program. Please forward my many thanks to Jo as Joshua has enjoyed his instructional time with her. Looking forward to being back in the water with the two in the near future.

– Micheline & Joshua

“Thanks to Duck and Dive, my three year old daughter is confident in the water and has developed swim safety skills and also discipline; to listen to a teacher and follow instructions. Duck and Dive harnesses a safe and sound learning program and a supportive environment – great for parents who also need to build on their confidence so we can also help our child learn how to swim. Some of my most memorable moments with my daughter have been with Duck and Dive, since she was five months old up till she was three. We’ll miss our Saturdays with Barbara in the water and we’re forever grateful for the special bonding moments my daughter and I have shared whilst she’s learned how to swim. Since stumbling across Duck and Dive at the Baby expo years ago; the team has delivered everything I could ask for and more – and highly recommend their program and service to all mums or dads.”

–  Divina & Roxana

“Hugh is doing amazingly well at “big swimming school” and it’s really all down to the fantastic groundwork he got at Duck and Dive. It’s been fascinating watching the difference between Hugh and other kids who are much older, Hugh’s so much more water confident and is actually swimming (and doesn’t turn 3 until March), so we are very keen for this bub to have a duck and dive entry into swimming!”

–  Claire & Hugh

“We have been taking our daughter to Duck and Dive since she was 4 months old. They are the most amazing swim school we could ask for. Our teacher, Helen, is an absolute gem with the babies, and my daughter simply adores her. Adam and Barbara are incredibly helpful, and have gone out of their way to assist me with changes to our schedule when we’ve moved house. I cannot recommend Duck and Dive to enough people – they are just wonderful AND at 11 months old my daughter is so confident in the pool that we regularly get comments from strangers when at public pools or the beach!”

–  Amelia & Maeve

“I cannot speak more highly of Barbara and the team at Duck & Dive! My daughter started swimming with them at 10 weeks old and now at nearly 4 I can’t keep her out of the water! My son started at 4 months and to see how much he’s grown and loves the water in just 6 months is incredible. Barbara genuinely loves the babies and swimming, and that comes across in her teaching methods and as a result the way the kids respond. It’s such a beautiful thing to watch the children learn and become more confident in the water. The classes are also good fun for the parents! I would highly recommend enrolling your babies to learn to swim from a young age and you can’t look past Duck & Dive for professionalism, fun and a passionate learning environment.”

– Melissa & Isobel/Magnus

“Swimming, particularly if you are Irish is very much a learned skill!; and as such I am very keen to ensure our boys will be both water and swim confident. Duck and Dive has engaging, warm instructors and provides practical learning in an intimate playful environment; all of which has contributed to the boys not only learning how to master water and swim concepts, but also helped them with developing their social and cognitive skills, as well as given them the self-confidence to engage in new activities within new environments. Watching Harley transform and evolve aquatically over the last two years has been a magical experience for all of us. He has metamorphosed from been a completely dependent water baby to a magnificent diver who is keen to master swimming solo! I meanwhile have become one of ‘those Mums who is beaming, cheering and clapping furiously from the side of the pool as we yet again watch them both achieve a new swim milestone…..We are already looking forward to next term.”

– Joann & Harley/Arlan

“Highly Recommend This School. We’ve been doing Duck and Dive since our son was about 11 weeks old. He loves it and I’d recommend baby swimming lessons to anyone. Nowadays our little one is thrilled to go to the pool and loves the water, he has learned how to hold by himself in the pool and its amazing to see them hold their breath. Adam, Barbara and Helen are a incredible team they are super attentive and professional and their installations are great!”

–  Ines & Federico

“Our little one is always excited about the swimming class at Duck & Dive. Helen is patient and lovely. There is parking on site so it’s convenient. Barbara the owner is always happy to chat about the progress and offer tips for improvements. This has been the third term we are with them and we love it!”

– Shuwen & Olie

“My daughter Ava and I went to what was, unfortunately, our last swimming lesson today. I just wanted to say a huge ‘thank you’ to Jo who has taught us this term, she’s been fantastic and I couldn’t have wanted a friendlier, more patient teacher for Ava. She’s learnt so much and we both thoroughly enjoyed the lessons. I hope that at some point in the future I will be able to start classes with you guys again”

– Roxie & Ava

“I’ve been meaning to message all term to say how delighted we are that Teddy is loving swimming again! As I mentioned he really didn’t enjoy the classes at <Swim School Name Withheld> and he was usually upset and tense during the classes. It’s incredible how different he has been this term back with Duck and Dive! He’s been relaxed and happy since the very first lesson this term! Phil and I are both absolutely delighted. Thanks so much for everything! After experiencing another swim school it’s emphasised to us even more just how fantastic the lessons are with Duck and Dive! ”

– Michelle & Teddy

“Thank you so much for more than three and a half years of fun in the water for Oscar and Ava. We feel so blessed to have had you involved in their early years. We wish you all, and the many babies yet to duck and dive with you every success in the future. Thanks again.”

– Karen & Collette/Oscar & Ava

“A big thank you to Barbara and the Duck & Dive School for giving our Thomas the confidence and initial skills to enjoy the wonderful world of swimming.  Although we started Thomas a bit late (almost 2 years) at the School, Barbara’s magical ways of encouragement enabled our toddler to learn very quickly.  It is such a joy for us to see Thomas look forward to every class (not to mention more special bonding time with Daddy and also to see his little friends at the pool).  Bravo to Duck & Dive!”

– Tim, Jane & Thomas

“Thank you Duck and Dive for the wonderful swimming lessons.You have a great team, and a fantastic approach to teaching confidence and safety in the water whilst having lots of fun! Our two boys have thoroughly enjoyed their classes, and as a parent there’s no better feeling than to see them happy.”

– Daniela & Orlando

“Wow, what a ride! Dotty was a mere 10 weeks old when we came to our first lesson with the lovely Barbara….. those were the days, becoming an underwater pro in a few short weeks (requiring me to bring along my brave pants), sleeping through Twinkle Twinkle….. It’s amazing how far we’ve come in three years. Now Dotty can balance sitting on a noodle and swim from one side of the pool to the other (well ALMOST!) As I look back, though, I realise that Dotty has learned so much more than just swimming and survival skills. She’s also learned how to listen (and we’ll keep working on that one!), that mummies and daddies also learn things, and that congratulating others is just as nice being congratulated. We’re really going to miss our Duck and Dive lessons next year (although many adventures await – we’re ready now!). Thanks so much to all the team, especially the marvelous Barbara. We couldn’t have done it without you. Hugs and high fives all round.”

– Sam & Dotty

“My daughter has attended Duck & Dive lessons since she was just 8 weeks old – it’s the highlight of our week! We always have fun but I love that there is so much thought that goes into the activities that we do. I also value the consistency of the teaching staff.  I’m really amazed at what we’ve achieved so far, and how my daughter’s love of the water has developed.”

– Tamera & Odette

“We are very thankful to Barbara and the team at Duck and Dive. It was important for my husband and I to have the kids enrolled into swimming lessons at a young age. My eldest son started with Barbara at 12 weeks and now he is about to graduate at the age of 3. Barbara has given him so much more than confidence in the pool, she has taught him the importance of safety in and out of the water. He has been given excellent swimming skills and he has had fun and enjoyed every weekend seeing Barbara and his friends. Again we thank you.”

– Sharleen & Aidan

“We are so glad that we found Barbara – my daughter has confidence and self awareness in the water and I think that the lessons have improved her coordination as well. A thousand thanks.”

– Sheridan and Fiona & Imogen

“We wanted to drop Jo a note to thank her for a fantastic term of swimming.  We have noticed a huge increase in both Zac and our comfort with water – the phrase ‘Zac, ready, go!’ is locked into our bath-time routine. Thank you very much and take care.”

– Kate and Simon & Zac

“Barbara is very aware of each child’s confidence and capability respecting their individual progress. We look forward to learning more and to the next classes!”

– Tessa and Lou lou

“I was introduced to Barbara when my youngest daughter was 9 months old and I cannot emphasise enough what an amazing job Barbara has done. Barbara goes above and beyond anything I have experienced in the past calling every parent and giving them feedback on their children and is truly an outstanding teacher who genuinely cares about your little ones. The only disappointing thing is that Barbara stops teaching the bubs at Age 3 – but even then she refers you other good quality swim schools in your local area!!!!! Please take my advice and enrol your little ones into this swim school …you will not be disappointed!”

– Claire & Isabella

“Barbara has helped me teach my little baby Ruby valuable skills that may one day save her life, in a fun, enjoyable way. She does a great job!”

– Kylie & Ruby

“It has been lovely getting to know you these past few years. Leo’s confidence in the water is because of you and your great business!”

– Deb & Jonah

“Just wanted to show you what happened when we went to Nathan’s first big swimming class [after graduating from Duck & Dive] on Sunday (video below). Paul was really excited to be getting in the pool with Nathan for a change, but he didn’t even get his feet wet, Nathan didn’t need his daddy at all! I’m amazed after all that clinging onto mummy for dear life (or just being a two year old). He even went on his back and was pointing out all the cheeky monkeys on the ceiling to the instructor. I could see one very big cheeky monkey myself! Thank you for all the fun classes, so sad for it all to come to an end and all the best with the swim school!”

– Amanda & Nathan

“Barbara is a fantastic teacher who is full of enthusiasm and all the children love her.”

– Lydia and Kiara

“Duck and Dive take the very serious subject of life safety and turn it into fun for everyone. Isobelle adores Barbara and her team.”

– Kairen and Isobelle

“Isobel started baby swimming classes when she was around 10 weeks old and loved the water from the very beginning! Now she tries to wriggle out of my arms into the pool. Apart from the enjoyment factor – for both of us – it’s also reassuring to know that she is learning a valuable skill should she ever fall into water. I can’t recommend the team more highly.”

– Melissa & Isobel

“We started when my daughter was 4 months old and she absolutely adores swimming. Barbara has given me the confidence to take her into the water and really play together. Can’t recommend her more highly. Thank you to the amazing instructors.”

– Nicola & Mya

“I must say that your swim school is fabulous. You have wonderful instructors, Jack and I had a blast!
I can’t recommend Duck & Dive enough.”

– Dearblah & Jack

“Finn used to love his swimming lessons and then all of a sudden he really didn’t! Just wanted to let you know that I took your advice and persevered with swimming lessons….and finally Finn has come back full circle and is absolutely loving swimming again! He is so happy to get in the pool and smiles the whole lesson. Thanks so much for all the encouragement and also for being the first person to introduce Finn to the water and how much fun it can be:) You do a great job and I’m so glad that you told me to hang in there!”

– Emma & Finn

“My son Albie is in his 4th term and I am amazed how confident he is now in the water. The swimming tuition at Duck and Dive has also given me the confidence to let him explore and have fun when we take him to the pool recreationally.”

– Natalie & Albie

“Yours is a wonderful program, and I have so many wonderful memories from attending classes with Cyril first as a newborn and then as an infant and toddler! We have enjoyed meeting you and Jordy, and I am very grateful for everything you and her have taught my son.”

– Lena & Cyril

“Many thanks again for all your support and for the the life lessons you helped teach our little ones.”

– Rich and Silvana & Annalia and Rafael