The importance of completing all levels at Kapiti Learn to swim

At Kapiti Learn to Swim, learning to swim is about much more than ticking boxes or just

staying afloat. It’s a lifelong skill, a safety net, a confidence booster — and for many children,

it becomes a passion, a part of who they are. We are building and encouraging a positive

and respectful relationship with water.

Our program begins with babies as young as six months, where we lay the foundation for

water confidence, body awareness, and trust. As children grow, each stage of our swim

school builds carefully upon the last — helping them develop not only correct technique, but

also stamina, coordination, and a respect for the water.

But the journey shouldn’t stop halfway.

By the time swimmers reach our Kingfish class, they are working towards swimming 100

metres freestyle and backstroke, mastering the timing and technique of breaststroke (50mtr) and

butterfly (25mtr)

These are not just athletic achievements — they are life-saving capabilities. Water

Safety New Zealand believes that if a child can swim 200 metres in a pool, they will have

sufficient skill to save themselves in most situations.

Children who complete all levels gain:

Strong technique: This means your swimmer not only moves through the water more

easily but also conserves energy, stays calm under pressure, and swims with purpose.

Strong technique allows for a sense of control and confidence, especially when swimming

longer distances or encountering unexpected water conditions. It also lays a strong basis for

swimmers who want to continue with swimming at a club level.

Endurance: Whether it’s swimming out past the breakers at the beach, crossing a river

while hiking, or simply treading water during a boating mishap, stamina matters. Children

who complete all swim levels are physically prepared to handle real-world aquatic situations.

By the time they completed their Kingfish level, they'd built up both cardiovascular fitness

and muscular endurance. These are the same qualities that allow them to swim safely in

open water, stay afloat if they’re tired, and respond calmly in emergencies.

It’s not just about fitness — it’s about survival.

Resilience and confidence:

Mastering swimming takes time, repetition, and patience —

and that’s part of the magic.

As children progress through the levels, they experience what it

feels like to work towards a goal, overcome fear or frustration, and come out stronger.

Whether it’s finally nailing a dolphin kick, completing a 100-metre freestyle or backstroke

swim without stopping, or getting their breathing timing right, these moments teach

persistence and grit.

Reaching the final level at KLTS isn’t just an accomplishment in the

pool — it’s a confidence-builder that carries over into other areas of life, from schoolwork to

friendships to personal challenges.

Transferable skills: Swimming is a full-body workout that builds flexibility, core strength,

coordination, and aerobic fitness — all of which benefit children in other physical pursuits.

Whether they go on to play rugby, netball, surf, dance, or simply enjoy an active lifestyle, the

physical literacy developed in swim school gives them an advantage.

Beyond that, swimming is a low-impact exercise that supports healthy joints and cardiovascular health across a lifetime. Children who complete all swim levels are more likely to enjoy swimming

as a recreational or fitness activity well into adulthood — something that benefits both mental

and physical wellbeing.

A safety buffer: Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in children — even in our

country, surrounded by water.

Completing all levels of swim at KLTS ensures your child not only knows how to swim but has the stamina, technique, and judgement to stay safe in

unpredictable conditions.

The ability to swim 100 metres can be the difference between panic and safety.

Swimming is one of the only sports that can save your life. Giving your child the full set of

tools — not just a few strokes or short-distance abilities — is a gift that stays with them for

life.

All swimmer's who graduate Kingfish receive a medal and completion certificate, its always bittersweet saying goodbye to these swimmers, most of whom we've taught since 6mth.s old, we journey through life with them, through the ups and downs. To say we are proud is an understatement!

On this note, a big congratulations on our Kingfish swimmers who graduated in term 2!

We wish you a magical swim journey