

Frequently Asked Questions
- 01
Aquanat was established in 2001 in Perth, Western Australia, by Anat Juran, a trainer and therapist with decades of experience in aquatic education in Australia and abroad. Our Duncraig dome pool has seen hundreds of students for about 13 years. We have then relocated and have been running classes for around 7 years at the hydrotherapy pool of Rocky Bay in Mosman Park until January 2025. We opened our self managed centre with a custom built pool in Alfred Cove, Perth 1st of March 2022.
- 02
Babies can begin swimming lessons at Aquanat Swim School from as young as 10 weeks old. Early exposure to swimming classes can support motor development, build water confidence, and foster a positive relationship with aquatic environments.
Our pool is especially designed to be a safe haven for babies and parents, with the hydrotherapy pool kept at a comfortable and warm 34-35 degrees year-round, and sheltered from the elements. The pool is private with only baby swim class in the water at a time, helping us to maintain healthy and clean water that s gentle of little ones' skin, eyes and senses.
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Our babies and parents swimming classes are not just your baby's lesson, these classes are designed to teach parents as well as their little ones! They are meant for the whole family unit and are a wonderful opportunity to strengthen parent & child bond, as well as learning new ways to respond to your baby and to help them develop their new skills in water.
More than one parent in the water with their baby is encouraged though not a must! You could also alternate, or get another family memeber to join in and learn. We are flexible, and recommend catching each other up on what you have learned in your lesson so that the new discoveries can be practiced at home (if possible) or in the next lesson in the pool.
Young toddlers will be accompanied by their parent durng the swimming lessons until they are confident, physically developed and independant, and have gained the needed skills to progress to a peer group class without parents. But parents are always invited to watch from outside the water :)
- 04
Our baby swimming lessons cater to infants from 10 weeks to 12 months, focusing on safe first submersions, body orientation, fine and gross motor skills development and strength, maintaining natural refluxes and instincts, and bonding. Toddler swimming classes are for children aged 1 to about 4 years and introducing independent movement and early water safety and aquatic skills. Many toddlers as young as 2.5yrs who started with us at 10wks and and kept coming, have developed water independence.
Both of these type of swimming classes are meant for little ones with their parents.
Transitioning children to kids only classes isn't based on a cookie cutter strict age cut off - but an individual case by case basis assessment and discussion wit the family to determine the ideal timing for this transition to help empower children and help their progress without compromising their needs to emotional safety.
This is the swim class type where parents step out of the water.
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Bring swimwear for both you and your baby, a swim nappy, two towels (one for wrapping and one for drying), and anything that may comfort your child like a dummy or toy, and a snack for the car ride home.
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Yes! All of our instructors are nationally accredited and passionate about early childhood aquatic education. They are also trained in first aid and CPR, and many have additional qualifications in early childhood development.
Visit Our Team page to get to know us :)
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We currently operate in Alfred Cove, Perth. Our venue features a warm hydrotherapy pool and a calm, spa-like environment ideal for babies and their families.
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Get in touch with us so we can find you the ideal class. We will then send you your enrolment pack in an email with a link to a short online enrolment form and payment info.
- 09
Yes, we offer private swimming lessons for all ages on a case-by-case basis.
Contact us to discuss your unique needs.
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Safety is our top priority. Our pools are shallow and heated, instructors are first aid and CPR trained, and class sizes are kept small for close supervision.
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You can join at any time! Aquanat offers flexible enrolment so you don’t have to wait for the start of a new term.
Contact us for more information!
- 12
Absolutely! Both parents are welcome to join in the pool, and we encourage participation as it supports bonding and learning. This is flexible as we know every family unit is different and has unique needs.
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We specialise in baby and toddler swimming lessons in a boutique, family-run setting. Our unique focus on child development, warm and supportive instruction, fun and imagination games, and sensory-friendly facilities. Our swimming lessons are not cookie cutter and are adjusted to meet the unfolding needs of individuals and families in our classes - every activity or song has an educational goal and purpose. Not just splashing around without an intention.
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Yes, our swimming classes are perfect for first-timers as well as individuals of all experience history. We guide you and your baby gently through water exploration and early movement in a stress-free environment, at your pace.
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No swimming skills are needed for parents. Swim classes take place in shallow, warm water, and our instructors support and guide you throughout.
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Our hydrotherapy pool is consistently maintained at a warm 34°C–35°C to ensure your baby stays comfortable, relaxed, and happy during lessons.
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Benefits include improved coordination, muscle development, social engagement, water confidence, and stronger bonds between babies and caregivers. Swimming also promotes early brain development and sensory stimulation.
- 18
Your baby learns about the world through you at first, especially in the first couple of years of their lives. They read your body language and can feel when you are stressed or happy. More often than not, we see babies feeling comfortable in the pool when their parents are comfortable. Saying that, if you have any concerns, or any anxiety yourself please talk to us about it so we can support you as best we can and tailor the approach for you. Babies do sometimes cry - it's what they do out of the pool too... If they're hungry, you can always find a corner of the pool when it's comfortable for you to breastfeed your baby during class. Depending on the individual, the developmental stage and age, some toddlers can take time to adjust to a new environment or people and develop a sense of trust - patience is key and we are aware of this. Worst case, if you need to cancel your enrolment - we have a 4-lesson cancellation period of notice after which whatever you have paid for the given term can be refunded to you.
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Each session runs for 30 minutes, the ideal duration to keep babies engaged without becoming overtired.
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We understand that life happens! However, we found make-ups often cause more disruption to classes rather than offer benefit to students who missed lessons. We hold spots in our small classes for students exclusively - to ensure a consistent and familiar environment for our families and little ones. Please refer to our terms and conditions.
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In some cases, we consider inviting children to try out a class if they are going into a kids’ only class setting and we need to determine if the class is suitable to them skills-wise. We cannot offer trials in our parents and baby / toddler classes, however, for those who are unsure yet, we extend an invitation to come and watch a class to see our nurturing environment and thoughtful instruction before signing up - contact us to arrange this :)
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Yes, gift vouchers are available and make a beautiful gift for new parents. Contact us to arrange your custom voucher.
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Yes. Our instructors are experienced in supporting children with a range of developmental needs. We always welcome communication from parents so we can tailor lessons to best suit your child.
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Our boutique swim school offers a calm, spa-like environment. Class sizes are small and our schedule is designed to avoid overwhelming your child, and yourself.
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We love welcoming multiples! Please contact us so we can help you find the best solution for your family, whether that's family sessions or sibling-friendly group classes.
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Absolutely! Our pool is heated warm and indoors, so winter is a great time to keep up with swimming. Babies often enjoy the comfort of warm water even more in cooler months.
- 27
We are regulated by the health department and follow their requirements for pool hygiene. So yes - our pool uses chlorine to maintain safety and cleanliness of the water. Saying this, if you clicked on this question - we are assuming you might be concerned about the safety of chlorine for your baby - and we are here to re-assure you that our pool is safe!
In the rare cases where a unique skin condition is present - we recommend getting the GP's clearance. A few factors help us keep our water with minimal amounts of chlorine and eliminate eye irritation, strong smells, and murky waters. At Aquanat Pool in Alfred Cove, we prioritise your safety, comfort, and effective learning:
Limited Capacity: Our small swim groups ensure a low number of swimmers at a time and guarantees a controlled learning environment.
Innovative Design: Natural ventilation ensures a refreshing and hygienic atmosphere.
Optimal Water Quality: Our pool features clear, pleasant water with silky smooth texture, gentle on the eyes and skin.
Dedicated Maintenance: Our commitment to cleanliness and chemistry regulation ensures a safe learning space.
To learn more about how chlorine works - when it is good and when it is bad, please read our article: "Chlorine in Pools: The Good, the Bad, and Making the Right Choice".
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We typically follow a term-based schedule with breaks during school holidays. However, at times we hold Aquatic Bodywork therapy courses and training at the pool over school holidays. Visit www.aiab.net.au for more information
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Yes, there is free parking available on site our clients.
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Yes, if our services align with your goals and plan. We can provide invoices or service agreements for NDIS self-managed participants. Please contact us to discuss your needs. Please note that we are not an NDIS provider.
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Not at all!
We have many families joining us from Perth, Melville, Fremantle, Attadale, Como, Booragoon, Myaree, Bicton, Palmyra, Willagee, O'Connor, White Gum Valley, Mosman Park, East Fremantle, North Fremantle, Murdoch, Applecross, Ardross, Brentwood, Salter Point, Rossmoyne and other nearby suburbs.
Our location in Alfred Cove is easy to access, located on a main road (Canning Highway) with free parking available.
- 32
Somatic Experiencing psychotherapy is a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma and other stress disorders.
This approach works to release traumatic shock, which is key to transforming PTSD and the wounds of emotional and early developmental attachment trauma.
In her work as an Aquatic Bodywork practitioner, Anat Juran became intested in helping and supporting her clients process their unresolved experiances and traumas that often naturally unfold during their water therapy sesions.
Psychotherapy sessions with Anat can be booked wth or without Aquatic Bodywork sessions, and vice versa. Please contact Anat to discuss the best option for your specific situation.
- 33
Immersion in water has many healing properties that positively impact our mood and help promote wellbeing, which in turn can improve our quality of life.
All over the world, a wide range of aquatic therapy treatments, such as Watsu®, Healing Dance®, and Waterdance®, have been developed.
Many of these are offered in warm water and are designed to treat various health conditions.
Aquatic therapy treatents are for everyone, and you might especially benefit from or enjoy aquatic therapy if you:
Want to relax and slow down.
Want to be nurtured.
Love the warm water.
Love massage.
Are experiencing pain.
Are experiencing stress.
Like gentle stretching and movement.
Want to explore self-awareness.
Like to try something different.
Need therapeutic touch.
Are in your 2nd or 3rd trimester.
If your unborn baby is in a breech position.
Looking for a unique gift idea?
Why not give someone a Gift Card for therapy sessions!
Thoughtful, easy, and great for any occasion.
- 34
Watsu is a gentle form of aquatic bodywork and passive hydrotherapy where you are supported, floated, massaged, stretched, and moved in warm water. It promotes deep relaxation, releases muscular tension, mobilises joints, and can be especially supportive during times of stress and tension, as well as pregnancy (2nd and 3rd trimesters).
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The Halliwick Concept is a program that teaches water confidence, independence and swimming skills to individuals of all abilities, including those with physical or cognitive challenges. It’s based on core principles of balance, control, and independence in water – empowering individuals to develop ways of moving in water independently without use of aids.
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Healing Dance is an aquatic therapy modality that blends movement, breath, and floating techniques to promote emotional and physical release. It’s deeply calming and often experienced as both healing and freeing. Healing dance may be practiced either with face kept above water, or in its underwater form.
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Waterdance is an advanced aquatic therapy involving stretches, gentle underwater movements, and deep relaxation – incorporating submersions underwater. It combines elements of dance, massage, and breathwork in a fluid, supported experience.
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Yes. Our warm water therapy can support pregnancy by reducing physical discomfort, easing lower back pain, and promoting relaxation. Sessions can also help prepare the body for labour and improve emotional wellbeing.
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While we cannot guarantee outcomes, some mothers have reported that the gentle mindfully guided movement in warm water, relaxation techniques, and optimal positioning during aquatic bodywork sessions have helped their babies shift into more favourable positions.
- 40
Yes, with the exception of the pool entry being via stairs with hand rails. Our centre in Alfred Cove is accessible and wheelchair friendly. There is convenient disabled parking by the entrance and a designated accessible changing room. The pool does not currently have a hoist, and entry is via a set of stairs with handrails. The pool depth is approximately 1 metre throughout. For exact measurements, please contact us directly.
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Yes, our warm hydrotherapy pool is available for private hire outside of class times, subject to availability and considered on a case-by-case basis. It’s ideal for therapy and practicing therapists and clients. Please contact us to enquire about booking and rates.