Aqua-Baby Dakar
baby & toddler
swimming classes
Aqua-Baby Dakar
baby & toddler swimming classes
What is Aqua-Baby?
Aqua-baby is exactly what it sounds like—swimming lessons for babies and toddlers! Also known as bébé nageur or baby swim, these parent-and-baby classes are designed for you to be in the water with your child, learning how to confidently support their early swim journey.
You'll be guided through age-appropriate techniques that help your little one build water confidence, develop early independence, and establish the foundation for a lifelong love of swimming.
Early water experiences play a vital role in shaping a child’s long-term relationship with water. Ensuring these first interactions are positive, gentle, and trauma-free is essential as babies begin developing key foundational skills in swimming, water safety, and self-assurance in aquatic environments.
What is Aqua-Baby?
Aqua-baby is exactly what it sounds like—swimming lessons for babies and toddlers! Also known as bébé nageur or baby swim, these parent-and-baby classes are designed for you to be in the water with your child, learning how to confidently support their early swim journey.
You'll be guided through age-appropriate techniques that help your little one build water confidence, develop early independence, and establish the foundation for a lifelong love of swimming.
Early water experiences play a vital role in shaping a child’s long-term relationship with water. Ensuring these first interactions are positive, gentle, and trauma-free is essential as babies begin developing key foundational skills in swimming, water safety, and self-assurance in aquatic environments.
Foundations of Aqua-Baby Curriculum
Exploring Buoyancy
Babies experience how water supports their bodies, building early awareness and comfort in the aquatic environment.
Breath Control
Introducing simple breath control techniques to help infants learn to hold their breath, then submerge free of trauma and stress.
Building Comfort and Trust
Using playful songs and games to encourage positive feelings, trust, and comfort in and around the water.
Encouraging Water Independence
Supporting babies to explore water safely at their own pace, fostering confidence and autonomy.
Trauma-Free Submersions
Carefully guided underwater experiences designed to be reassuring and stress-free for every child.
Introduction to Propulsive Movements
Early exercises that help baby develop coordination and neuro pathways for swimming movements.
Water Safety and Exploration
Helping Babies Learn Their Limits in the Water While Practicing Essential Safety Techniques Like Back Floating and Wall Recovery
Fostering a love of the water
Using patience and encouragement to strengthen skills and build lasting confidence in every session.
Bonding for Parents and Babies
Baby swim classes provide a nurturing, shared experience where parents and babies connect through guided water activities. With you in the water, your baby feels safe, supported, and confident—creating an ideal environment for building trust in the water.
With you in the water, it will not only strengthen your bond, but also will help your child feel calm, secure, and open to new experiences in the water.
Surprising benefits to baby swimming that
you may not know about!
Boosts water confidence and reduces fear from an early age
Enhances balance and coordination
Supports emotional resilience and independence
Builds strength, balance, and motor skills
Encourages early brain development
A Lifelong Love of Water
Promotes better sleep and appetite through gentle physical activity
Fosters a lifelong love and respect for the water
Strengthens the parent–baby bond through shared in-water experiences
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take for my baby to learn how to swim?
It’s important to understand that swimming is a developmental journey that takes time—often years—and progress depends largely on how frequently your baby is exposed to the water.
Before babies can learn to swim from point A to point B, they need to first develop essential foundational skills: comfort in the water, breath control, and an awareness of their own buoyancy. As their motor skills mature with age and experience, they’ll naturally begin to show more purposeful and propulsive movement in the water.
While some babies and toddlers do achieve early independent swimming, it’s typically the result of consistent practice—often multiple times a week. In my experience, the little swimmers who make the fastest progress are those who continue practicing outside of class. A single 30-minute session each week is a great starting point, but it’s not likely to produce the kind of “superstar baby swimmer” results you may see in viral videos online.
If you're attending once a week, you can expect your baby to develop a positive, confident, and familiar relationship with the water, as well as develop their breath control so they feel comfortable going underwater. This foundation is incredibly valuable—and it’s what sets the stage for strong swimming skills in the future.
What skills do babies learn at Aqua baby classes?
Jessie's baby swim classes are designed to gently introduce essential water skills in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment.
Babies begin by developing comfort in the water, breath control, and an awareness of their own buoyancy. They also learn how to safely submerge, climb in and out of the pool, and gain early water independence—all through playful, pressure-free activities tailored to their unique pace.
As their motor skills progress, babies begin to improve their independent propulsion. More advanced safety skills are gradually introduced, such as turning to swim back to the wall, back floating, and swimming short distances independently—all while prioritizing safety, confidence, and enjoyment.
When are classes scheduled and how do I sign up?
Classes are offered on Sunday Mornings with different times for different age groups. You may sign up here:
What should I bring to my baby’s swim session?
All babies must wear a swim diaper to enter the water.
Please note that swim diapers are different from regular diapers—they're designed specifically for use in the pool. Regular diapers are not permitted in the pool as they can swell up and explode!
Parents will need to wear a T-shirt or loose-fitting top over their swimsuit. This gives your baby something to hold onto during class, which helps support their independence and grip strength as they explore the water.
Feel free to bring anything else you’d normally take to the pool—towels, snacks, sunscreen, water, and any comfort items for your baby.
How is safety maintained during lessons?
A 1:1 parent–baby ratio is required in all baby swim classes.
Each baby must be accompanied by an adult they feel safe and comfortable with—ideally someone who is confident in the water and able to provide hands-on support throughout the lesson.
Safety is always a top priority. We follow each baby’s individual pace, ensuring that progress only happens when they feel secure, supported, and ready to take the next step.
Where are classes held?
Currently classes are held at the Escale D'Orient pool in Fann Residence, Dakar on Sundays mornings.
How much do lessons cost?
Drop in classes are 10,000 cfa. There is a discounted rate when you buy a package for several weeks.
How should I prepare my child for lessons?
Please ensure your child arrives well-rested, fed, and dressed in appropriate swimwear, including a reusable swim diaper
What languages are spoken in class?
Classes are conducted in English; however, Jessie is fluent in French and speaks basic Wolof, and can provide translations or language support as needed.
THE SPACE
Baby / Toddler Classes are held at Escale D'Orient Spa in Fann Residence, Dakar. The pool is heated year-round.
About Jessie
I’ve loved the water since I first learned to swim at just 2 years old—and I never wanted to get out of the pool! The water has always been where I've felt the happiest, and as a former competitive swimmer, I find great joy in helping others learn to love the water and build water confidence.
I began teaching swim lessons in 2008 in the U.S. and have since earned numerous certifications from respected organizations including the American Red Cross, ASCA (American Swim Coaches Association), Worldwide Swim School, among others. Over the years, I’ve taught and coached swimming in both the U.S. and Dakar. Since 2019, I’ve been coaching the swim team and teaching swimming at the International School of Dakar.
As a parent of two little ones, baby swimming has become a passion of mine. Helping little ones feel confident, safe, and joyful in the water is truly one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Enroll your Baby or Toddler in Swim Classes
Give your baby a safe and positive start in the water with our expert-led classes. Build trust, independence, and essential water skills while fostering a lifelong love of swimming. Sign up today to secure your spot.