Athena™
From Fear… to Confidence
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” – Plato
A gentle, proven program for children aged 3–12 who fear the water — no matter where that fear began.
Through kindness and play, Athena guides them from fear… to confidence.
Years ago, while I was still teaching in a public pool, I heard an 8-year-old boy screaming in panic from across the lanes. The next week, he was brought to me — clearly shaken and afraid.
His mother told me his previous teacher had promised to go slowly… but then dunked him under the water on purpose.
“That teacher said it was the only way to teach him,” she explained. But it shattered the boy’s trust.
I sat beside him, and let him share his story. He looked at me — still shaken — and asked, “Please don’t take me under.”
I looked him in the eyes, shook his hand, and promised: “I will never do that to you. Because you can learn to swim without going under.”
That moment stayed with me. It’s one of the reasons I created this program — because I believe there’s a better way to help kids build water confidence than force.
With patience and step-by-step care, that same boy learned how to blow bubbles, float, and swim with his head above the water — all on his own terms.
That’s how real water confidence begins — not with fear, but with trust.
— Nikos Vasilellis, Founder of Nereids Aquatic Coaching
Verified Google Review
“Our son was afraid to even put his face in. After just 5 lessons, he’s swimming happily — and going underwater on his own. We’re beyond pleased!”— Hayley Woodrow— And That’s Okay.
Some children cry before getting in the pool. Others freeze at the first splash or cling tightly to a parent’s hand. Many have tried group lessons and other swim schools — where sometimes they’re even pushed to go underwater before they’re ready — and left feeling even more afraid.
If this sounds like your child, you’re not alone. And you’re in the right place.
That’s why we created Athena™ From Fear… to Confidence: a gentle, proven approach for children aged 3–12 who are afraid of water.
We work patiently, one-on-one, to help them feel safe — and show them that swimming can begin above the water, not below it.
The Win That Changed Everything
One of our students — a 7-year-old boy — came to us with severe anxiety and a strong fear of water. He would cry just stepping into the pool — and going underwater wasn’t even close to possible.
But his swim teacher worked with him patiently and gently — always beside him, always focused on building trust and confidence. Each lesson was made fun and positive, at a pace that felt safe for him.
The goal? To help him swim breaststroke — with his head above the water — and to learn how to tread water, one of the most important water safety skills.
Then, after weeks of slow and steady progress… something powerful happened. We tested him in the deep end — and he swam five meters completely on his own!
When we handed him his certificate, his face lit up. That moment sparked something inside him. He felt proud. He felt safe. And he wanted more.
Not long after, he started going underwater on his own — smiling, laughing, and truly enjoying the water.
Sometimes one small victory is all it takes — to awaken a lifetime of confidence.
Because confidence grows when children feel safe — and free to move at their own pace, in their own way.
Many children have been pushed too hard, too fast. At Nereids, we do things differently. We never force children to go underwater. Instead, we earn their trust — one gentle step at a time. When a child feels safe, real progress begins.
Most swim schools begin with freestyle. But for children with fear, that’s the hardest place to start.
That’s why we start with a calm, modified breaststroke — head above the water, eyes open, body in control.
And just as importantly, we teach them how to tread water — a powerful skill that builds safety and independence in any depth.
Once kids see what they can do, something changes.
They feel proud — and safe. And when that happens, many begin exploring underwater on their own… not because we asked them to, but because they’re ready.
Every child is different. That’s why all our lessons are private and only one-on-one.
This lets our swim teachers adapt completely to your child’s pace, fears, and personality — helping them grow faster, with less stress.
Why This Really Matters
According to Australia’s National Water Safety Strategy, the risk of drowning is highest in children aged 1–5 — often just metres away from an adult.
These tragedies don’t happen because parents don’t care.
They happen because no one expected it.
That’s why our mission is simple: to help your child build calm, confident safety — before fear becomes a pattern, and before danger becomes real.
In Ancient Greek mythology, Athena was the goddess of courage, wisdom, and protection. We chose the name Athena not just for her legend — but for what she stood for. Courage without pressure. Wisdom without fear. Protection without force. This is what we aim to build in every child.
Verified Google Review
“After 18 months of trying, I finally found a program that worked for my autistic son. In 9 lessons, he went from clinging in fear to swimming with joy.”— Terrey SheumackReal goals. Gentle steps. Deep confidence.
At Nereids, every child’s journey is personal — but the goals are clear.
Below is what we typically aim for during the Athena™ program, depending on your child’s age and comfort level.
Preschoolers (Ages 3–5½)
What We Aim to Achieve in Just 12 Lessons
(And always at your child’s pace — no pressure, no pushing.)
- Swim around 2 to 4 metres using beginner breaststroke — with clear arms and legs, and no noodle
- Tread water for about 5 to 10 seconds without help
- Enter and exit the pool safely and calmly
- Stay above the water confidently — no pressure to go under
- Understand basic water safety:
- How to call for help
- What to do if they fall in
- Dangers to avoid in pools and at the beach
⏱️ Each lesson is 45 minutes and taught one-on-one.
School Age (Ages 6–12)
What We Aim to Achieve in Just 12 Lessons
(And always at your child’s pace — no pressure, no pushing.)
- Swim around 4 to 7 metres using beginner breaststroke — with clear arms and legs, and no noodle
- Tread water for about 15 to 30 seconds without help
- Enter and exit the pool safely and calmly
- Swim with head above the water — no pressure to submerge
- Understand age-appropriate water safety:
- How to call for help
- What to do if they fall in
- Key dangers in pools, oceans, and natural water
⏱️ Each lesson is 45 minutes and taught one-on-one.
Some children may progress even further. Others might need a little more time. That’s more than okay. Most begin unsure… and finish smiling, proud, and ready to swim.
We follow their pace — always making it feel safe, personal, and full of joy.
Every child deserves to feel safe. To feel strong. To feel confident in the water. And we believe in our method so much — we back it with a bold guarantee.
If your child doesn’t reach at least 3 of the Athena goals after 12 private lessons, we’ll simply add 2 more private sessions at no extra charge.
You’re not just paying for swim lessons.
You’re investing in real progress, peace of mind, and water confidence that lasts.
A Few Important Notes:
- Applies to students aged 3–12 enrolled in the Athena™ Program
- All lessons must be completed within 16 weeks of the first session
- Students must attend consistently and follow teacher guidance
- This guarantee does not apply to students with diagnosed disabilities, as their learning journey may follow a different structure
- These goals are based on real outcomes we’ve helped thousands of children achieve since 2015 — and always at their pace.
Why This Guarantee Matters
Most public swim schools and private swim instructors working on their own don’t offer any kind of guarantee.
At Nereids, we do things differently. We stand behind our method with care, accountability, and a deep belief in every child’s potential.
Want to Chat About Your Child's Needs?
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12 Private Swimming Lessons (One-on-One)
For children aged 3–12 who feel afraid of the water — and are ready for a better way.
What’s Included:
- 12 private lessons (45 minutes each)
- One-on-one with a trained Nereids swim teacher
- Step-by-step approach to build confidence
- Certificate of Achievement
- Progress tracking and milestone goals
- Flexible lesson times that work for your schedule
- Guaranteed results — we stand behind the results of this program
Program Fee: $1200 AUD
Fixed price.
In rare cases, extra costs like parking or external pool hire may apply — and we’ll always let you know in advance.
Payment surcharge:
Prefer bank transfer? No surcharge
Using a card? A 2.25% processing fee applies.
Still unsure?
Let’s talk. One honest conversation might be all you need to feel confident about the next step.
Verified Google Review
“My 5-year-old wouldn’t even get his head wet. Five lessons later, he’s jumping in, going under, and loving the water. Thank you!”— Grandparent of a 5-Year-Old (Reviewer: One Wombat)If your child is afraid of the water — or still carries fear from a past experience — you’re not alone.
The good news? There’s a gentler way forward. And it begins right here — with trust.
Spots for the Athena™ program are limited — especially during peak season — so we recommend booking early.
Here’s how we make it simple:
- Click the button below to book a quick call with our team
- We’ll answer your questions, check availability, and walk you through everything
- We’ll help you create your member account, purchase your program, and schedule your lessons
We’re here to help your child build confidence, feel safe — and maybe even fall in love with the water.
Book a Call
Let’s Answer What’s On Your Mind.
What if my child doesn’t even want to get in the pool?
That’s okay — and more common than you think. Many children feel nervous at first, especially if they’ve had a tough experience before.
Our swim teachers build trust from the very first moment — through patience, play, and never a single push. One small smile. One gentle splash. That’s how it begins.
Does this program really work without putting their head underwater?
That’s the heart of Athena™. We begin with a calm, head-above-water method — like a modified breaststroke. No pressure, no rush. Just progress built through trust. Many children eventually choose to go underwater on their own — but only when they’re ready.
Is this a good fit for children with a disability?
While Athena™ isn’t a dedicated special needs program, our one-on-one, emotionally safe approach often works beautifully for kids with autism, anxiety, or sensory differences.
If you’re unsure, just book a call. We’ll listen with care and help find what’s best for your child.
What if the teacher doesn’t feel like the right fit?
Let us know right away — and we’ll step in to help. We can observe a session or help reassign a teacher if needed. Your child’s comfort and progress always come first.
How many lessons per week do you recommend?
Most children do best with 1 to 2 lessons per week, but we also offer the option for up to 5 sessions weekly during school holidays or when faster progress is desired.
The right pace depends on your child’s comfort, age, and how quickly you’d like to build water confidence.
We’ll guide you through the best option during your call.
Can I watch the lesson?
Yes. As part of our child safe policy, a parent or guardian must be present during every lesson. Your presence also helps your child feel safe and supported. If you notice your child is getting distracted, you’re welcome to watch discreetly from a short distance.
If you’re ever unsure how to support, just stay nearby and encourage gently. Your presence matters more than you think.
What if we need to reschedule a lesson?
No problem — we understand life gets busy. We just ask for at least 24 hours' notice so we can reschedule without a penalty.
How do you choose the right teacher for my child?
Your child’s comfort, personality, and energy come first. We don’t just match based on location — we match based on connection.
That’s why we match your family with a swim teacher based on style, vibe, and availability — and adjust if it doesn’t feel quite right.
What if I need to travel or miss a week?
You’ll have up to 16 weeks to complete your 12 lessons, giving you flexibility while still keeping progress on track.
Where do the lessons take place?
We come to your home pool or the pool in your apartment building.
If you don’t have a pool, we may be able to teach you at a rock pool, a netted beach, a rented home pool through Swimply.au, or with an instructor who has access to one.
Just let us know when you book your call with us.
Can I sign up more than one child?
Absolutely. While each child needs their own Athena™ program, we can schedule lessons back-to-back. Ask us during your call, and we’ll help create the best plan for your family.
Still wondering if Athena is the right path?
Let’s talk. No pressure — just a real conversation to see what’s right for your child.
BOOK A CALL