Nereus™
From Fear… to Freedom
“Courage is knowing what not to fear.” — Plato
For adults who feel nervous, unsafe, or unsure in the water — and want a gentle way to build real confidence, step by step.
She stood at the edge of the pool — fully grown, strong, and successful in so many parts of life — but frozen by something deep inside.
Maybe it was a childhood incident.
Maybe no one ever taught her.
Or maybe someone did… but the memory left a scar.
We’ve heard it all before:
“I’m embarrassed.”
“I don’t want to look silly.”
“What if I panic again?”
“Is it too late for me to learn?”
And yet — lesson by lesson — something starts to change.
With gentle guidance and unwavering trust, we lead one small step at a time — until trust becomes second nature.
A safe entry. A float. A slow glide. Controlled breathing.
Then suddenly, it clicks. They realise they’re okay.
More than okay — they’re doing it.
Not because they’re fearless.
But because now, they have the tools, the guidance, and a team that believes in them.
We’ve seen adults who wouldn’t go near the water… swim a full lap.
We’ve seen tears — not from fear, but from pride.
We’ve seen fearful faces light up with huge smiles.
We've seen fear turn into freedom.
That’s the journey of Nereus™.
You’re not alone.
Many adults carry a fear of water. For some, it’s from a past experience.
For others, it’s simply never having had the chance to learn in a safe, private, and patient way.
Public pools and group lessons can feel overwhelming — and being “thrown in the deep end” is more common than you’d think.
But there’s a gentler, wiser way — and it begins with trust.
Nereus™ – From Fear to Freedom is a gentle, private program designed to help adults move past fear, feel safe, and build real confidence in the water.
At your pace. In your time. With unwavering support.
Because when adults feel calm, capable, and respected — progress begins.
You don’t need to swim laps. You just need to feel calm when you can’t touch the ground. That’s why we begin with floating, breath control, and simple movement — the real foundations of safety.
You’ll work privately with a Nereids swim teacher who meets you exactly where you are. Whether you’re nervous, unsure, or returning after a long break — we move at your pace.
Some adults learn better with breaststroke. Others prefer a simple back float or freestyle glide. We observe your natural strengths — and build your program around them.
There’s no rush. No drills for the sake of it. Just patient coaching that helps you feel safe, in control, and proud of every step forward.
The Nereus™ method has helped hundreds of adults feel calm, confident, and safe — even in deep water. And once fear begins to fade, something shifts: You don’t just swim. You feel free.
When “I’m Fine” Isn’t Safe Enough
According to the National Water Safety Strategy, many adult drownings happen just 5–10 metres from safety.
The reason? Most adults aren’t completely afraid — but they also can’t stay calm when things go wrong.
Our mission isn’t to teach perfect strokes.
It’s to build practical safety — calm treading, breath control, float recovery — so that if the moment comes… you’ll be ready.
In Greek mythology, Nereus was known as the old man of the sea — a calm, wise protector of the waters. We chose this name because our program is built on those same values: calm guidance, gentle progress, and deep water confidence that lasts. So that the water, once feared, becomes a place of freedom again.
Verified Google Review
“I’m 30, and I had childhood water fears. I couldn’t even float. But my Nereids teacher made me feel safe, supported, and excited to learn. Each session built my trust and confidence. Now, I actually look forward to being in the water.”— Sonakshi Arora
In the early years of Nereids, I taught a senior woman who was deeply afraid of water.
Even in the shallow end, she would hold on tightly to the side of the pool, too scared to let go. She wasn’t after medals or strokes — she just wanted to stop feeling fear.
So we began with stillness.
I helped her feel the calmness and beauty of the water, simply looking around beneath the surface. No pressure. No ticking goals. Just quiet trust and a new way of seeing.
Together, we built small steps — breathing control, gentle arm movements, walking through the water to feel how her body could move and float.
Then came the deeper moments: water up to her neck, letting go of the side, reaching out to me, just one or two metres at a time.
And then… one day, she let go.
In a very short time, she swam across the deep end, more than five metres, fully on her own. The fear didn’t disappear — but it no longer controlled her.
Later, she encouraged her older sister to join as well. She too found the same freedom.
This is what Nereus™ is all about. It’s not about how fast or far you swim — it’s about…
Trust. Calm. Quiet courage.These are the true victories of the soul.
— Nikos Vasilellis, Founder of Nereids Aquatic Coaching
Verified Google Review
“I’m 69 and always feared the water. My Nereids teacher helped me feel safe and never rushed me. I now have the confidence to face deep water calmly — something I never thought was possible at my age.”— Alan YoungProgram Format:
Each lesson is 45 minutes, taught one-on-one with a private Nereids swim teacher.
What Most Adults Can Achieve in 12 Lessons:
In Nereus™, we help you grow across three core pillars:
- Float on your back for 30 to 60 seconds
- Tread water for 20 to 60 seconds without help
- Swim 5–10 meters using a stroke that suits you — like breaststroke, backstroke, or gentle freestyle
- Learn survival backstroke for safety and energy-saving
- Breathe calmly and stay in control in deep water
- Enter and exit the pool safely
- Understand water safety for both pools and open water
- Feel more relaxed around water
- Trust your body and stay calm under pressure
- Build real confidence — in the pool and in life
Fear fades...when real skill rises. Some adults move quickly. Others move quietly, at their own rhythm. But every step forward is a victory.
Nereus™ program helps you rise above fear, feel calm in deep water, and stay in control. Like the sea god himself, you’ll learn to move with ease and trust your strength. We’ll be with you every step of the way.
We believe every adult deserves to feel calm, strong, and in control in the water. And we believe in our method so much — we back it with a powerful promise.
If you complete your Nereus™ program and don’t reach at least 6 of the 10 key goals, we’ll give you 2 extra one-on-one sessions — at no additional charge to help you get there.
You're not just booking lessons. You're investing in real progress, peace of mind, and water confidence that can last a lifetime.
A Few Important Notes:
- Applies to adults enrolled in the Nereus™ program
- All lessons must be completed within 16 weeks of the first session
- Students must attend consistently and follow their teacher's guidance
- Does not apply to students with diagnosed medical conditions that may affect learning
Every person learns in their own way.
These goals are based on real outcomes we’ve helped hundreds of adults achieve since 2015.
Why This Guarantee Matters
Most swim schools and private swim instructors that work on their own don’t offer any kind of progress guarantee — especially for adult beginners.
At Nereids, we do things differently.
We stand behind our method with care, clarity, and real results.
Verified Google Review
“I was scared of water and not a native English speaker, but Nereids made everything easy. My teacher adjusted the lessons to suit my body, and after just one session I could already feel the difference. By lesson 7, I swam a full lap — more than I ever imagined.”— Reem Essam12 Private Swimming Lessons (One-on-One)
For adults who want to feel calm, strong, and in control in the water.
What’s Included:
- 12 private lessons (45 minutes each)
- One-on-one with a trained Nereids swim teacher
- Step-by-step method to build deep water safety and confidence
- Personalised instruction at your pace and comfort level
- Progress tracking across 10 key safety and mindset goals
- Flexible lesson times to suit your schedule
- Backed by our Confidence Guarantee — if you don’t reach at least 6 of the 10 goals, you’ll receive up to 2 extra private lessons free
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.
Not sure if this is the right program for you?
Book a quick call — a caring conversation to help you take the first step, when you're ready.
If you feel nervous in water — or had a tough experience in the past — you're not alone. The good news is, there’s a gentle way forward. And it starts here.
Spots for the Nereus™ program are limited — especially during peak times — so we recommend booking early.
Here’s what happens next:
- Click the button below to book a quick call with our team
- We’ll answer your questions, check availability, and guide you step by step
- We'll help you create your member account, purchase your program, and schedule your lessons
We’re here to help you build real water confidence — and finally feel calm, strong, and in control.
Because the moment you feel calm in the deep end — not just floating, but truly at peace — something inside you returns home. And you realise… it was never too late.
I’ve never swum before. Can I still do this program?
Yes — absolutely. Many adults start Nereus with zero experience or a long-held fear of water. We meet you where you are and guide you step by step.
Am I too old to learn how to swim?
Not at all! We've helped people well into their 60s, 70s, and beyond gain water confidence and feel safe. It’s never too late to learn.
Do I need to go underwater?
Only when you're ready. We begin with surface-based skills like floating and treading. Going underwater is optional and always on your terms.
I panic in deep water. Can this program still help me?
Yes. This is exactly what Nereus was made for. We help you stay calm, breathe with control, and feel safe in deep water — at your pace.
Can I extend the lesson duration to 60 minutes or more?
Yes, absolutely. While most Nereus students start with 45-minute sessions, we can extend to 60 or even 90-minute lessons upon request.
Can my friend or partner join the same class?
The Nereus program is designed for one-on-one coaching to focus fully on your personal goals. However, we do offer the option to book back-to-back lessons. Just let us know when booking.
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.
Is this available year-round, even in winter?
Yes. We teach year-round, as long as your pool is accessible and weather-safe. If you're sensitive to cold, we recommend wearing a swim cap and a wetsuit for extra warmth.
Do I need any special gear?
Just bring your swimwear and goggles. If you feel cold easily, a swim cap and a light wetsuit can help you stay warm and comfortable for longer.
Can this program prepare me for open water or holiday swimming?
Yes. Many students use Nereus to feel safer around beaches, boats, or while travelling. We can adapt your lessons to build confidence in real-world settings.
What if I’ve had a traumatic water experience?
We understand how deep those fears can go — and we honour that. Your instructor will take things slowly, with full patience and care. You’ll never be pushed — only supported.
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.
How many lessons per week do you recommend?
We recommend 1 to 2 lessons per week, depending on your goals and availability.
If you're looking to overcome fear or build deep-water confidence faster, some adults choose 3 sessions a week in the first few weeks.
We’ll help you find the right pace based on your comfort and schedule.
What happens if I don’t make progress?
We stand behind the Nereus™ method. If you don’t reach at least 6 of the 10 program goals after completing all lessons, we’ll give you up to 2 extra one-on-one sessions — at no additional charge. Your journey matters to us — and we’re committed to helping you succeed.
Still have a question we didn’t cover?
We’re here to listen. Whether you’re just exploring or finally ready to take that first step — we’ll meet you with calm, care, and a conversation that’s truly yours.
BOOK A CALL