Poseidon™
Unlock Their Natural Stroke
“Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” — Plutarch
For confident young swimmers who are ready to go further — with the stroke that suits them best.
“He’s been doing lessons for years… but still can’t breathe properly.”
“Her legs don’t kick straight — maybe she’s just not trying hard enough?”
“The class has too many kids. My child barely gets any time with the teacher.”
“We’ve been at the same school for two years… but progress is slow.”
We hear this all the time.
Some parents quietly blame the school.
But many more blame their child — or themselves.
“Maybe he just doesn’t focus.”
“Maybe she’s not athletic.”
And yet, when we meet the child, we often see something very different.
We see energy. Playfulness. Curiosity.
A child who loves the water — and wants to get better.
What they don’t need is more repetition.
What they do need is a method that fits them.
Most swim schools follow the same rigid structure:
Freestyle first. Then backstroke. Then breaststroke. Then butterfly.
If your child struggles with freestyle — they stay stuck.
Sometimes for months. Sometimes for years.
But it’s not because they’re slow. Or lazy. Or “not a swimmer.”
It’s because the system wasn’t built to adapt.
At Poseidon™, we flip that model.
We start by watching your child — not to correct, but to understand.
How does their body want to move?
What rhythm comes naturally?
What if we build their progress around that?
Whether it’s breaststroke, backstroke, or dolphin kick — we focus on what already flows.
Because when a child swims in a way that feels right…
Everything else follows.
Progress comes faster.
Confidence grows stronger.
And swimming becomes something they genuinely love — again.
Poseidon™ is designed for confident young swimmers aged 3 to 12 who are ready to move beyond basic water safety — and start building real stroke technique, strength, and distance.
These students already feel at home in the water.
They can swim independently.
They love to move — but now need structure, refinement, and a method that fits them.
Preschoolers (Ages 4–5½)
Poseidon™ is a good fit if your child can:
- Swim at least 5 meters without help
- Tread water for 15 seconds or more
- Feel confident swimming in the deep end
School-Age Children (Ages 6–12)
Poseidon™ is for students who can:
- Swim at least 10 meters independently
- Tread water for 20 seconds or more
- Stay calm and controlled in deep water
Common signs they’re ready for Poseidon™
- They’ve completed our Triton™ program (or similar)
- They love swimming but haven’t developed clear stroke technique
- Freestyle progress is slow or feels unnatural
- They show signs of strength in another stroke, like breaststroke or backstroke
- You’re hearing feedback like “not kicking straight” or “breathing is still off”
If your child isn’t yet swimming independently or feels anxious in deep water, our Athena™ or Triton™ programs may be a better place to start.
We’ll guide you to the right fit — just book a call and we’ll walk you through it.
Verified Google Review
“Our 7 and 9-year-olds became highly motivated through private coaching. What they learned in one 45-minute lesson felt like 4–5 weeks of group classes. The teacher was fun, professional, and totally worth it.”— Jenny BeesMost swim schools follow a fixed formula:
Freestyle first. Then backstroke. Then breaststroke. Then butterfly.
If your child struggles with freestyle, they’re often left behind —
even if they’re naturally stronger in another stroke.
At Nereids, we take a different path.
Every child has a natural movement pattern.
Some kick with frog-like rhythm.
Others have the buoyancy and flow for backstroke.
We start by discovering which stroke fits their body — then develop it.
When a child swims with a stroke that feels right, they improve faster.
They get better and their confidence grows.
And most importantly — they stay motivated.
Our teachers are trained to observe, adapt, and guide.
If a child is progressing in one stroke but becomes curious about another, we introduce it.
If they plateau, we explore what else might suit them. We don’t push progress. We reveal it.
In Poseidon™, the goal isn’t to swim “like a textbook.”
It’s to swim further, stronger, and more confidently — with a technique that works.
And as they grow, they can always choose to refine, compete, or expand their skill set.
We named this program after Poseidon, god of the sea — not to chase perfection, but to honour the moment a child begins to feel truly at home in the water.
Just as Poseidon ruled the oceans with calm command and deep strength, we help children move from playful swimmers to composed, capable, and confident ones.
Because real mastery doesn’t come from forcing technique.
It comes from learning to move with the water — not against it.
Before I started Nereids, I taught swimming at public pools.
And over time, I began to see the same pattern — again and again.
Kids were being taught the same rigid way:
Freestyle first. Then backstroke. Then breaststroke. Then butterfly.
Always in that order. No exceptions.
But what if a child struggled with freestyle?
What if they naturally moved better in breaststroke?
In the public system, it didn’t matter.
They weren’t allowed to progress until they “mastered” the first stroke.
So I watched bright, capable kids — some of them nine, ten years old —
still stuck in beginner levels alongside 6-year-olds…
not because they didn’t care, but because the curriculum didn’t fit them.
Many of them started to lose motivation.
Parents thought their child wasn’t trying hard enough.
Some gave up swimming altogether — before they ever became truly confident in the water.
And every time I tried to shift the lesson — to focus on what the child was naturally good at — I wasn’t permitted because the system wasn’t built for that.
That’s when I knew something had to change.
When I launched Nereids, I began experimenting.
I let kids show me how they liked to swim.
I gave them permission to lead with what felt natural — breaststroke, dolphin kick, or backstroke.
And what I saw was incredible.
Their eyes lit up. Their energy changed.
Kids who had been dragging their feet at lessons were suddenly full of joy —
swimming with power, playfulness, and pride.
They were going further than ever before — not because I pushed them,
but because they wanted to.
For them, it wasn’t “instruction time.”
It felt like freedom. Like play. Like something they had been waiting for.
And parents saw it too — the way their child’s body moved,
the excitement after each class,
and that growing sense of “I can do this.”
Poseidon™ is the program I wish every child had —
A place where their natural strength is seen, nurtured, and set free.
— Nikos Vasilellis, Founder of Nereids Aquatic Coaching
Poseidon™ is a powerful progression for children who are already confident in the water — but need stronger skills, longer distances, and deeper control.
It’s about endurance, strength, safety, and the joy of mastering what their body can do in the water.
Our outcomes exceed most national standards — and that’s by design.
- In the Preschool age group, Poseidon goes beyond the minimum national benchmark of 5 meters and submersion.
We guide most students to swim 15–25 meters with confidence using their natural stroke. - For School-Age swimmers, Poseidon aligns with Australia’s national benchmark of water safety:
50 meters continuous swimming and 2 minutes of treading water — a vital milestone to reach by age 12.
Most students achieve many or all of these outcomes within 12 private lessons. Some may take a little more time — and that’s perfectly okay.
Every child’s pace is respected, and our focus is always on real, lasting progress.
Because water safety isn’t just about staying afloat —
it’s about feeling strong, in control, and proud of every stroke.
Preschoolers (Ages 4–5½)
Poseidon™ helps confident preschoolers build strength, stamina, and real water independence.
Most students entering this program can already swim 5–10 meters, tread water for at least 15 seconds, and feel confident in deep water.
- Swim 15–25 meters using their strongest stroke (breaststroke arms, doggy paddle, or natural freestyle)
- Back kick or backstroke for 5 meters — face relaxed, belly up, steady body
- Tread water for 60 seconds without support
- Tread water with one fist raised for 30 seconds
- Tread water using only their legs for 10–15 seconds (both arms out of the water)
- Jump into deep water, swim 10 meters to the teacher, rest, and return to the edge
- Pick up a toy from the bottom (1.5m) after swimming
- Practise safe entry and exit with control
- Understand pacing, strength, and how to stay calm while swimming longer distances
⏱️ Each lesson is 45 minutes and taught one-on-one.
School-Age Children (Ages 6–12)
For older students, Poseidon™ is a gateway to real water strength — fitness, control, and endurance.
It’s perfect for children who are already confident swimmers, and ready to become truly capable in the water.
- Swim 30–50 meters using their strongest stroke
- Swim continuously for 2–3 minutes with controlled breathing
- Lifeguard-style swimming for 15–20 meters (head above water, strong pull, calm pacing)
- Survival backstroke for 25 meters
- Back kick for 10–15 meters with body control
- Tread water for 2–3 minutes without support
- Tread water with legs only for 30–45 seconds (both arms out)
- Jump into deep water, swim 15 meters, rest, and return to the edge
- Underwater somersault
- Intro to competitive dives (if pool depth is at least 1.7m)
- Build pacing, rhythm, and strength to stay calm in longer swims
⏱️ Each lesson is 45 minutes and taught one-on-one.
Whether your child swims like a dolphin, a future champion, or something uniquely their own — the focus is the same: confidence, stamina, and total control in the water.
These are not just swimming skills. They’re life skills. And this is where strength begins — not with perfection, but with trust in their own body.
Verified Google Review
“Both my girls had been doing group sessions for a year — with no progress. After just one session with their Nereids teacher, I saw a big difference in their confidence. The lessons are fun, professional, and they actually look forward to swimming now.”— Sandy A.We created Poseidon™ for confident swimmers who are ready to go further —
to build stamina, strength, and true independence in the water.
And we believe in this program so much…
we back it with a simple, powerful promise.
If your child doesn’t reach at least 5 of the Poseidon™ goals after 12 private lessons, we’ll give you 2 extra one-on-one sessions — at no additional charge
You’re not just paying for swim lessons.
You’re investing in real progress — and a stronger, safer future for your child.
A Few Important Notes:
- This guarantee applies to students aged 4 to 5½ and 6 to 12, enrolled in the Poseidon™ program
- Students should complete all 12 lessons within 16 weeks of the first session
- Students must attend consistently and follow teacher guidance
- This guarantee assumes the student already meets the entry criteria listed on the Poseidon™ page (e.g., basic swimming ability, deep water confidence)
- The guarantee does not apply to students with diagnosed disabilities, as their learning journey may follow a different pace and structure
Why This Guarantee Matters
Most group swim schools and private instructors working on their own don’t offer any kind of guarantee.
At Nereids, we do.
We stand behind our method — with care, accountability, and real results you can see.
Because when a child discovers they can swim longer, stronger, and safer —
something shifts inside them.
And that’s the kind of progress worth promising.
12 Private Swimming Lessons (One-on-One)
For children aged 4 to 12 who are ready to swim stronger, longer, and safer.
What’s Included:
- 12 private, one-on-one lessons (45 minutes each)
- Personalised stroke development based on your child’s natural strengths
- Endurance training, pacing, and survival skills
- Progress tracking across clearly defined Poseidon™ milestones
- Certificate of Achievement
- Flexible scheduling that fits your availability
- Guaranteed results — backed by the Poseidon™ Progress Guarantee
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 program is right for your child?
Book a quick call — we’ll guide you step by step, assess their current level, and make sure they’re placed in the program that helps them thrive.
We’ve seen the results again and again — children who begin with one confident stroke, and go on to surprise even themselves.
BOOK A CALLVerified Google Review
“My daughters started with Nereids at age four. Now, they compete at a high level — all thanks to the amazing coaching they received. Their teacher helped them grow not just as swimmers, but as people who truly love the water.”— Kelly
If your child is already confident in the water and ready to refine their stroke, build endurance, and swim longer with ease — Poseidon™ is the natural next step.
We’ll help them grow stronger, glide further, and feel truly capable — not just in lessons, but in life.
Spots for the Poseidon™ program are limited — especially during peak season — 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 assess your child’s current level
- We’ll guide you through creating a member account, purchasing your program, and scheduling your lessons
We’re here to support your child as they move beyond the basics — toward freedom, strength, and confidence that lasts. They don’t just swim further — they discover what they’re truly capable of.
What if my child can swim, but their technique isn’t strong?
That’s exactly what Poseidon™ is for.
In this program we work with children who already feel confident in the water — and help them refine their strokes, swim longer distances, and build real endurance through one-on-one coaching that fits their natural style.
How do I know if my child is ready for Poseidon™?
If your child can already swim at least 5–10 metres, feels safe in deeper water, and can tread water for 15–30 seconds or more — they’re likely ready for Poseidon™.
If they haven’t yet reached those milestones, our Triton™ program may be a better starting point.
We’ll help assess their level during your call.
Does my child need to know freestyle or backstroke first?
Not at all. In Poseidon™, we work with whatever stroke your child feels most natural using — whether it’s breaststroke, doggy paddle, or another style.
We focus on stroke development through individual strengths, not rigid stroke orders.
Is this a good fit for children with a disability?
While Poseidon™ is not a dedicated special needs program, our private and personalised approach often works well for children with anxiety, autism, or sensory challenges. If you’re unsure, just book a call — we’ll help you choose the best path forward.
Can I watch the lesson?
Yes. A parent or guardian must be present during every lesson as part of our child safe policy. Many children feel reassured just knowing you're nearby. If they become distracted, you’re welcome to watch from a short distance.
What happens if we need to reschedule a lesson?
No problem — we just ask for at least 24 hours’ notice so we can reschedule without a fee. You’ll have up to 16 weeks to complete all 12 lessons.
How do you choose the right teacher for my child?
We match your child with a swim teacher based on experience, personality, availability, and teaching style — and we also consider your location and preferences. You’ll have the chance to ask any specific questions during your call.
What if the teacher doesn’t feel like the right fit?
If you have any concerns, let us know right away. We can send a supervisor to observe the lesson and offer guidance — or reassign your teacher if needed. Your child’s comfort and progress always come first.
What swim gear does my child need?
All they’ll need is a well-fitted swimsuit, swim cap, and goggles. If your child gets cold easily or swims in cooler pools, a wetsuit can help keep them comfortable and focused. We’ll advise you based on your pool and season.
How many lessons per week do you recommend?
Most children thrive with 1 to 2 lessons per week, but some families choose up to 3 per week during holidays or when faster progress is desired. We’ll help guide the right pace during your call.
Where do the lessons take place?
We come to your home pool or apartment complex pool. If you don’t have one, we may be able to teach at a rock pool, netted beach, a rented pool via Swimply.au, or match you with a teacher who has access to one.Just let us know during your call.
Can I sign up more than one child?
Absolutely. Each child will need their own Poseidon™ program, but we can arrange back-to-back sessions or align them based on your family’s needs. Just ask during your call.
My child already swims freestyle and backstroke. Will Poseidon still help?
Absolutely. Poseidon focuses on refining strength, stamina, pacing, and deeper control — not just stroke basics. We adjust goals based on each swimmer’s current skills and potential.
Can Poseidon prepare my child for school carnivals or competitions?
Yes! While Poseidon’s first goal is strong, safe swimming, many students naturally become ready for competitions. We can introduce skills like race dives, pacing strategies, and stamina building if your child wishes to prepare.
My child gets discouraged easily. Will this method still work?
Absolutely. Poseidon is built around positive reinforcement, celebrating small wins, and finding each child’s natural rhythm — ensuring progress feels joyful, not pressured.
My child is almost 12. Is it too late to build strong swimming skills?
Not at all. Children at 11 or 12 often progress even faster because of increased focus, strength, and motivation. Poseidon adapts to each age and stage — it’s never too late to unlock true water confidence.
What if my child already swims well but needs stroke correction?
Perfect — we can tailor the Poseidon™ program to focus more on advanced technique.
Whether it’s freestyle timing, breaststroke efficiency, or turns and streamlines, our teachers can shift the focus from general development to stroke correction — while still keeping it fun and engaging.
We’ll meet your child where they are and build from there.
Still have a question we didn’t answer?
Let’s talk. No pressure — just a real conversation to see if Poseidon™ is the right next step for your child.
BOOK A CALL