What to Pack for Kids' Swimming Lessons in Hoppers Crossing: A Parent's Checklist

Shawn's Swim School • October 29, 2026

A well-packed swim bag makes lesson day easier for everyone. Whether your child is starting baby swimming lessons or is already a confident swimmer, here's what Hoppers Crossing and Wyndham families need to pack for swimming lessons for kids, including the Aqua Pants rule for babies and toddlers.

The swim bag checklist

  • Swimwear (wear it under clothes to save time)
  • Approved Aqua Pants for children under 3, or any child not yet toilet trained for at least 6 months
  • A swim cap
  • Goggles that fit well
  • A towel, or a hooded towel for little ones
  • Warm, easy-on clothes and thongs for the pool deck
  • A drink, a small snack and a bag for wet things

Aqua Pants for babies and toddlers

It is compulsory for all babies and pre-school age children under 3 years of age to wear our approved, non-disposable Aqua Pants, with tight-fitting swimwear that is tight around the legs to avoid any accidents that may occur.

Swim nappies are required, as per our sign below. No other swimming nappy will be accepted.

Good to know: Aqua Pants can be purchased at reception. If your child (regardless of age) has not been toilet trained for at least 6 months, they must also wear our approved Aqua Pants.

Swimwear and caps

Choose swimwear that fits snugly and lets your child move freely. Simple, chlorine-resistant styles last longest and dry quickly.

Swimming caps are compulsory for our pre-school, after school and squad programs. They keep hair drier and warmer in winter, keep long hair out of the face, and help keep our pools cleaner. Babies and adults don't need to wear them.

Goggles: fit beats features

Goggles help many children feel confident putting their face in the water. To check the fit, press them gently onto your child's eyes without the strap. If they stay put for a moment, the seal is good. Then adjust the strap so it's snug but not tight, and rinse them in cool water after use.

Packing for babies and toddlers

Our baby classes start from 4 months, with a parent in the water. Along with their Aqua Pants and swimwear, pack a hooded towel, a warm change of clothes and a bottle or snack, as little ones are often hungry after a swim.

Learn to swim in Hoppers Crossing and Wyndham

Shawn's Swim School has been teaching families in Hoppers Crossing and across Wyndham to swim since 1994, from babies through to squad and adults. Our small classes and 11-level certificate pathway help every child build water safety skills and confidence.

Explore our swim programs or contact us to book your child's first lesson. Visit us at 35 Richards Rd, Hoppers Crossing.

Frequently asked questions

Does my baby need to wear Aqua Pants?

Yes. It is compulsory for all babies and pre-school age children under 3 years of age to wear our approved, non-disposable Aqua Pants, along with tight-fitting swimwear that is tight around the legs.

Can my child wear a disposable swim nappy?

No. Only our approved, non-disposable Aqua Pants are accepted. No other swimming nappy will be accepted. Aqua Pants can be purchased at reception.

My child is over 3 but not fully toilet trained. What do they wear?

If your child (regardless of age) has not been toilet trained for at least 6 months, they must also wear our approved Aqua Pants.

Are swim caps compulsory at Shawn's Swim School?

Yes. Swimming caps are compulsory for students in our pre-school, after school and squad programs. Babies and adults don't need to wear them.

What age can my child start swimming lessons?

Babies can start from 4 months old in our baby classes, with a parent in the water. Pre-school classes start from 2.5 years, and school-age classes are available for children of all ages.

By Shawn's Swim School • October 29, 2026
We're closed 2–3 November for Melbourne Cup, make-ups must be done by 19 December, and 2027 re-enrolments open Monday 9 November.
By Shawn's Swim School • September 15, 2026
Eligible families may get up to $200 towards swim lessons. Round 11 opened 15 September 2026; our provider number is 3675489.
By Shawn's Swim School • September 3, 2026
Our updated lesson fees start 5 October 2026, plus a heads-up on the Kids Active Voucher program.
By Shawn's Swim School • June 14, 2026
Term 3 runs 13 July to 3 October 2026. Prepayment totals, holiday diving and private lessons, and our $20 second-lesson winter promotion.
By Shawn's Swim School • April 15, 2026
Welcome back for Term 2! We're closed Saturday 25 April for ANZAC Day, and our Speedo Easter Colouring Competition winners have been announced.
By Shawn's Swim School • March 16, 2026
Classes run through the Easter holidays (closed 3, 4 and 6 April). Term 2 runs 20 April to 11 July 2026.
By Shawn's Swim School • January 27, 2026
We re-open for Term 1 on Monday 2 February 2026. Here are the Term 1 dates, prepayment totals and lesson prices.
By Shawn's Swim School • December 1, 2025
Our last lesson for 2025 is Saturday 20 December and we re-open Monday 2 February 2026. Make-up rules, 2026 bookings and 2026 Term 1 prices.
By Shawn's Swim School • August 31, 2025
Holiday diving classes on Wednesday 1 October, private lessons on Wednesday 24 September, and 40% off Speedo bathers.
By Shawn's Swim School • July 20, 2025
Term 3 prepayments are due from 21 July 2025, our Intra-Squad carnival is on Saturday 30 August, and we have vacancies in all levels.