Swimming lessons in South Africa

Kiddies Aqua Moreleta Park — Esser Street (Head Office)

Kiddies Aqua Moreleta Park is the head office and flagship branch of Africa's largest swim school, founded in 1993 by Lizette and Arrie Botha. Their roots trace back to a previous 17-year ownership of Aqua Kid Swim School in Nelspruit and Lizette's role as Head Coach at Ryk Neethling's swim school in Pretoria. Alongside Jean Fouace from Switzerland — globally recognised as the pioneer of the Self-Rescue Water Safety Method for Babies since 1967 — Lizette co-founded Amphibies Babies Africa. With a network spanning 16 branches across South Africa and Namibia, the academy proudly serves over 10,000 swimmers every month.

Kiddies Aqua Moreleta Park — Glossa Estate

Kiddies Aqua Moreleta Park — Glossa Estate is the second owned branch of Africa's largest swim school, operating under the same high standards set by founders Lizette and Arrie Botha at the Head Office. Located in Glossa Estate, Moreleta Park, the branch offers the complete range of Kiddies Aqua programmes — from the Self-Rescue Water Safety course for babies through to Adult Swimming, Special Needs (KA-CARE), and Water Aerobics — in a beautiful indoor heated facility.

Kiddies Aqua Hatfield — TUKS (Hillcrest Sports Campus)

Kiddies Aqua Hatfield operates at the University of Pretoria's Hillcrest Sports Campus — a modern, indoor heated facility purpose-built for competitive and recreational aquatics. The branch is run in partnership with TuksSwimming, the University of Pretoria's storied swim programme, and collaborates with the African Children Aquatic Foundation and the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The academy's co-founder and head coach, Lizette Botha, co-founded Amphibies Babies Africa alongside Jean Fouace — globally recognised as the pioneer of the Self-Rescue Water Safety Method for Babies since 1967 — and holds a degree in Human Movement Science from the University of Pretoria. Every swimmer is guaranteed measurable progress following a purposeful, age-appropriate programme, or your money back.

Kiddies Aqua Mamelodi — Curro Mamelodi

Kiddies Aqua Mamelodi is an owned branch of Africa's largest swim school, operating at the Curro Mamelodi Private School campus in Mahube Valley — bringing world-class aquatic education directly to the Mamelodi community. As part of the Kiddies Aqua head office family, the branch upholds the same exacting standards and Kiddies Aqua Methodology that have made the academy a trusted name across South Africa, Namibia, and beyond. In line with the academy's commitment to accessibility, special community rates are available — contact the branch directly to find out more.

Kiddies Aqua Menlo Park

Kiddies Aqua Menlo Park is owned by Andries and Inette Ferreira, passionate franchisees who bring a vibrant energy to this beautiful branch. Andries is a former professional rugby player and current owner of Life's a Grind Coffee Shop, while Inette is the owner of In-sculpt Aesthetics, a beauty and wellness salon. Both their daughters, Miané and Lea, completed the Baby Floating Programme and are now part of the elite swim programme — a testament to the family's deep belief in the power of early aquatic education. The branch forms part of Kiddies Aqua's network of 16 branches spanning South Africa and Namibia, proudly serving over 10 000 swimmers every month.

Kiddies Aqua Rietfontein

Kiddies Aqua Rietfontein, established in January 2025, is one of the newest branches of Africa's largest and most trusted swim school network. Under the leadership of Marius Potgieter, the branch combines professionalism, consistency, and a passion for excellence with the hallmark Kiddies Aqua philosophy: structured, nurturing swimming education delivered with care. Our mission is simple yet powerful — to create confident, capable, and safe swimmers who thrive both in and out of the water. Contact the branch to arrange a free lesson and discuss available programmes.

Kiddies Aqua Doornpoort

Leslie-Ann Gray is the proud owner and lead instructor at Kiddies Aqua Doornpoort. After completing more than 400 hours of intensive Baby Floating Self-Rescue training under the mentorship of Kiddies Aqua founder and Head Coach Lizette Botha, together with comprehensive Learn to Swim instructor training, Leslie-Ann brings specialist knowledge, genuine passion, and unwavering dedication to every lesson. She also holds a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree, a Higher Certificate in Pre-School Education (Cum Laude), and is certified in Basic Life Support and First Aid Procedures Level 2, combining strong business leadership with a deep understanding of child development and safety. Committed to the Kiddies Aqua philosophy of structured, nurturing, and water-safe instruction, Leslie-Ann and her team strive to create a positive environment where every swimmer can develop confidence, essential swimming skills, and life-saving water safety awareness. As part of Kiddies Aqua's trusted network of 16 branches across South Africa and Namibia, Kiddies Aqua Doornpoort proudly delivers world-class aquatic education while supporting the academy's vision of #NoMoreDrownings.

Kiddies Aqua Sinoville

Kiddies Aqua Sinoville is owned by Irvin Bogopa, who holds an MPhil degree in Entrepreneurship and is also the owner of Smiley Kids Private Pre-School, located adjacent to the swim school in Sinoville. Irvin is passionate about youth and SMME development and has built a community-focused branch that serves families across the Sinoville area. The branch is led by Head Coach Lizette Botha (BA Human Movement Science), co-founder of Amphibies Babies Africa and South Africa's foremost Baby Floating Specialist, with over 37 years of experience as a swimming instructor, having taught swimming to more than 23,000 children and adults and water safety skills to over 11,500 infants. Lizette is a certified SSA Learn-to-Swim instructor, a member of the TuksSwimming Coaches Association and World Swimming Coaches Association, and serves as Project Manager for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. Branch operations are supported by Arrie Botha (BCom Hons — Marketing Management), Operations Director.

Kiddies Aqua Centurion — Wierdapark

Nandi Smit is a passionate franchise owner, highly skilled instructor, and devoted mother of three. With more than 400 hours of intensive Baby Floating training, she opened the Kiddies Aqua Centurion branch in January 2021. Before becoming a franchise owner, she spent two years working full-time at the Tuks branch, gaining deep hands-on experience in the Kiddies Aqua teaching method. Nandi's journey into infant swimming began almost by accident. While photographing Lizette Botha, founder of Kiddies Aqua, for a Finesse Magazine feature, she witnessed Lizette's gentle and purposeful handling of babies in the water. Watching through her camera lens, she was immediately drawn to this field of infant and toddler swimming development. Two weeks later, she joined the team — and just two years after that, she opened her own franchise. In November 2025, together with her husband, she expanded further and opened the Kiddies Aqua Waterfall branch, bringing world-class infant water safety and swimming education to even more families. Nandi sees the Baby Floating and Learn-to-Swim programmes as beautifully complementary. By the time her swimmers reach school age, they can already swim all four basic strokes — setting them up for a lifetime of confidence in the water. Her own youngest child is living proof, having completed Baby Floating and already swimming like a little fish.

Kiddies Aqua West Rand (Roodepoort)

Kiddies Aqua West Rand Branch opened in January 2022, bringing the trusted Kiddies Aqua philosophy to the West Rand community. After more than 400 hours of intensive training in the Self-Rescue Water Safety Method for Babies (Baby Floating), Mariëtta Herbst, together with co-owners Madelein Roets and Juanita Roets, established this branch with a shared commitment to water safety, nurturing instruction, and guaranteed swimmer progress. All instructors attend regular in-house refresher training to maintain the high standards of the Kiddies Aqua network.

Kiddies Aqua Benoni — Farrarmere

Lizelle Bouwer is the passionate franchise owner and lead instructor at Kiddies Aqua Benoni — Farrarmere. After completing more than 400 hours of intensive Baby Floating training under Kiddies Aqua founder Lizette Botha, as well as a six-week Learn-to-Swim course, Lizelle brings deep expertise and genuine dedication to every lesson. She holds First Aid and CPR certification, ensuring the highest standards of child safety at all times. Lizelle's dedication has been recognised beyond the branch too — she was honoured with an industry Certificate of Achievement alongside partners in South African learn-to-swim education. Lizelle is supported in the daily running of the branch by her father, André Badenhorst, whose involvement ensures the branch operates smoothly and parents always feel welcome. Together, the Benoni team is committed to the Kiddies Aqua philosophy of structured, nurturing, water-safe instruction — giving every child the confidence and skills to thrive in the water.

Kiddies Aqua Alberton — Rietvlei Zoo Farm

Kiddies Aqua Alberton is operated by Rhoné Reynders, who opened the branch in February 2018 after completing over 400 hours of intensive training in the Self-Rescue Water Safety Method for Babies (Baby Floating). Since then, she has taught hundreds of babies and toddlers to be water safe and to swim. Rhoné holds Swimming South Africa Level 1 and Learn-to-Swim registrations, a Diploma in Somatology, and valid CPR and First Aid certificates. She renews her Police Clearance annually and attends in-house refresher training regularly. Rhoné started her swimming instructor career in 2009 and previously owned Penguins Swimming Club in Thabazimbi. She was a provincial swimmer throughout her entire school career and brings that deep love for the sport to every lesson.

Kiddies Aqua Waterfall — Mushroom Farm Centre

Kiddies Aqua Cape Town — Parklands