Ocean School
Essential life skills for Kids on the South Coast
Our Ocean School program provides a seamless integration of freediving techniques, water safety, and key elements of sports psychology. This equips children with the necessary skills to improve their snorkelling abilities and remain safe while in the ocean. Our curriculum delves into the intriguing world of marine life behaviour and conservation, imparting knowledge that shapes future guardians of our oceans who are mindful and committed to conservation.
In our immersive Ocean School curriculum, we delve into a fascinating range of topics. Starting with the essentials of freediving and the importance of buddy safety, to enlightening sessions on the behaviors of marine mammals and the intricate dynamics of sharks. We uncover the significance of seaweed, and the integral role of our Great Southern Reef, as well as introducing various fish species and their behaviors. A key element of our program is the emphasis on plastic pollution and its impact on our oceans. Beyond aquatic knowledge, our program also instills mindfulness through the teaching of meditation, visualization, and breathing techniques. These tools not only help children connect deeply with the ocean but also offer invaluable skills that can be transferred to everyday life.
The Ocean School program was written by Dylan and Lara who have spent their life time surfing, scuba diving and Freediving in Jervis Bay and surrounding areas. The aim of the program is to greatly accelerate the learning process for children in the area so they can enjoy the wonders of the ocean in a safe way as they get older. The takes place at various locations throughout the bay, providing a unique opportunity for both you and your children to uncover the wonders of different dive sites as a family.
Join us at Ocean School to explore, discover, and safeguard our precious bay together.
Ocean School 2024
Dive into Ocean School 2024, where the sea becomes a classroom! Our program spans 8 weeks during Terms 1 and 4, offering a deep dive into marine exploration and snorkelling skills. Designed for young adventurers, our 90-minute weekly classes require no prior snorkelling experience.
Class Schedule:
Monday at 4:30 PM: For kids around Callala, Myola, Culburra, and Currarong.
Wednesday: Offering flexibility with sessions at 10 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:30 PM for those in the Jervis Bay area.
Thursday & Friday at 4:30 PM: for Jervis Bay residents.
Location details will be shared weekly in our exclusive Facebook group, keeping every session an exciting surprise!
Ocean School Pricing:
With Own Equipment: $255 per term
With Hire Equipment: $335 per term
Secure your spot via FareHarbor.
Remember, "The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice". At Ocean School, we cherish the present moment, celebrating the wondrous encounters that the ocean gifts us. One memorable dive brought a curious seahorse directly to a student, offering a few minutes of magical companionship before drifting away with the currents. Such surreal experiences underscore the beauty and immediacy of connecting with marine life, especially through the eyes of a child.
Join us for an unforgettable term of discovery and wonder beneath the waves!
FAQs:
Does my child need snorkelling experience to join?
No previous snorkelling experience is required! We introduce your child to the gear and teach them how to use it correctly, building their skills gradually over the 8-week program. The final assessment will be conducted in the last week of the term.
Do the kids need to know how to swim?
Children should be learning to swim, be able to float, and feel comfortable in the water. They don’t need to be strong swimmers; we’ll work on that together throughout the term.
What is the minimum age to start?
Children can start from the age of 5 years old.
How long does the Ocean School program last?
The program runs for 8 weeks, with one class per week. Each session lasts for 90 minutes. Classes are scheduled as follows:
Monday 4:30 PM for Northside of the bay (Callala, Currarong, Culburra)
Wednesday 10 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:30 PM for the Jervis Bay area
Thursday 4:30 PM Jervis Bay area
Friday 4:30 PM Jervis Bay area
Where are the classes held?
Classes are held at various beaches, changing each week to provide diverse learning environments and adapt to weather conditions. Locations are updated in our private Facebook group.
What will the kids learn over the 8 weeks?
Our curriculum, adapted from the adult Freediver course for kids, includes snorkeling, proper breathing techniques, duck diving, safe breath-holding, marine life education, beach first aid, water safety, meditation, mindfulness, rescue techniques, and awareness of environmental issues like plastic pollution.
What gear is required for participation?
Kids need a mask, snorkel, fins, and a warm wetsuit. We recommend our 5mm wetsuits with attached hoods for those who feel the cold. We offer a discounted mask/snorkel and fins package for Ocean School participants. Gear can also be hired from us if needed.
What are the conditions and cancellation policy of the program?
All ocean school fees are to be paid up front before commencement of the 8 week term. Lesson one is a trial period with the option to cancel with a refund of the term amount minus $30. Cancellations after lesson one will result in a full forfeit of the term amount as we have very limited spaces.
It is very important that they attend all the classes for safety reasons as they are learning all the important skills to dive in the ocean safely and each class flows into the next.
Ocean school isn’t for everyone. If your child does not enjoy the first class and is not interested in learning to freedive and snorkel at this stage we would recommend contacting us immediately. We have found that if a child doesn’t want to participate or is being forced, they don’t absorb the information and disrupt the class, which can put themselves and the other children in danger. But don’t be disheartened, it might just not be the right time yet, and one class may plant that seed in their mind that could germinate when they are a bit older.
Like anything ocean related, there is an element of risk involved, that being said, we believe that snorkelling is actually quite safe with proper instruction. It is much more dangerous being a passenger in a car.
Ocean School Book Donation
Each quarter we purchase a stack of ocean-themed books for school children and donate these enriching resources to school libraries.
If you're connected with a local school that would appreciate such a donation, we'd love to hear from you! Please reach out to us with your details.
These books come highly recommended, having been enthusiastically received by the young ocean enthusiasts in our Ocean School program. The attached photo is a testament to how much our little ocean warriors enjoy them. Join us in spreading the love for the ocean through education and reading!
For any questions email at Info@woebegone.com.au
