Classes
Water Safety Lessons
These classes are designed for beginners to create confidence and awareness in and around the pool. We prepare pupils for the Learn to Swim program.
Learn to Swim
This program progresses from basic water safety to learning how to swim independently and some basic strokes. Classes are fun and encourage children to learn at their own pace through songs, games and activities.
Adult lessons are also offered. We work closely with the individual to achieve certain goals, whether it just overcoming a fear of water or learning to swim with you children at home.
Stroke Correction
Stroke correction is when a child or adult is swimming independently and can move on to learning the techniques of each stroke.
Squad Classes
These classes fine tune strokes and focus on improving speed and stamina for competitive swimmers
Schools
We offer swimming lessons as an extra mural to nursery schools at our facilities in Morningside or at the school.
Special Needs
Not only is swimming an important life skill, but it is also a great therapy for children with special needs. We currently offer lessons at two special needs schools and as well as individual lessons at our facilities in Morningside.
About Us
Whale of a Time swimschool was started in 2010 by Jana Senekal and is based in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg. We run most of our classes from the Rivonia sports centre in Morningside, but have been expanding to schools and nursery schools.
Our aim is to create a fun and loving environment for swimmers of all ages and abilities to learn at their own pace. We run classes throughout the year, only taking a small break during the festive season at the end of the year
Swimtots
Children aged 6 - 36 months
Initially known as Aquatots Morningside, this swimming school rebranded to Swimtots in 2014, specialising in swimming lessons for babies, toddlers, and children with special needs.
Whale of a Time Swim School took over the Swimtots school in 2022. All instructors at the school keep up-to-date with the latest research in paediatric swimming and regularly undergo training to ensure that every child benefits from a playful learning experience in the water.
The school’s philosophy is that water is a natural extension of a child’s environment. We believe that children can learn to be safer around the pool by applying the milestones they’ve achieved on land. This learning process is facilitated through games, songs, and enjoyable activities.
Our Teachers
Jana Senekal
Founder and Swimming Teacher
Jana Senekal, a mother of two and an experienced swimming instructor, is the founder of Whale of a Time swim school. Her teaching journey, spanning 17 years, includes training under Nell White, a renowned pioneer in infant swimming.
In 2010, Jana initiated Whale of a Time swim school,. The school emphasises staying updated with the latest research in paediatric swimming and regularly conducts training sessions for its teachers, ensuring every child benefits from a playful and educational learning environment.
Amy Jane Morgan
Swimming teacher
Amy Morgan, a dedicated swimming instructor, has been teaching for 7 years. Her love for swimming began in her early childhood, thanks to her mother's daily pool visits. By 18 months, Amy was already swimming independently. This passion led her to train under a coach at 11, compete in provincial and national championships, and earn her Gauteng colours. Her love for the sport remained strong throughout her high school years.
Karin van der Schyff
Swimming teacher
Karin is truly an outstanding individual who has a passion for teaching swimming to children. Her wealth of experience as a mother of three has given her a deep understanding of the unique needs and personalities of kids. Karin's patience and kindness are truly unparalleled. She has a unique gift when it comes to working with special needs children and is always looking for innovative ways to help them reach their full potential. Her dedication to her students and her craft is extraordinary, and it is obvious that she genuinely loves what she does.
Megan Miller
Swimming teacher
Megan is a fun and caring teacher who loves to bring out the best in her students. With a background in theatre, she is able to conduct engaging, entertaining and imaginative lessons. She has experience in working with children through teaching and au pairing, and is qualified with Swim South Africa. She currently teaches at Rivonia Sports Centre.
Alex Keating
Swimming teacher
Alex, a fresh face in the world of swimming instruction. Having spent a significant portion of his life by the sea and ocean, Alex has a deep connection with water. His experience extends to volunteering at a small shark cage diving business, where he guided tourists on diving protocols. Living with children, Alex has honed his skills in caring for and educating young ones. To him, swimming is a luxury sport, and he eagerly anticipates teaching children to swim and enhance their skills.
Olivia Langston
Swimming teacher
Olivia Langston is a swimming enthusiast, with the love of swimming starting from a young age she became a South African underwater hockey player and soon became captain of the team. She loves teaching children swimming and has a very gentle and caring nature. She is able to insight confidence and encourage through her lessons while providing a fun way to learn.
Contact Us
For more information, fee structure and enrolment please contact us:
senekaljana@gmail.com
0727533640
MORNINGSIDE:
Rivonia Sports Centre
40 East Road, Morningside Manor, Rivonia
