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 Swim School was started in 2010 by Jana Senekal and is based in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.
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
Branches
Morningside
Serving the community since 2010, the Morningside branch of Whale of a Time Swim School at Rivonia Sports Centre offers a variety of swimming programs. Our heated indoor pool allows for consistent, year-round lessons. Led by founder Jana Senekal, our instructors use the latest pediatric swimming research to create a nurturing learning environment. We offer classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, including specialised programs for babies, toddlers, and children with special needs.
Fairland
Launched in 2024 in partnership with Amy Norris, the Fairland branch of Whale of a Time Swim School offers comprehensive swimming programs for all ages. Located in Fairland, this branch features an indoor, heated pool for year-round lessons. Our certified instructors use fun and engaging methods to teach water safety, learn-to-swim, stroke correction, and squad training. We also provide specialised programs for children with special needs, ensuring an inclusive learning environment. Dive into aquatic fun at the Fairland branch.
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.
Marine Graaff
Swimming teacher
Marine, true to her namesake, has always loved the water. While representing South Africa as a Protea Underwater Hockey player in two world championships, she also pursued a degree in Psychology. Now an Honours Psychology graduate, she loves working with children in a gentle, fun, and connecting way. Taking a tailored and personalised approach, she focuses on adapting every lesson to each individual’s needs. Her experience includes au-pairing children with special needs, and she is a qualified Swim Dynamics Instructor.
Contact Us
For more information, fee structure and enrolment please contact us:
MORNINGSIDE:
Rivonia Sports Centre
40 East Road, Morningside Manor, Rivonia
morningside@whaleofatime.co.za
072 753 3640
FAIRLANDS:
127 Smit Street, Fairlands, 2195