Swimming with Aqua Sensory & the Montessori Approach
An Interview with Helena Eflerová (June 2025)
Interviewed by Amanda Engelbach
It’s my absolute pleasure to introduce Helena Eflerová – an aquatic bodyworker, swimming and yoga teacher, and founder of HE AQUATICS.
As someone who has personally benefited from Helena’s aquatic bodywork and with a background in Montessori education, I was intrigued by how Helena brings Montessori principles into the water. Her method is rooted in the Aqua Sensory approach, founded by Jo Wilson of Swim Works School in Rugby and Leamington Spa. This approach embraces a holistic, child-led philosophy — one that aligns beautifully with Montessori.
The Shift from Traditional Swimming to Aqua Sensory
Amanda: I discovered Jo Wilson at the Montessori Childhood Potential conference. She spoke about “The Magic of Water” and how Aqua Sensory differs from traditional swim classes. What drew you to this method?
Helena: Aqua Sensory’s child-led, sensory-informed approach resonated deeply with my aquatic bodywork values. It emphasizes connection — nonverbal communication through touch, movement, eye contact, and energy.
My experience working in more conventional swimming schools showed me that many children struggle in loud, fast-paced environments. These lessons often follow rigid scripts. Some children simply don’t thrive that way. Aqua Sensory allows me to slow down, observe, and adapt. For example, I may gently sprinkle water on a child’s limbs instead of expecting them to dunk their head. This way, the water journey becomes joyful and safe.
The Role of the Parent
Amanda: It sounds like you’re more of a facilitator than an instructor — a guide. How do you work with parents?
Helena: Absolutely. Parents are active participants. In our Seahorses classes (for babies aged 2–6 months), it’s often the parent, not the baby, who feels nervous. We hold Water Confidence Awareness sessions to help parents become calm and confident — to walk mindfully, use soft voices, and touch gently. Babies sense everything, so a grounded parent creates a positive experience.
Water as the Third Teacher
Amanda: Jo Wilson describes water as “the third teacher,” after the parent and educator. What does this mean to you?
Helena: That idea resonates deeply. We all originate in water — in the womb. I often say, “from the womb to the pool, and from the pool to the sea.” Water reconnects us to our origins.
The pool becomes a co-teacher. I facilitate learning, but the water nurtures the child’s emotional regulation and motor development. It teaches life skills like breath control, floating, and safety. Even outside the pool, caregivers can reinforce this connection. For example, blowing bubbles through a straw at home can help children feel confident when they return to the water.
Bath Time as a Sensory Experience
Amanda: Let’s talk about bath time. How can parents create a Montessori-inspired bath experience?
Helena: Think of bath time as a prepared environment. Keep it warm, softly lit, and soothing with natural scents or calming music. Create rituals — a familiar song, a favorite toy (but not too many — two is ideal). Let the child choose. Rotate bath themes, like sea creatures or colours. Scarves can mimic seaweed. Floating and sinking toys encourage coordination and play.
Use mirrors to build confidence during back floats or while blowing bubbles. Try thick flannels instead of cold bath mats — they’re more comforting for newborns. And most importantly, adjust bath time to your child’s rhythm — it doesn’t always have to be at the end of the day.
Emotional Regulation Through Water
Amanda: You once described water as “a warm hug.” How does water support emotional regulation?
Helena: We use Water Touch — soft, rhythmic strokes to raise body awareness and build emotional security. I encourage parents to talk to their babies about the water: Is the water happy today? How does it feel? It invites emotional expression. Children become happy swimmers when they form a relationship with water, not just a skillset.
Final Thoughts
Amanda: Your classes go beyond swim instruction. You’re nurturing lifelong emotional and sensory development through water.
Helena: Yes, I want every child to have a better aquatic beginning than I had. I was born in Teplice, a spa town in Czechia, surrounded by healing water. Yet I didn’t learn to swim until later in life — my mother had water phobia. I want to change that for others.
At HE AQUATICS in Bournemouth, we offer baby, preschool, and school-age swim classes in a calm, private pool at Hotel Collingwood. We invite families to build trust, connection, and confidence — in themselves and the water.
All Photos by Helena Eflerova
About the Interviewer
Amanda Engelbach is a parent coach, Montessori and Positive Discipline educator. She helps parents nurture their child’s potential through evidence-based parenting approaches. To join her upcoming free one-hour Positive Discipline workshop, email: info@vitaeducation@gmail.com
