FAQ’s
We are here to answer all your common questions. For everything else you can contact us directly.
When do you have lessons available?
Our timetable changes slightly each term although generally our lessons are scheduled:
For children not yet at school
Mon to Thurs 10am-1pm and Sat morning.
For school aged children
Mon to Fri 3.30pm-6pm, and Sat morning.
Specific classes depend on the level and ability of the swimmer although we do take into consideration the age of the child. This can sometimes be determined through a discussion with admin although for children 3 years and above an assessment lesson is recommended.
After school classes are reserved for school aged children.
How long is a “block” of lessons?
We follow the school terms
9-10 weeks at a time
This is an appropriate length for teachers to assess swimmers, introduce new skills and have time to practice them. Young children need to develop trust with their teacher, especially if they are nervous, and this takes time.
Do you have a trial period?
It takes longer than 1 x 30min lesson, once a week, to be able to adjust to a new environment, build confidence and trust with a teacher before learning can commence. We are more than happy for you to come and have a look at our centre although if you wish to join a class (during a term) then you must commit to the whole, or remainder of the term.
If, after a few weeks, you still wish to exit or change classes that is fine, although please note that there is a cancellation fee of $20. Refunds are not given but any accrued credit will remain on your account for 2 years and can be used for any of the services we provide.
During the school holidays we have more options available and can organise just 1 or 2 lessons if that is what you are after. Please talk to admin about what you would like.
When is assessment day?
We aim to have continuous assessment throughout the term. You teacher is constantly monitoring how well along the skills everyone is and once a child can demonstrate a skill properly, without having to be reminded of all the components, over 3-4 weeks, then the certificate is awarded.
If you are unsure about how your child is progressing please talk to admin, or you can book an extra assessment lesson during the school holidays.
What happens if I can’t come for a week?
If you are going to be absent for just one swim, please let us know with at least 4 hours’ notice and you will receive a Family Swim to make up for the missed class. Family Swims are free time in the pool for the swimmers immediate family (up to a maximum of 6 people per family) and times must be booked with the office. This gives your child a chance to practice their skills – you could have them show you what they have been doing during their lesson and see how much information has been retained.
Can I swim on a different day for just 1 week?
Consistency is a key part of learning.
We do not do make up lessons as it can be very disruptive for everyone involved: the different teacher, the students in the make-up class and the student doing the makeup. If you are going to be absent for just one swim, please let us know with at least 4 hours’ notice before your lesson and you will receive a Family swim to make up for the missed class. Family Swims are free time in the pool for the swimmers immediate family and times must be booked through the portal, app or in the office.
What happens if I can’t come for multiple weeks? (Holidays, prolonged sickness, broken arm etc.)
If you are going on holidays and we receive notice, you can have a Family Swim for each of your missed lessons. If you are going to miss the majority of the term but still wish to hold your space for the following you must be enrolled and pay for the term as you are taking the space of another child.
If you are sick or have an injury which mean you cannot swim (e.g. broken arm), if you provide a doctors certificate, you can receive credit for the missed swims although the first two must still be taken as Family Swims.
Why do you not do make up lessons?
Consider this – your child is with a different teacher, is with different students, the teacher does not know them very well and the level may not be a perfect match – this situation is not going to be beneficial to your child or the other kids in the class. Alternatively think of a random child joining your regular class, taking attention away from the classes normal students. All of this equates to no value for money. Make up lessons also create extra admin time and expense which would then need to be covered by increasing the cost of lessons.
Another point of view – a child who goes to school, does dance classes or joins a sporting team – a makeup class or different training is not offered for the missed sessions while being absent. Why should it occur with swimming lessons?
When can I use my Family Swim?
Family Swim times are available to book through our Online Family Portal. Times available will be listed once you select ‘book make-up.’ We usually have Saturday afternoons during the school term and extra sessions through the school holidays. All Family Swims expire at the end of the school holidays.