Frequently Asked Questions
Can we book a free trial before we sign up?
Yes, your first lesson is on us! Call us to book in your free trial.
Can I enrol part way through the school term?
Yes. At AQUA Schools, we run all year round (including school holidays) which means you can enrol into classes at any time!
Do I need to go in the pool with my child?
In parent and child levels, a parent or guardian over the age of 16 years old is required in the water. We are leveraging off the trust built with a parent/relative to help them through initial stages of conditioning and confidence. We also recommend that you wear a top that can be easily held by your child.
Can both parents be in the class?
Unfortunately, no. But you can take it in turns! Our small intimate pools are built to give your child the optimal learning experience free of distraction.
Will we have the same swimming teacher each week?
Yes – our philosophy is to have the same teacher each week as this is the best for your child’s learning. We encourage you to attend your normal lesson to ensure consistency as make-up lessons may be with a different teacher. Whilst we do endeavour to maintain the same teacher, the reality is that there are also times when teachers do change due to university timetables, personal circumstances and illness. We work hard to ensure that the delivery of our lessons are consistent and aligned with the AQUA Schools program, so the learning to your child is not compromised in these instances.
Do you use flotation devices in your lessons?
No. At AQUA Schools, we provide a learning environment without the use of flotation devices to ensure your child develops mobility and buoyancy independently without needing to rely on flotation.
How old does my child have to be to start swimming lessons?
We take children from the age of 3 months. You are more than welcome to put your little one on the waiting list for your chosen swim school until they reach 3 months. That way you will be more likely to receive your day and time of choice.
How often should my child attend swimming lessons to get the best progress?
Whilst most students attend classes once per week, for maximum skill progression we encourage students to attend two swimming lessons per week where possible. Skill development requires regular practice and two swimming lessons per week is a great start to build their confidence and skills.
How long does the lesson go for?
30 minutes on a weekly or twice-weekly basis.
What do I need to bring to my lesson?
To ensure you’re prepared, here’s what we recommend!
Infant classes: A shirt for the parent to wear in the water – this gives something for your little one to hold onto in the water. Re-useable & a disposable swimmer nappy is a must! Towel & clothes for after your lesson.
Independent classes: Towel & clothes for after your lesson. Goggles and cap are recommended, but not essential.
What nappy does my child need to wear in the pool?
For hygiene reasons, swimmer nappies are mandatory as faecal incidents result in pool closure. To ensure the hygiene and cleanliness of our pool, all children who are not confidently toilet trained must wear swimmer nappies. We strongly recommend a 'double nappy' system which means wearing a disposable swimmer nappy underneath a firmly fitted re-usable swimmer nappy.
Unlike regular nappies, swimmer nappies are not designed to soak up liquid. A swimmer nappy should be firm fitting and regularly checked to avoid any accidents.
Nappies are available for purchase in our centres in case you forget to bring one!
Should I feed my child before their lesson?
We get this question a lot! And it's a goodie!
You probably grew up hearing “don’t eat 30 minutes before swimming”, and we’re here to tell you, it’s sound advice! Like any sport or exercise, light snacks can be eaten half an hour before, but it’s best to wait to eat large meals until after your lesson to avoid regurgitation or discomfort.
If your child’s class is after school, or around dinner time, giving them a pre-swimming meal can be tempting, but we’d suggest saving it for after class.
For infants, a bottle is considered a meal, so it’s best to time those ones an hour before class so that your little one is less at risk of regurgitating all those nutrients they need.
How many children are in a class?
Up to 4 in our skills-based levels from 3 and up, and up to 6 in our baby classes.
What if I can’t make it to a lesson?
Did you know that there's no limit on how many makeups you can receive?
If your child is sick, you're going on a family holiday or you have an unexpected conflicting appointment we can ensure your child continues their learn to swim adventure.
Some key things to remember so you can make the most of your classes!
- To qualify for a makeup, you must notify us at least two hours prior to the start of your class. You can do this via the customer portal!
- Makeups expire 3 months from the date of the missed class and are available solely dependent on class availability at your centre.
- Makeup's can be booked 48hrs in advance via our online customer portal.
How do I book a makeup lesson?
Makeup classes can be booked via our customer portal 2 days in advance of the class you are wanting to attend.
Do you close on long weekends?
We are closed on public holidays. If a public holiday falls around a weekend, we will close for the public holiday, but continue to run our swimming lessons for the rest of the weekend.
NOTE: fees are not charged for public holidays.
Can I suspend or receive a credit for swimming lessons if we can’t make it?
Unfortunately, we cannot transfer or suspend paid lessons to other terms as bookings are based on a reservation system in classes. Makeup lessons are fantastic for short absences from classes due to sickness or holidays.
Why do classes still run during school holidays?
Swimming is a skill like writing and reading that needs regular practice. Continuing lessons through the school holidays ensures your child’s skill level and confidence is not forgotten. School holidays is a great time to squeeze in a few extra classes or book in those makeups too!
Is there parking available?
Yes, we have parking facilities at each of our sites. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to ensure you are on time to your class and to allow plenty of time for parking and getting your little one ready for their class.
Do you accept EFT?
Yes, we have EFT facilities on site. Unfortunately, we do not accept AMEX.
What are your payment options?
All lessons are paid via monthly direct debit. Contact your preferred site location to find out the cost per lesson.
When will the Direct debit take money out of my account?
Our Direct debit runs on the 1st of the month and charges for the number of lessons that will be running on the day of your lesson. This can vary month to month. You will not be charged for days that we are closed. Depending on your bank, this transaction may take place on the 2nd of the month.
Do you have change table facilities?
Yes, our purpose-built facility has plenty of space and change tables for you to get your little one dressed and ready for their lesson.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes. As private lesson times are often limited, give us a call and have a chat to our centre manager to discuss your child’s needs so we can best cater to their learning abilities.
Are your pools heated?
Yes. Our pools are heated to 32-33 degrees year-round to provide a comfortable learning environment for all ages.
Do you offer discounts on enrolling multiple children?
Yes, we offer discounts to families with 3 or more children enrolled. A 10% discount will apply to the 3rd and subsequent children.
Is the pool salt water or chlorinated?
Our pools are chlorinated and monitored every 4 hours to provide your child with the optimal hygienic environment.
In addition to this, our centres are equipped with a state of the art Brauer Swim UV & Ozone system which combines the best technology to ensure chlorine levels can be kept to a minimum, whilst still ensuring the healthy sanitation of our pools.
Do you accept NDIS funding?
We have supported many families who have used NDIS funding to help with the cost of swimming lessons. Speak to one of our managers to get a quote and further information about why our program is inclusive to all student learning needs.
What's the purpose of using "Name, Ready, go" in lessons?
"Name, ready, go" is a cue we use to help infants understand their breathe control. By using a consistent verbal trigger before pouring water over their face, babies can identify patterns and begin to close their eyes and mouths when you say the cue. This is the first step before your child learns to submerge.
Remember -
- Finish saying GO before you pour the water.
- If your child is visibly upset, wait until they have calmed down before continuing.
- When introducing bub to conditioning, only use a small amount of water and slowly increase as their confidence grows.
- Consistency and repetition is key - do this every bath time and any time water can be expected to come over their face.
- Always praise, smile and have fun!
How long will it take my child to learn how to swim?
Lots of parents wonder this! The truth is, every child learns at their own pace. Here's what affects how quickly they might pick it up:
- Age: Younger swimmers (think 3-5yrs) might take longer as they get comfortable in the water.
- Previous experience: Has your child been around water before? Bath time splashing counts!
- Natural comfort level: Some children take to water like ducks, while others need more time to adjust.
- Lesson frequency: Regular swim lessons with a qualified instructor can make a big difference!
Remember, the most important thing is that your child feels safe and has fun!
Why should I enrol my baby in swimming lessons?
Is your little one water curious? Enrolling them in swim lessons can be an amazing first step! Here's why:
- Water safety first! Early exposure to water builds confidence and teaches them to be comfortable, which is key to water safety.
- Boosts development! Swimming is a fantastic full-body workout, strengthening muscles and improving coordination.
- Fun & bonding! Swimming lessons with your baby is a joyful experience that strengthens your parent-child bond.
- Smart start! Studies suggest swim lessons can benefit cognitive development.