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    • When do swimming lessons run?
      Our swimming lessons start on Saturday 7 October 2023 and run until Saturday 16 December 2023. Lessons then resume on Saturday 6 January 2024 and run until Saturday 23 March 2024.

      A swimming lessons calendar is available upon request.

    • How much do swimming lessons cost?

      Joining fee: $0

      Direct debit per fortnight: $44.30

      First direct debit date: 14 October 2023

      Debits will not run during the swimming break from 19 December 2023 until 31 December 2023.

    • What is the minimum age for swimming lessons at BSC?
      Four years old (tadpole). Unfortunately we cannot take children who are under four years old due to staffing qualifications.

    • What if I am not sure of my child’s level?
      If parents are not entirely sure of their child’s abilities it is best to put them in the lower class rather than the higher class. They can always progress to the higher class if needed.

    • Can bookings be made over the phone?
      Yes. Similar to gymnastics phone bookings can be taken and then paperwork filed for completion at first lesson.

    • What is the cancellation policy?
      The same cancellation policies apply as with gymnastics: two weeks' written notice must be provided. There are no options to suspend (except medically with two weeks covered on medical certificate).

    • If we miss a lesson, can do make-up lessons?
      Unfortunately not. This is because we are only able to accommodate for one day of lessons a week. However, a credit can be applied for the class for a medical absence (if a medical certificate can be provided).

    • Can my child use the pools outside their swimming lesson?

      Absolutely. All children become a member of the Boroondara Leisure Facilities. The students have unlimited access to the pools to practice their newly learnt skills or to just have fun in the water with family and friends. 

      Please note that all our pools are subject to capacity limit as outline by the Victorian Government, and any space outside of lessons is subject to availability
    • Can my child wear a normal nappy in the water?

      Infants are required to wear aqua nappies that are tight fitting around the thighs if they wear a standard nappy when not swimming. Standard nappies are not permitted in the pool. Aqua nappies are available for purchase at Customer Service.
    • Do I have to be in the water with my child during the lesson?

      If your child is under three years of age then a parent / guardian must be in the water for the lesson.
    • Do lessons occur on public holidays?

      Lessons are not conducted on gazetted public holidays. If you miss a lesson due to a public holiday you can arrange a make-up lesson as per our Make-Up Lesson Procedure.

      Alternatively we recommend you make use of your membership benefits which include unlimited pool access at any of the Boroondara Leisure Facilities to practice the skills learnt in lessons and for younger children to maintain familiarity with the aquatic environment.

      Lessons are conducted seven days a week. Some families choose to enrol on a day that isn’t impacted by public holidays.
    • Does my child need goggles?

      Goggles are not a compulsory part of our program, however we highly recommend children gain experience both with and without goggles.

      They may appear insignificant but they can make a large difference to a child’s learning journey as they progress through swimming lessons. Most children who do not wear goggles close their eyes as they swim. This can lead to them becoming disorientated or preoccupied which makes them unable to focus on their stroke technique. We offer a great range of affordable youth goggles. Just ask Customer Service for assistance.
    • How long will it take for my child to learn to swim?

      Every child progresses at a different rate. There is no one answer and we strongly encourage parents to not make comparisons with other children. Some children will progress quickly, others will take considerably longer. Variables that can influence learning include (but not limited to) overcoming a fear, natural aptitude and the amount of practice that occurs outside lessons.

      Progression occurs within a level. Not reaching the next level does not indicate a lack of skill acquisition. Children improve within levels. It is also important for them to learn a skill rather than perform it once before they move to another class.
    • How will I know if my child is ready to move up?

      All students in our program are continually assessed by the teacher for improvement and readiness for upgrading to the next level. Once they feel that a swimmer is ready they will notify the teacher in charge for a formal assessment.

      Regular assessments are also conducted throughout the year to provide you an update on your child's progress.

      The teacher in charge's decision is final and they will discuss the outcome with the swimmer / parent either face to face or via an email progress report.
    • Is the pool heated?

      Yes, all of our indoor and outdoor pools are heated.
    • What do we need to bring?

      Swimwear, towel, goggles and dry clothes to change into after their session.
    • What happens if my child has injured themselves and cannot swim for an extended period of time?

      Medical suspensions are available at no charge for students who are unable to attend two or more consecutive lessons. Medical suspensions can be back-dated for one month and must be arranged in person or email and be accompanied by a supporting medical certificate.
    • What if my child becomes upset during their swimming lesson?

      Please be aware that it is not uncommon for young children to require a period of time to adjust to swimming lessons. Most children will settle within a few weeks; however we do encourage parents of preschool aged children to bring bathers along during the first couple of weeks in case your child requires additional support.
    • What is the Watch Around Water Policy?
      YMCA Victoria is a Watch Around Water endorsed aquatic safety organisation. Watch Around Water is a set of industry guidelines that outline the minimum supervision requirements of young children at aquatic venues.

      We have followed the Watch Around Policy (outlined below) in our centre since 1 September 2019.

      Children under five years old

      • All children must be accompanied into the centre by a person over the age of 18 and be supervised within arms’ reach at all times in the water.
      • All children must wear a pink wristband supplied by YMCA staff to help identify their age while swimming.
      • Children will not be admitted without a full fee paying parent/guardian who must also be in the water at all times.
      • Groups will not be admitted entry where the number of parents/guardians supervising a group of children under five years exceeds the ratio of 1:2.

      Children under 10 years old

      • All children under the age of 10 must be accompanied into the centre by a person over the age of 18.
      • All children must be actively supervised by an adult over the age of 18 at all times. The adult must have a clear and active view of the child with no physical or structural barriers between them (this includes tech and devices
      • such as mobile phones).
      • All children must wear a yellow wristband supplied by YMCA staff to help identify their age while swimming.
      • Groups will not be admitted entry where the number of parents/guardians supervising a group of children under 10 years exceeds the ratio of 1:4.
      For more information visit the Watch Around Water website. 
    • What qualifications and checks do our teachers have?

      Our teachers and teachers in charge hold nationally accredited Teacher of Swimming & Water Safety Certificates, a current CPR and a First Aid certificate. They all hold Working with Children Checks and have undergone a Criminal History Record screen and Safeguarding Children and Young People training.

      All teachers that teach infant lessons hold an additional specialised qualification.
    • Will my child receive a membership card?

      Each student is issued with a membership card which must be scanned by Customer Service at every lesson to gain entry to the pool.