• Are there make-up lessons for missed lessons?

    If you are unable to attend a swim lesson, just let us know prior to the lesson and we will arrange a ‘make-up lesson’ at no cost. We offer four make up lessons per year for primary school children and four credits per year for pre-school children.

  • Can I suspend my Swimming Lesson membership?
    We offer four make-up lessons per year for each member plus a no-cost medical suspension.

    Suspensions during the four non-program weeks (one week over Easter and three weeks over the Christmas and New Year period) are not typically offered as the cost of the 48 program weeks are spread over 52 weeks. Debits that occur during non-program periods are therefore capturing the 48 program weeks only. You are not paying extra for non-program weeks.

    Membership benefits are still active during non-program weeks.

    Medical suspensions are available at no charge for students who are unable to attend two or more consecutive lessons. Medical suspensions can be backdated for one month and must be arranged in person or email and be accompanied by a supporting medical certificate.
  • Can I take photos of my child in their swimming lesson?

    Whilst the YMCA understand the capturing of your magic moments is important, the privacy of others must be respected.

    For this reason we do not allow photos or videos to be taken on pool deck or in the change room areas.

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

    Absolutely. All children become a member of Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre. 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.

  • 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 3 and/or enrolled into one of our infant classes (Starfish, Periwinkle, Minnow) 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.
                 
    Lessons are conducted 7 days a week. Some families choose to enrol on a day that are less 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 do I cancel my membership?

    Swimming lesson memberships are perpetual direct debit agreements with no “lock in” period or cancellation fees; we simply need 14 days written notice of cancellation.

  • How do I pay for swimming lessons?

    Convenient fortnightly direct debit payments encourage continual skill development with no re-enrolment process. Every second Thursday the agreed debit amount is withdrawn from your nominated bank account or credit card.

    The debit pays for the day of the debit and the following thirteen days.

    The cost of the 48 week program is divided evenly over 52 weeks (26 debits). Direct debits therefore occur beyond the program dates.

    If a debit has failed, you will be notified via text and/or email on the debit date. A $10.00 fee is charged for any rejected debit.

  • 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.

    The Teacher in Charge's decision is final and he/she 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 pools are heated.

  • What do we need to bring?

    Bathers, 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 2 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 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.

  • Watch Around Water policy

    At YMCA Victoria we are a Watch Around Water endorsed aquatic safety organisation. The following information is the new watch around water policy launched in centre from 1 September 2019.

    Watch Around Water is a set of industry guidelines outlining the minimum supervision requirements of young children at all affiliated aquatic venues.

    Children under 5 years old

    All children MUST be accompanied into the centre by a person over the age of 18 and 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 5 years exceeds the ratio of 1:2 (effective 1 September 2019).

    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).

    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.

    Birthday parties

    All children under the age of 10 MUST be accompanied into the centre by a person over the age of 18 and handed over to the supervision of the birthday party leader (staff member).

    All birthday party participants must wear a BLUE wristband AND an age based wristband (pink or yellow) to identify their participation in a party (effective 1 September 2019). The adult guardian of the birthday party child MUST remain accessible and actively supervise the group at all times.

    At the conclusion of the birthday party the child/children will remain in the supervision of the birthday party leader and supervising parent until physically handed over to their supervising parent/guardian.

    Visit the watch around water website

    For more information visit the Watch Around Water website.