Kingston Pool & Swimming Centre

Frequently Asked Questions about Learn to Swim

How do I know which class to put my child in?
Our swimmers are grouped by ability level. We use a nationally recognised system developed by the Royal Life Saving Society of WA. To ensure you are placed in the correct class, we require all new swimmers or those who have had a term's break to be assessed by one of our teachers. This only takes 10 minutes and can be arranged by phone the pool on (03) 6229 6017.

I would like my child to have a particular teacher. Is this possible?
Unfortunately many of our swimming teachers are also school teachers and thus have varying schedules. Therefore our swimming teachers are not finalised until the week before the programme starts (at the latest). However we do very much welcome any requests for a particular teacher. Please indicate this to our office staff when making your booking. We will do our best to facilitate your request.

I have a special requirement regarding payment, etc. Who should I speak to?
We recognise that some people may have a special requirement regarding payment, lesson times etc. If this is you, please arrange to speak to our learn to swim coordinator.

I have three children, will their lessons be at the same time?
For families of multiple children we try to ensure they all come on the same day and if you enrol early we may be able to arrange for them to have their classes within an hour (eg two children at 3.30 and then the third at 4.00). We do stress the importance of early enrolment to heighten the chance of this being possible.

Should my child visit the doctor before beginning swimming lessons?
It is not essential that your child has a consultation with a doctor prior to commencement of swimming lessons. However, if you are concerned that a particular condition from which your child suffers should inhibit your child's participation in swimming lessons please arrange a consultation with your doctor.

Does my child have to wear a swimming cap?
Yes. At our pool we require all swimmers to wear a swimming cap. This allows our water to remain much clearer, keeps our filters clean and allows us to use less chlorine and still have our pool looking beautiful. If your child does not have a cap, we loan caps free of charge and also have them for sale.

What happens if I miss a class?
If your child is absent or sick we will happily offer you family casual swim pass. It is our policy not to refund or carry credit over from term-to-term. We also no longer offer catch ups as they cause too much disruption to classes.

My child has only come to three classes in the term but I have paid. Can I get a refund?
It is our policy not to refund or to carry credit over from term-to-term. We will arrange casual family swim passes for you. We believe that this system is more than fair as we must cover costs and by us reserving your spot it is likely that we have turned away someone else as there is high demand for our classes.

Do classes still run on public holidays such as Australia Day or Eight Hours Day?
Yes. Our centre is still open and operational on public holidays, including learn-to-swim. The only break in the term is for Easter where we take one week off. Apart from that, classes will still run on all public holidays including Eight Hours Day, Australia Day, Show Day, and Queens Birthday.

I would like to speak to my child's teacher. When can I do this?
At our centre, our swimming teachers are fully approachable. If you would like to speak to your child's teacher quickly please do so in the change-over between classes (ie during free-time at the end of the class). If you need an in-depth chat please speak to our office staff and arrange for your child's teacher to call you at home at a time which is convenient.

Can I pay for my lessons weekly?
Yes, you can. However there are a few things to note.
Firstly, you must pay even if you miss a class. We will still offer you a swim pass as a catch up. You must also pay in regular instalments as arranged with management or we will charge you a late fee.
We discourage customers from using this option as it increases the load on our office staff and also means you have to wait at the window each week. It is better to pay your fees in one or two installments.

How can I pay?
We take all forms of payment including cash, cheque, EFTPOS (credit, savings, cheque) including Bank Card, Visa, MasterCard.

I want my child to continue. When and how do I re-book?
Come and see our office staff half-way through the term to put your name down on the waiting list for next term. Our class allocations are done on a first-in-first-serve basis.
We stress the importance of re-booking BEFORE the end of the term. Don't wait until the last week or all of the spaces will be taken. Our teachers determine the appropriate class for your child by week 10 and inform our office staff at this time. The earlier your child is on the waiting list the more chance you will have of being enrolled at your preferred time.

Do we get a certificate at the end of the term?
Yes, All students receive a certificate indicating the various competencies they have completed. Please realise that it is not reasonable to expect a child to pass a stage each term. It is important to focus on the competencies the student has achieved rather than place pressure to "pass" a level.

Will my child be with the same teacher next term?
We cannot guarantee that your child will remain with the teacher in future programmes as many of our swimming teachers have other "day jobs" and can have varying schedules. Therefore our swimming teachers are not finalised until the week before the programme starts (at the latest). However we do very much welcome any requests for a particular teacher. Please indicate this to our office staff when making your booking. We will do our best to facilitate your request.