• 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. Every student is entitled to 4 make-up lessons for every 12 months of enrolment.
  • Can I suspend my Swimming Lesson membership?

    We offer 4 make-up lessons per year for each member plus a no-cost medical suspension.

    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 to the centre and be accompanied by a supporting medical certificate. 

    We offer three weeks of suspension over the December/ January period and one week over the Easter period. 

  • Can I take photos of my child in their swimming lesson?

    Whilst the YMCA welcomes the capturing of your magic moments, the privacy of others must be respected.

    For this reason we do not allow photos or videos to be taken on pool deck without prior arrangement and the following conditions:

    • All persons within the pool areas must have signed a photo consent form
    • Any photos taken must not be published or broadcast without prior consent

    Under no circumstances are cameras, video cameras or mobile phones to be used in change room areas.

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

    Absolutely. All children become a member of the Kensington Community Recreation 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.
  • Does my child need goggles?
    Goggles are not a compulsory part of our program, we recommend children gain experience both with and without goggles. Infant students do not require goggles. 
  • 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.

    Our debits are dividing evenly over the 48 programs weeks (24 fortnightly debits).

    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 to a comfortable temperature.
  • What do we need to bring?
    Bathers, towel, goggles (infants do not need 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 is the Watch Around Water Policy?
    Children under 5 must be accompanied in the water and remain within arm’s reach of an adult.

    Children under 12 must be accompanied and constantly supervised by an adult 17+.

    In swimming lessons, students enrolled in infant (Starfish, Periwinkle, Minnow) classes require an adult to be in the water with them.

    To provide the safest possible environment at all times, in other swimming lesson classes, parents are required to abide by Watch Around Water with constant supervision of their children under 12.

    http://www.watcharoundwater.org.au/

  • What qualifications and checks do our teachers have?
    Our Teachers and Teachers In Charge hold nationally accredited Teacher of Swimming & Water Safety Certificates by AUSTSWIM, 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.