Why do you think learning to swim is good for my child?
Lessons provide children with confidence, which is great for self-esteem. Your child will learn about water safety in and also around water. Learning to swim is a fantastic way to exercise and provides the development of physical skills including hand-eye coordination, muscle tone and cardiovascular capacity.
What is the philosophy of your program?
Geelong SC Learn to Swim is based on Royal Life Saving Australia’s Swim & Survive program, teaching water safety and correct stroke technique. We also provide various pathways into the 50 or so aquatic activities available in our region, including but not limited too, competitive pool and open water swimming. We provide a fun and safe experience which is welcoming to all and inspires excellence in everyone who is associated with Geelong SC LTS.
What are some of the objectives of your program?
To give children the best opportunity of succeeding in learning to swim and gaining valuable water survival skills for the rest of their life. For some this is feeling comfortable in and around water, for others, it can be making it all the way through the levels, or representing their school, swim or surf club at a competitive event
What traits do kids have who are successful in your program?
A positive approach to having fun, learning, training, being resilient, hardworking, and persistent.
What traits do parents have who are happy in your program?
Happy to accept their child’s ability for what it is, and happy to accept their child’s results for what they are. Supportive of their child regardless of if they are achieving new skills or struggling to achieve new skills.
Is your program affiliated with Royal Life Saving Australia?
Yes, we re-affiliate with Royal Life Saving Australia every year.
Do classes run during school holidays?
Yes, classes run for 49 weeks of the year. We have a 3 week shut down period over Christmas, and observe all other public holidays throughout the year where lessons aren’t provided. These days are nominated at the start of each year, and are usually specific Geelong public holidays.
Is there someone in the office until the pool closes?
Our administration team work from 4pm – 7:30pm. Managers and admin staff on pool deck can assist with inquiries and will do their best to resolve them on the spot. However, if pressed for time or unable to correct an issue immediately, contact will be made the following day to resolve the inquiry.
How do I enrol?
Simply email us with your child’s name, birthdate, medical conditions (if any), contact number, address and phone number. We’ll then be in touch to organise an assessment to determine what level your child is in our program
Can my child be enrolled with siblings and or best friends?
We do our best to try and accommodate families to come in at the same times, however please note, it’s impossible to accommodate all requests. As such we will offer lesson times that are in our operating schedule to maximise pool time and provide a quality learning experience. We will work with families to find out a solution if their first preference can’t be accommodated.
Can my child be moved at the same time or class as siblings and or their best friends?
Providing they meet the criteria, absolutely! However, we’ve learned over time and wish to advise parents that children learn, develop and progress through levels at their own pace. Geelong SC LTS won’t be influenced or be compromised meeting the necessary standards of a level so a child can swim with siblings or be in the same class as a friend.
What does my child need to bring?
A big smile!
Plus, a cap, pair of goggles, a towel and warm clothes. If you don’t have a cap, we do have a small amount for sale at the pool. Please see our Manager to organise. Also, if you happen to forget your cap and goggles, please come and see the Manager and we’ll organise some spares for you
What kind of ongoing training do instructors receive?
All instructors continue to upgrade their skills and attend education sessions to obtain their swim teaching accreditation. GSCLTS runs its own internal staff workshops every 6-8 weeks as part of that ongoing training.
Can I watch lessons?
Absolutely! The seated viewing area is inside the pool along the far wall.
Parents please note, we have a staff only area on the opposite side of the pool, and ask that you don’t encroach this area under any circumstances as its strictly enforced. In the case of an emergency our staff or Manager will collect and escort you from the opposite side of the pool.
Do you have rules regarding parents watching lessons?
We encourage parents to take an interest in their child’s lessons and progress in the allocated seated viewing area. However, we do ask that parents don’t coach their children from the sidelines, so children don’t get confused about what they are being asked to do, nor encroach the staff area on the opposite side of the pool.
How are fees paid?
All lesson payments are via EziDebit.
To secure your spot in the LTS swim school EziDebit must be activated upon enrolling payments are then debited from the nominated bank account (BSB & Account number) or Credit Card (Mastercard or Visa only – no American Express) on the 15th of each month.
What are the fees?
Pricing is fixed for 12 months and will be as follows irrespective of class length.
- 30, 45 and 60 min classes – $91.87 per child month
Plus the ezidebit fee (2% for payments with a credit card and 0.88c for direct debits) based on $22.50/lesson over a 49 week period, paid over 12 equal months.
Do you offer a family discount?
Yes, we offer a 4% discount for families with 3 or more siblings. This discount can’t be transferred to relatives or friends.
How do I pay fees?
All payments are processed through our direct debit facility EziDebit on the 15th of each month.
What other costs are associated?
The only other associated costs are a bag, towel, bathers, cap and googles. We supply equipment such as kick boards and other training aids.
Do I have to pay for sessions my child doesn’t attend?
You may suspend lessons and direct debits due to holiday, illness or injury provided for a term greater than two weeks. Please contact [email protected].
Please note, If it is an injury or illness, you will need to provide a medical certificate issued by a medical practitioner registered by AHPRA that states the student’s name and the period of illness or injury for a maximum suspension period of 6 weeks. If the child is absent for longer, we will remove them from the lesson.
Holiday requests need to be made 30 days in advance. Verbal requests will not be accepted. To avoid direct debit payments being debited, students will be removed from their respective classes. Lessons will recommence on the nominated return date, and wherever possible we will do our best to place the student in the same class as before the suspension noting this is often impossible with the lower levels. Please note we do not offer credit or make up lessons for one off missed lessons.
Please note, If it is an injury or illness, you will need to provide a medical certificate issued by a medical practitioner registered by AHPRA that states the student’s name and the period of illness or injury. Holiday requests need to be made 30 days in advance.
Verbal requests will not be accepted. To avoid direct debit payments being debited, students will be removed from their respective classes. Lessons will recommence on the nominated return date, and wherever possible we will do our best to place the student in the same class as before the suspension.
Please note we do not offer credit or make up lessons for one off missed lessons.
What if Geelong SC LTS can’t provide a lesson?
If we cancel a lesson due to unforeseen circumstances at the pool, the next months debit will reflect the missed lesson.
What happens if my child’s lesson falls on a public holiday?
You won’t be charged. Our invoicing system factors in allocated public holidays and invoices/direct debit payments are adjusted accordingly.
What if my child suffers an illness or injury of up to two weeks duration?
Unfortunately, for any injury or illness of up to two weeks a credit/refund or make up lesson will not be applied.
What if I would like to take a holiday?
You may suspend future lessons and direct debits for a reason other than illness or injury. To request a suspension, please enquire request via email. Verbal requests will not be accepted.
30 days notice (one payment period) is required, and suspensions cannot be backdated. The last payment will be debited within 2 days of suspending lessons and reflect lessons until your last lesson date.
Direct debit payments will recommence on the return date specified on the suspension application form, and wherever possible we will place the student in the same class as before the suspension.
Please note that make up lessons are not available.
How many levels are in your program?
There are nine levels in the curriculum. Swimmers are taught foundation skills and systematic techniques throughout the whole curriculum that develops their competencies and establishes progressions.
What is the basic outline of level competencies in your program?
Level 01 Independent movement
Level 02 Basic freestyle arms over, back kicking and sculling
Level 03 Freestyle with bilateral breathing introduction of backstroke and lifesaving backstroke
Level 03+ Progression of survival backstroke kick
Level 04 Introduces breaststroke kick
Level 05 Introduction of basic breaststroke with arms and legs
Level 06 Correct breaststroke timing and introduction of dolphin kick
Level 07 Introduction of basic butterfly arms
Level 08 Introduction of sidestroke, butterfly drills and tumble turns
Level 09 Symmetrical and simultaneous butterfly, arms and feet together
How long are the lessons?
Level 01 to 03+ – 30min
Level 04 to 06 – 45min
Level 07 to 09 & advanced – 60min
How many are in a class?
Level 01 to 03+ up to 4 children
Level 04 to 06 up to 6 children
Level 07 to 09 has up to 8
Advanced classes can accommodate 15 plus swimmers depending on lane availability.
***Sometimes there may be more temporarily.
How do I know the progress of my child and their respective level?
We welcome parents to speak with the Manager who can advise on their progress. You can also view your child’s class and level details via the Customer Portal.
How is the curriculum for each level determined?
The skills are defined by Royal Life Saving Australia’s Swim and Survive program. These outlines are incorporated into our lesson plans to ensure children learn the necessary skills. Geelong SC LTS also have our own internal standards such as children being able to repetitively perform a criteria task before they move to the next level. Our aim is to teach competent swimmers and survival skills, not just a students who can reach a criteria outline once.
How do you decide when children move up a level?
If they meet the criteria outlined and their instructor is comfortable with their progress. If a parent doesn’t necessarily agree, they can discuss this with the Manager and one of our experienced staff will take them for a re-assessment and provide feedback.
How do Geelong SC LTS communicate progress or problems?
Usually in person after a lesson, or by email.
What does the next level’s schedule look like?
All levels are based on once per week, although you can do more if you choose too. Lesson times are dependant on the levels of your child’s class.
How long can I expect my child to have this time slot? How frequently does the schedule change?
Changing days or levels depends on each child’s ability and progress and also class availability at that time. Once the criteria for the next level is met, the child will then progress to the next level where preferred lesson times will be discussed.
How do you handle discipline issues?
It depends on the child’s age and their actions. Usually, they will be given a time out, but more serious offences will be discussed and dealt with parents.
What happens if my child cries during a lesson?
It’s perfectly normal. We don’t have a “no crying” policy, but it greatly depends on the situation. It can and does happen, usually because of frustration at not being able to do something or simply having a bit of a bad day. Our instructors have expertise in dealing with these situations.
How do you deal with conflict between kids?
We speak to the children, and if necessary, we will speak to their parents. The pool is to be a safe place for all.
How frequently do the instructors change?
We try to ensure the same instructor for the same class for the duration of the year. Instructors may change depending on availability (holidays, sick days etc)
As a parent can I approach an instructor during a lesson?
No. We have admin staff on pool deck at all times to answer parent enquiries and we encourage parents to speak to them. If a child is struggling during a lesson, and requires a bathroom break, our instructor will let you know.
We provide a safe and welcoming environment for all. Any demonstrative behaviour toward staff or other children is frowned upon and the individual/s will be asked to leave the facility.
If my child’s instructor is absent, who is the substitute?
Another instructor with comparable qualifications and experience.
How does that substitute know what to work on with my child?
All instructors are required to know the lesson plans (for safety reasons as well as planning purposes), and a substitute instructor will follow this lesson plan as well as any information the regular instructor has passed on.
Are instructors background checked?
All instructors and managers must have a Working with Children Check (WWCC).
How frequently are background checks conducted?
A WWCC must be renewed every five years and are monitored on a monthly basis to ensure they are valid. For more information go to workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au.
Does someone have CPR and/or First Aid training?
All instructors and Mangers have CPR qualifications
Where do you keep First Aid supplies?
On pool deck and in the Pool Office
Does Geelong GSCLTS have emergency plans?
Yes. We work with and follow the emergency plans of Christian College
If the pool had to be evacuated, where would my child go?
Out the allocated emergency exit door, depending on the nature of the emergency, and to the emergency location/evacuation area of Christian College. In that scenario, please follow the instructions of GSCLTS staff.
Where can I find your Terms and Conditions?
You can find our terms and conditions here.
Get Started
No matter where your child is on their swimming journey our program has a place for them. Our coaches are excited welcome you to the region’s finest learn to swim school.