FAQs
Our School
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 physical skills including hand-eye coordination, muscle tone and cardiovascular capacity.
What is the philosophy of your program?
Fiona Skinner Learn to Swim promotes water safety, correct stroke technique and provides various pathways into the 50 or so aquatic activities available in our region, including competitive pool and open water swimming. We provide a fun and safe recreational experience which is welcoming to all and inspires excellence in everyone who is associated with FSLTS.
What are some of the objectives of your program?
To give children the best opportunity of succeeding in learning to swim and gaining water survival competency 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, 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, 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?
Classes run for 47 weeks of the year. Swimmers have four weeks off, plus some other days throughout the year where there are no lessons. These days are set at the start of each year.
What are the closures for holidays?
The pool is closed for two weeks over Christmas, a week during Easter and Victorian public holidays.
Is there someone in the office until the pool closes?
Our administration team, work from 9am – 5pm. Managers 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 assist it will be done the following day
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Enrolling
How do I enrol?
Simply fill out this form via our website https://cutt.ly/njDngOC 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 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 and progress through levels at their own pace. FSLTS 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
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Attending Lessons
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 coaches receive?
All instructors need to obtain updating points, so they can reaccredit in the next year. FSLTS also has its own internal staff training days, and we also support our staff at various industry conferences.
Can I watch training?
Absolutely! The viewing area is inside the pool along the wall.
Do you have rules regarding how much parents can watch training?
No, 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.
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Financial
How do you invoice?
Currently we invoice per term, however we will be migrating across to EziDebit on July 1st, 2021 where an option of monthly or block debits will be offered.
What are the fees?
It’s currently $19 per lesson. Depending on how many times per week your child swims the cost will obviously vary over the Term.
How do I pay fees?
You can pay by internet transfer until July 1st, 2021. From July we will then be providing a 47-week 12-month direct debit program, You can view invoices and direct debits through our Customer Portal, or ask for a copy via email [email protected]
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?
Generally, there are no refunds or credits for non-medical reasons or for medical reasons that require less than three weeks’ time off. If you have a medical certificate, please provide a copy to the Manager or email it through and we’ll be in touch.
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Lesson and Class Structure
How many levels are in your program?
We have seven levels. Within the first three levels we have development Levels. Beginning at D1, 1, D2, 2, D3, 3 and 3+. This assists children to accomplish and build through the foundation levels in a systematic and progressive manner. Levels 4 – 7 is where children are competent in Freestyle, Backstroke, Survival Backstroke, and swimmers begin learning competitive strokes Breaststroke and Butterfly, competitive skills such as starts and turns and increase the volume of laps performed.
How long are the lessons?
Level D1 to D3- – 30min
Level D3 to 4 – 45min
Level 5 and above – 60min
How many are in a class?
Level D1 to D3- has up to 4 children
Level D3 – 4 has up to 6 children
Level 5 – 7 has up to 8
Advanced has up to 15 spread across several lanes.
***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. We are currently working to incorporate level updates in our Customer portal (mobile app that is available to all enrolled)
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. FSLTS 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 swimmer who can reach a criteria outline once.
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Moving up a Level
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 experienced staff will take them for a re-assessment and provide feedback.
How do coaches communicate progress or problems?
Usually in person after training, or via phone after a training session.
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Class Schedule
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 schedule?
Usually for the 2021 calendar year, although sometimes the times change depending on progress.
How frequently does the schedule change?
Days and times for 2021 will be set at the beginning of the year and generally children will stay in that class until they meet the all the criteria set by Royal Life Saving Australia. And can be then moved to the next level. Once the criteria are met, swimmers will then progress to the next level. where preferred lesson times will be discussed.
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Class Discipline and Conflict
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 training?
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 also. The pool is to be a safe place for all.
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Teachers and Coaches
How frequently do the coaches 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 a Manager on pool deck at all times to answer parent inquiries 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 swimmers is frowned upon and the individual/s will be asked to leave the facility.
If my child’s coach 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 for the duration they are valid. For more information go to www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au.
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Emergency Management
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 FSLTS 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 one of the two exit doors, depending on the nature of the emergency and the location of your child within in the pool. In that scenario, please follow the instructions of FSLTS staff.