FAQ
Frequently asked questions – all those questions you may have….
For Swimming Lessons ( LTS ) and self-paced Exercise ( SPE ) at Alexandra Indoor Heated Pool.
How do I enroll?
You can enroll via our website www.alexindoorheatedpool.org.au/programs.
How long do lessons go for?
- LTS Lessons are 30 minutes in duration.
- SPE sessions are 45 minutes in duration.
How much do LTS lessons or SPe sessions cost? Do you cater for Private Lessons?
Please check out the image below.
Yes, we have Private lessons available.
(This is subject to staff availability)
Can I suspend my lessons?
Lessons can be suspended in writing to the centre. Suspending lessons will not guarantee your place once you decide to return to lessons. We do require a minimum of 2 weeks’ notice.
The remaining lesson fees will be left as a credit on your family account.
How do I cancel my lessons?
All enrolments are perpetual (ongoing) and payments will be required until written notice of cancellation is submitted by you. Two (2) weeks’ notice is required to cease your enrolment.
A lesson cancellation request must be completed in full and emailed to swimwithus@alexindoorheatedpool.org.au
If you are withdrawing due to medical reasons, we will action your cancellation as soon as we receive notification in writing, along with a copy of a medical certificate.
Credits or Refunds will not be granted for missed lessons.
What is your make-up lesson policy?
Unfortunately, due to the high demand for places, we do not offer make-up lessons.
Will I have the same swim teacher every lesson?
We try to keep our students with the same teacher, but this isn’t always possible, particularly as your child progresses through the levels of our Swim School program.
We have a set program, so if a regular teacher is absent, the teacher covering will teach all the skills necessary for that level.
We find that at times a different teacher can in fact be a good thing, as they are often able to provide different teaching points to master a certain swimming skill.
What happens if we can’t make a lesson?
We understand that things come up from time to time that may prevent you from attending your lesson such as illness. If you can’t make it, please text us or email us and we’ll see you for the next lesson. Missed classes are not credited unless there is a medical certificate, this credit goes onto your account.
Do parents have to attend LTS lessons with their children?
Yes, parents and/or guardians must actively supervise their children during their lessons.
Parental Supervision – It is a condition of entry to Alexandra Indoor Heated Pool Inc that all children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian whilst at the centre.
Children under 3 years old:
A responsible parent/guardian will be required to be in the water during the lesson.
Children under 10 years old:
Must be accompanied into the centre by a responsible parent/guardian and be constantly and actively supervised.
Participants under the age of 10 will not be accepted into lessons if their parent or guardian is absent.
Parents and/or guardians must have a clear view of their child at all times.
Children under the age of 10 must be activity supervised by parents at all times within the centre and while in the water.
Alexandra Indoor Heated Pool Inc. is a Watch Around the Water accredited facility, please help support this policy and please see the Lifesaving Victoria website for more information about water safety: Watch Around Water |https://lsv.com.au/pool-safety-services/watch-around-water/
Children over 10 years old:
For children 10 years and older, parents must use their knowledge of the child’s swimming ability and general development to determine the level of accompaniment required. This is then assessed by our qualified LTS teachers.
When are lessons held?
Lessons are run during the Victorian school term, and this is subject to community needs and the availability of staff. Some school holiday intensives are held. Enquire at the office and or look for notices on our Facebook page or term newsletter.
Alexandra Indoor Heated Pool Inc. is closed on public holidays. No lessons will take place on these days.
What age group do you cater for?
Our swimming lessons cater to ages 6 months to adults, and no one is ever too old to learn to swim or enjoy self-paced exercise.
What qualifications do your swim teachers have?
Our teachers are all industry-trained either Austswim or LSV, they have a first aid certificate. All staff have a current Working with Children’s Check.
How will I be informed of my child’s progress?
Students are assessed by their teacher. Progress reports will be provided to you in a number of ways, including online portal updates and in-person where appropriate.
We will advise you when your child has completed their level and what the next steps are.
If you ever have a question about your child’s progress, please speak to your Learn to Swim teacher.
Is your program accredited?
Yes, our program is accredited with the Royal Lifesaving Victoria Swim and Survive Program.
The centre is also an Austswim accredited centre. We are members of ARV – Aquatics and Recreation Victoria which is Victoria’s peak industry body for aquatics and recreation.
Once we’re enrolled, can we change our day and time?
There is a high demand for places in our Sessions. Once you’re enrolled, it may be some time before you can change the day and time of your swimming lesson. If your circumstances change, please contact us to see if an alternative lesson day and time are available. This is not guaranteed.
How often should we attend swimming lessons?
Lessons are weekly and run during the school term.
I have more than one child, will their classes be on the same day and time?
Due to the learn-to-swim schedule, we can’t guarantee we can enroll your children on the same day and time. We will try our best to accommodate their lessons as close together as possible.
What are my payment options and what is your policy around payments?
You can pay by EFT on receipt of your invoice. Invoices are sent out before swim sessions/lessons.
No fees – No Swim – We are a Not for Profit (NFP) – an incorporated body. Our management team are all volunteers and are parents themselves so they get it – it can be challenging to juggle payments and bills, but we do not have the resources to chase people for payment.
So, to make it easier for all our no-fee no-swim policy has been in place since early 2021.
What should I bring to my lesson?
Well-fitting bathers, goggles, a towel, and a swimming cap (optional but encouraged).
Long hair should be tied back and out of the face. All learn-to-swim equipment is provided during the lesson.
Please note we have a no-jewellery policy. All jewellery must be removed before lessons and or taped. ( see below )
For public health reasons, parents should ensure that;
- Children participating in parent/toddler classes must always wear an aqua nappy while in the pool.
- Children of any age who are not toilet trained must always wear an aqua nappy while in the pool.
- Any swimmer who has recently had diarrhea or gastro symptoms should not attend swimming lessons or use the pool for at least 14 days after symptoms have ceased.
- If any swimmer has a cough or cold, you should let them recover fully before resuming classes.
How many children are in the class?
The maximum number of students in a lesson varies by age group and skill category of the swimmers. We are a small pool so our numbers are low to ensure safety at all times.
As a general guide, the maximum number of students enrolled in each class is:
- Babies (6 months – 3 yrs old): Maximum of 8 students per class.
- Pre-school (3-5 years old): Maximum of 4 students per class.
- School aged (5-14 years): Maximum of 6 students per class.
- Adults (15 and over): Maximum of 5 -8 students per class.
What time should I arrive for my lesson?
We recommend you arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your lessons to get yourself settled and ready for the lessons.
On arrival
We ask on arrival that you report to reception and wait downstairs until class running is finished to avoid congestion. We are trying to reduce the number of people on deck during classes.
We ask parents to supervise siblings in and around the stairs (stairs can be dangerous) and the pool itself and they need to stay in the building.
This also means we respectfully ask that parents be present at the pool while classes are running, as it is all our responsibility that our kids are safe around water especially those under 10 years of age.
Please ensure no food and drink is up on the deck.
Earrings and piercings
NO Earrings or piercings TO BE WORN IN THE POOL
As we are a NFP we don’t have the resources to replace the liner in the pool – it would cost us just over $20K to replace not to mention potentially a term without classes for our students and no work for our staff.
The total cost to replace with lost revenue would be insurmountable not to mention we would all be so sad that our locals couldn’t use the pool in the time it takes to repair.
So, swim caps can be worn, or jewelry can be removed or taped. Tape can be purchased at the supermarket or chemist.
Showers
Our on-deck shower needs to be used before entering the pool and can be used post-session.
If you are using the all-abilities shower please limit your time and respect others waiting.
Cards accepted
We currently accept a Pension or Disability Card only for concession – a Health Care Card is not accepted currently.
Please make sure the office has your details on file to get a discounted class.
Does the swim and survive program align with the new Victorian water safety certificate?
The Royal Life Saving Society of Australia (RLSSA) and Life Saving Victoria (LSV) assisted in the development of the Victorian Water Safety Certificate (VWSC). The VWSC is equivalent to the successful completion of Level 6 within the Swim & Survive program.
Regarding the venue
- Do you have shower facilities?
We have one all-abilities shower cubical on floor level and an on-deck rinse shower which must be used before entering the pool.
- Is the pool salt water or chlorinated?
Our pool is a mineral saltwater pool.
- Is your pool heated?
Our pool is heated up to 30ᴼC using a solar heat pump system.
- Do I have to book a session, or can I just walk in?
Yes, you do have to book a session. This is so we can make sure there is enough space for everyone to do their exercise. You can book by calling the facility or by emailing us at swimwithus@alexindoorheatedpool.org.au
Do you have facilities for special needs patrons?
- A male and female-accessible toilet.
- A unisex-accessible toilet and shower.
- A wheelchair lift for access to the pool deck
- A hoist for access to the pool.
- A Platypus Aquatic Wheelchair.
What are your prices? ( 01 01 2024 )
Learn to Swim – 30 minutes per week school terms
Sessions are $22.00 per child/ per adult ( *5% discount on 2nd/3rd child and 10% on 4th child and above.)
Private or group $55.00
Private Concession $52.00
Water Therapy/Self-paced Exercise – 45 mins per week school terms
Sessions are $20.00 Adult
Concession $18.00 Adult
Fun and Fitness – 45 minutes per week school terms
Sessions are $20.00 Adult Pay per term
Water aerobics
All fees are paid in advance – no pay no swim – pay per term
Sessions are available – programs and times may vary depending upon demand & availability of staff.
Alexandra Indoor Heated Pool Inc Swim School – Terms & Conditions
Code of Behaviour
All students and parents are required to always follow the Code of Behaviour. There are signs with the venue please ensure that you and or your children follow the rules.
Failure to follow the Code of Behaviour may result in removal from the swimming program. The Code of Behaviour is available from the Alexandra Indoor Heated Pool at any time.
Do you have a complaints policy and a procedure for AIHP Inc?
Yes, we do and this is included in your class registration documents, which you receive and must sign that you have read this via the customer portal.
If you cannot find it or require a copy please let the office Admin team know.
One final question – How are you funded?
We are funded by the community who need to learn to swim sessions for their children and self-paced exercise classes.
Their payments help us keep the doors open.
We are supported by a volunteer committee of management, an amazing paid staff team, and HUGE business and community support.
We apply for grants to ensure our infrastructure projects are funded and value the support of project partners such as the Victorian State Government, Murrindindi Shire Council, and FRRR.
Many local residents quietly donate time and or resources for smaller items needed to ensure our community-run, community-funded venue is successful.
If you have got this far you are a legend. thanks from the AIHP Inc. team.