How long will it take for my child to learn to swim?
Learning to swim takes time. Like school, it's an ongoing process. We would never think "one term in Kindy at their local school means my child has learnt everything."
It is the same for swimming.
To ensure continuous skill development, lessons need to be a regular part of your child's routine. The more consisitent your attendance throughout the year, the better the results.
It is the same for swimming.
To ensure continuous skill development, lessons need to be a regular part of your child's routine. The more consisitent your attendance throughout the year, the better the results.
Are our teachers qualified?
All our swimming teachers and coaches are required to have a valid Working With Children Check number. They are also required to obtain CPR accreditation and attain a nationally recognised teaching qualification.
In addition to this, they complete our own intensive Col Jones Swim School Swimming Teacher Training. This training is co-ordinated by our fully qualified Workplace Trainer and Assessor.
The Col Jones Teacher Training System ensures new teachers undergo thorough training, which includes class observation, theory workshops, video sessions and supervised teaching before they are able to teach their own classes.
In addition to this, they complete our own intensive Col Jones Swim School Swimming Teacher Training. This training is co-ordinated by our fully qualified Workplace Trainer and Assessor.
The Col Jones Teacher Training System ensures new teachers undergo thorough training, which includes class observation, theory workshops, video sessions and supervised teaching before they are able to teach their own classes.
What should I expect when coming for my first lesson?
On your first day aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early. When you arrive at the pool please check in at reception. You will be given a coloured ticket which will indicate what level your child is on.
If you need to get changed we have change rooms available and we recommend toileting your child before commencement of your class to minimise disruption. We also have showers available for use at the completion of the class.
This will allow you and your child to arrive relaxed to your first class. Please do not enter the pool until requested. Please exit after the class has finished.
If you need to get changed we have change rooms available and we recommend toileting your child before commencement of your class to minimise disruption. We also have showers available for use at the completion of the class.
This will allow you and your child to arrive relaxed to your first class. Please do not enter the pool until requested. Please exit after the class has finished.
Do your swimming classes run by the Term?
Our swimming classes run all year round because for a child to achieve results they should be regularly enrolled in swimming lessons. we book by the calendar month, not by school terms. Most children take swimming lessons once a week, but you can swim as often as you like!
In addition to our regular lessons, every school holiday we conduct a School Holiday Program, where for a reduced fee, your child can receive intensive tuition each weekday. We find our School Holiday Program provides a boost to their confidence and swimming ability.
In addition to our regular lessons, every school holiday we conduct a School Holiday Program, where for a reduced fee, your child can receive intensive tuition each weekday. We find our School Holiday Program provides a boost to their confidence and swimming ability.
What is your payment structure?
We have a variety of options so we can be as flexible as possible for our customers.
Monthly Booking
This books you in for the same day and time for the calendar month. This comes at a discount to the casual payment.
Casual Payment
If you can’t come to swimming lessons at a regular time each week or would like to try us for the first time this option may suit you. Simply contact us and see if we have a spot available at a convenient time. When using casual payment you do not have a permanent spot.
Please note prior to booking in your first lesson, all bookings whether monthly or casual, you need to fill out a registration form first. We do not offer online registration. Registration must be completed at the centre. We take bookings up to a week in advance.
Monthly Booking
This books you in for the same day and time for the calendar month. This comes at a discount to the casual payment.
Casual Payment
If you can’t come to swimming lessons at a regular time each week or would like to try us for the first time this option may suit you. Simply contact us and see if we have a spot available at a convenient time. When using casual payment you do not have a permanent spot.
Please note prior to booking in your first lesson, all bookings whether monthly or casual, you need to fill out a registration form first. We do not offer online registration. Registration must be completed at the centre. We take bookings up to a week in advance.
Do I need to supervise my child at the pool?
Parents and guardians are required to be present before, during and after their child’s swimming lessons.
IS ON-SITE PARKING AVAILABLE?
We have a covered car park with 21 spaces. For swim schoolers, parking is free. For free parking, please validate your number plate at our reception. Please note that during peak times the carpark can be FULL. So please, allow enough time to park to avoid disappointment.
How do you reward achievements by the students?
We have a unique Progress Chart that maps out all the levels. The Progress Chart is a sticker chart we use to motivate our students through their learn to swim journey. Upon successful completion of a level, the child will be awarded a sticker which they can add to their sticker chart. As an added extra, we also award certificates at special stages. These stickers and certificates are wonderful for a child’s self-esteem and self-confidence.
How are the pools kept so clean?
The water at the Col Jones Swim School Hurstville is cleaned by state of the art plant room facilities. We have the latest technology in chemical disinfection, filtration and UV systems. This ensures conditions are perfect for learning.
How do I redeem my Active Kids Rebate voucher?
Active Kids Rebate vouchers can be redeemed at our centres reception. Please see our friendly reception staff and they will be happy to help.
When and how often are my children assessed?
As our swimming program is ongoing and all children progress at different rates, your children are constantly being evaluated by our Instructors. As soon as they may be ready for the next level your child will be reviewed by the Pool Deck Supervisor. If they are ready, they will be awarded a sticker that day and be in the next level as of their next lesson. This ensures your child is given every opportunity to succeed in our program.
Who should I talk to regarding my child’s progress?
The best person to talk to about your child’s progress is our Pool Deck Supervisors as they monitor your child's progress each lesson. These staff can be found easily as they wear a red shirt and are located poolside. Our Supervisors are always available to liaise between parents and teachers and answer any of your questions. They are there to help you. So please, say g’day to one of our supervisors today!
What if my child is regressing?
We aim to provide a challenging and stimulating learning environment in which your child will excel. However, progress may not always be equal and constant every lesson. Learning to swim is not easy for everyone. It is common for children to appear to make no progress at all at some stage. At times, they may even regress for several lessons. Please be patient, it will not be for want of trying by the teachers and they understand it is part of the learning process.
Our pool deck supervisors closely monitor the length of time on a level and work closely with our teaching staff to get the best possible progression for your child. If you have any concerns please discuss with our pool deck supervisors. They are there to help.
Please remember - consistency is the key to skill acquisition. Constant regular lessons are extremely important to achieving progress.
Our pool deck supervisors closely monitor the length of time on a level and work closely with our teaching staff to get the best possible progression for your child. If you have any concerns please discuss with our pool deck supervisors. They are there to help.
Please remember - consistency is the key to skill acquisition. Constant regular lessons are extremely important to achieving progress.
Why do you use teaching aids?
We use teaching aids (i.e floaties) in our program to assist in the progression of our swimmers. We have found that wearing flotation aids reduces anxiety and gives the child the confidence to concentrate on the skill rather than being worried about the water. As the child gains co-ordination and strength in the skill, the task becomes easier and the level of teaching aid support is gradually reduced. This allows the swimmer to progress without stress, resulting in better co-ordination.
Is swimming more than once a week beneficial?
We have found over the years that those children who participate in more than one lesson per week experience faster progression through the levels. During the school holidays we also offer our School Holiday Program, where for a reduced fee your child can receive intensive swimming tuition each week day. Check with reception about booking a second swimming lesson or to find out more about our School Holiday Program.
Why is the pool so warm?
All our classes are conducted indoors in warm clean water. Water temperature is maintained at the optimum level for teaching children to swim, so no matter what the weather outside is, the learner will be comfortable.
Should I continue classes during winter?
Our indoor heated pools with consistent warm temperatures make lessons comfortable all year round. It’s important to maintain swimming during winter, so that valuable skills and confidence gained during the warmer months are not lost. We have found over the years those swimmers that continue through winter, progress quicker than their peers that have a winter break.
Do you provide make-up lessons?
We unfortunately do not provide make-up lessons under any circumstances. Credits, refunds or transfers are not given for missed or unused lessons. If the swimmer does not attend their lesson, the lesson is automatically forfeited.