Frequently Asked Questions PDF Print E-mail
Q.  How long will it take for my child to learn to swim? 
A. This is a very difficult question to answer as every child is different and the rate at which they learn to swim will depend on how comfortable they are in the water environment e.g. a child who is terrified of getting water over their head at bath/shower time will take longer to get used to putting their face in the water than the child who is happy with water going over their head. The child who is scared of the environment normally takes longer to learn to swim. As a parent please be positive and patient as learning to swim can in some cases be a long but worthwhile journey.
Q.  Will my child need to wear goggles? 
A. At Shapland's we feel we have a duty of care to make sure your child can swim at least 12.5 meters without goggles, after all if your child needs to use their Personal Aquatic Survival Skills in an emergency situation it is highly likely they will not have goggles covering their eyes. There are exceptions to this concept so please contact your closest Shapland Swim School by clicking on the find us link and discuss your childs special needs with the swim school's owner/operator. 
Q.  What will my child need to wear to swimming lessons? 
A.  Normally your child will need to wear a swim suit, sun suit or whatever they feel comfortable going swimming in. For toddlers there are a number of options open to you from tight fitting swim suits to swim nappies. Please contact the closest Shapland Swim School to you for their policy in regard to what they require your toddler wear to their swimming lesson.
Q.  Can I book in for a block of swimming lessons? 
A.  Shapland's run a seamless swimming program. Once you have secured a permament spot with us then you come for your lesson the same day at the same time each week. You never have to rebook. The only time you may have to change your time would be if your child's or your situation changed e.g. you child starts prep or your work or family committments change.  
Q.  What happens if I miss a lessson because my child is sick or I can't make it to the lesson? 
A.  All Shapland Swim Schools offer a free make up lesson system. Basically it works this way. You notify the swim school; by either leaving a phone message or talking to the the owner/operator, before a certain time on the morning of the lesson (e.g. 8.00am); that you will not be attending the lesson that day. You are then entitled to make up that lesson without incurring any extra cost. To organize a make up lesson you contact the swim school on the day you can come for the lesson, either by leaving a message or talking to the owner/operator. You will then be given a time to bring your child on that day for their make up lesson. NOTE: Make up lessons can not be used as a credit against the monthly fee.
Q.  How do I pay for the lessons? 
A.  In general you can pay by cash, cheque, credit card, EFTPOS, direct debit or internet transfer. Some Shapland Swim Schools do not offer all of the above methods so you will need to contact your closest Shapland Swim School to find out exactly which methods they prefer. 
Q.  What qualifications will my child's teacher have and do they hold a bule card? 
A.  All our teachers are required to hold and AUSTSWIM certificate as well as their blue card. Throughout the year in house workshops are conducted to help our teachers develop their skills.