Frequently Asked Questions

In parent and child levels (Seal Pup - Polar Cub - Fairy Penguin - Otter), a parent is required in the water.  We are leveraging off the trust built with a parent/guardian to help them through initial stages of conditioning and confidence.  We also recommend that you wear a top that can be easily held by your child such as a rash shirt.

 Unfortunately, no.  But you can take it in turns!  Our small intimate pools are built to give your child the optimal learning experience free of distraction.

Yes – our philosophy is to have the same teacher each week as this is the best for your child’s learning.  We encourage you to attend your normal lesson to ensure consistency as make-up lessons may be with a different teacher.  Whilst we do endeavour to maintain the same teacher, the reality is that there are also times when teachers do change or are absent for your lesson.  We work hard to ensure that the delivery of our lessons are consistent and aligned with the ORCA program, this ensures that the learning for your child is not compromised in these instances.

No.  At ORCA Swim Schools, we provide a learning environment without the use of flotation devices to ensure your child develops mobility and buoyancy independently without needing to rely on flotation.

We enrol children from the age of 3 months in our Seal Pup class.

We recommend that our independent swimmer students attend two swimming lessons per week.  Skill development requires regular practice and two swimming lessons per week is a good start to get the most out of the program.  Your child will graduate at a more rapid pace if they swim twice weekly!

30 minutes on a weekly or twice-weekly basis.

To ensure you’re prepared, here’s what we recommend!

Baby classes: A rash shirt for the parent to wear in the water – this gives something for your little one to hold onto in the water.  Swimmer nappy is an absolute must and the Swimsure Nappy provided to you in the welcome pack must be worn over the swimmer nappy - we require a 2 layer system to keep our pool water at it's optimum health!  Towel & dry clothes for after your lesson.

Independent classes: Towel & dry clothes for after your lesson.  Goggles and cap are highly recommended, but not essential.

Up to 4 in our skills-based levels from 3+ Years and up.  Up to 5 in our advanced Stroke Development classes, and up to 6 in our baby classes.

We offer unlimited make-up sessions whilst you are a paid up customer, provided you give us a minimum of two hours’ notice of your absence.  So if your child is ill, or you have an unexpected conflicting appointment we can ensure your child continues their learn to swim adventure.  Make up lessons are available solely dependent on class availability at our centre.

Use our customer portal or customer app to notify of absences or book in your make ups - easy peasy lemon squeezy!!  Due to how full our centre is, makeup classes can only be booked up to 7 days in advance.  There is one opportunity to use each make up and cancelling a make up does not generate a replacement make up.

Unfortunately, we cannot transfer or suspend paid lessons to other terms as bookings are based on a reservation system in classes.

No. To ensure your little ones get the most opportunity to practice their skills, we only close on days that fall on Public Holidays.  We are open the rest of the weekend!  If your family's regular swimming lesson falls on a Public Holiday or Closure Day, you will not be charged for that lesson, so a make up is not required.

Yes, we have parking facilities on site at Factory 1 and Factory 3 (factory 3 is purely for parking).  We recommend arriving 15 minutes early to ensure you are on time to your class and to allow plenty of time for parking and getting your little one ready for their class.

Yes, we have EFT facilities on site. Unfortunately, we do not accept AMEX or Diners.  Cash is our fee free method of payment for fees and merchandise.

We offer two payment options for your swimming families.  Direct Debit which is processed on the first business day of each month OR payment in full 1 Month in advance.

Our Direct debit runs on the 1^st of each month and charges for the number of lessons that will be running on the day of your regular lesson.  You will not be charged for days that we are closed, including public holidays.  Depending on your bank, this transaction may take place on the first business day of the month if the 1^s of the month falls on a weekend.

Yes, our purpose-built facility has plenty of space and change tables for you to get your little one dressed and ready for their lesson.  We also provide nappy bags and wipes, this way you don't have to remember to bring your own!  Our baby "cubby" is also a confined heated space to keep you little ones toasty warm if the weather is a little cool!

This depends on availability of teachers and classes.  As private lesson times are limited, give us a call and have a chat to our centre manager to discuss your child’s needs so we can best cater to their learning abilities.

Yes. Our pools are heated to 32-33 degrees year-round (up to 34 degrees during the winter months) to provide a comfortable learning environment for all ages.

Yes, we offer a 10% discount when you have 3 or more children enrolled in our program.  Please stop by the desk or phone us to find out more!