Swim School FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions relating to the Active Tribes swim school program. If something has been missed, let Active Tribes know or check out the Active Tribes General FAQ's.
Background
Is the pool heated and indoors?
Do you conduct any water safety components in the program?
How many children in a class?
How many times a week should my child attend lessons?
What happens if my child misses a lesson?
Are lessons held during Winter?
Can we move to another day if the time is no longer convenient?
Do you offer private lessons?
Before you arrive
What does my child need to bring to a lesson?
Participating
Do I have to pay to swim?
Is there a fee for spectators?
Where do I park?
Do I need to supervise my children while they are in their swimming lesson?
Should my child wear goggles?
Can we practice swimming on days other than our lesson day?
When does my child progress to the next level?
Is your child having difficulties learning to swim?
Back to TopBackground
Is the pool heated and indoors?
The UQ Aquatic Centre pool at St Lucia is heated to 32 degrees all year round, is enclosed and is 100% UV protected. The 50 metre pool is heated to 26 degrees and is outdoors. The Milton Pool is heated to 32 degrees, it has cover but is not enclosed. The UQ Gatton pool is heated to 28 degrees and half the pool is covered.
Do you conduct any water safety components in the program?
Water safety week is held on the last lesson of every term. Instructors will cover a variety of topics including introducing your child to the 50 metre pool if they have not already done so, discussing beach safety issues, and using our PFDs (personal floatation devices).
How many children in a class?
Nursery: Maximum six per class
Nursery transition: Maximum four per class
Level 1: Maximum three per class
Level 2: Maximum three per class
Level 3: Maximum three per class
Level 4: Maximum four per class
Level 5: Maximum six per class
Level 6: Maximum six per class
Back to TopHow many times a week should my child attend lessons?
For best results Active Tribes recommend two lessons per week. To help make this more affordable, the second lesson per week is half price.
What happens if my child misses a lesson?
Make up lessons are available for children who miss a class, but there are some policies and procedures to ensure that the system is fair for everyone:
- If you require a make up lesson for your child you must phone or advise the centre prior to the absence. The customer service staff will then advise you of the next available make up lesson according to the level.
- Makeup lessons are held every Sunday afternoon from Week 4 of the. Makeup lessons start at 2:00pm and run until 4:00pm (classes are still ½ an hour). The make up lessons cost $3.00 per child; this cost is to cover the administration expense and teacher wage. Each child enrolled into the program is restricted to two make up lessons per term.
- Unfortunately due to the small amount of time available each term, make up classes are on a 'first in, best dressed' allocation, with missed classes unable to be rolled over to the following term. So if you know your child is going to miss a class, advise the centre immediately and book the make up class straight away.
- Make up lessons are not provided for the holiday intensive programs.
Are lessons held during Winter?
Once the weather becomes chilly, some classes that are usually held in the main pool are relocated to the learn to swim pool. All parents will be advised of this decision prior to the move.
Can we move to another day if the time is no longer convenient?
Yes, if the booked in time is no longer convenient for you, you may adjust the booking to another day or time as long as there is a vacancy.
Do you offer private lessons?
Private lessons are available on request but are not recommended. Times and days are limited and make up classes are not available. All private lessons run for 30 minutes.
Back to TopBefore you arrive
What does my child need to bring to a lesson?
Your child will need a towel, swimming cap, sunscreen, togs, goggles and water bottle.
Back to TopParticipating
Do I have to pay to swim?
If you chose to swim after your child's lessons, you are required to pay for entry.
Is there a fee for spectators?
There is no fee for spectators so feel free to bring along the grandparents, aunties and uncles to watch your child participate in the program.
Where do I park?
At St Lucia's UQ Aquatic Centre there is parking next to the pool and along the river:
- Next to the pool (purple zone) is $1.50 per hour.
- River (green zone) is $3.00 all day.
- Parking is free on public holidays and weekends.
Please note: The university can get extremely busy at the start of semester and during exams (March, July and November). Please allow extra time to get in and park.
For more information on locations and parking view the St Lucia, Milton or Gatton location pages.
Do I need to supervise my children while they are in their swimming lesson?
Parents / carers are encouraged to sit by the pool whilst children are in their lesson. If you would like to swim while your children are participating in their lessons, please advise the instructor as to which lane you will be swimming in.
You are responsible for taking your child to the bathroom during the lesson if required and must be at the poolside at the conclusion of their lesson.
All children under the age of 16 are required to be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Back to TopShould my child wear goggles?
Children are encouraged to try goggles as it makes it more comfortable to submerge. However, it's also important that children experience what it feels like to not wear goggles.
When does my child progress to the next level?
Children's swimming skills are assessed on a weekly basis. If your child confidently demonstrates skills in all necessary areas, he/she may progress to the next level. Your child's teacher will submit a request to the learn to swim coordinator or deck supervisor and they will inform you if any changes need to be made. Your child's assessment will be available to you in week 7 of term at reception to ensure your child/ren are re-booked into the right level.
Please note: this assessment is only valid for the following term. If you do not attend for a term we recommend an assessment before re-enrolling.
Is your child having difficulties learning to swim?
Find out about the UQ Aquatic Centre's UQ CAN Swim program.
