Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. At Somerville Swim School we run all year round (including school holidays) which means you can enrol into classes at any time!

Children under the age of 3 years commence their swimming In a parent and child levels, which requires a parent in the water. We are leveraging off the trust built with a parent/relative 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.

Children over the age of 3 years commence in a teacher/child class, which does not require a parent in the water.

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, due to illness or changes to personal circumstances. We work hard to ensure that the delivery of our lessons are consistent, so the learning to your child is not compromised in these instances.

No.  At Somerville Swim School, 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. Noodles and kickboards are used to facilitate the development of skills.

Children may commence with us from the age of 3 months. 

Regular weekly attendance is paramount to developing skills and progression through the program. Students can also enrol in additional lessons and attend multiple times a week - this is fantastic for building confidence and skill progression. A 10% discount is offered if enrolled in a regular second lesson.  Extra casual lessons can be booked over school holiday periods, at a special rate, subject to availability.

All lessons are 30 minutes.

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

Infant classes: A shirt for the parent to wear in the water – this gives your little one something to hold onto in the water. A well-fitting, reusable swim nappy is compulsory for children not reliably toilet trained. Extra towels to wrap your little one up in and to then dry them works well, and don't forget a towel for the swimming adult!

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

Parent/child classes have a maximum of 6 students and teacher/child classes have a maximum of 4. The Otter Pup Six class, our advanced independent class for 2.5 - 3 year olds, has a maximum of 3 students.

We offer two make-up sessions per quarter, providing notice is given of your non attendance (discretion used in the case of emergencies). Make up lessons are subject to availability and can be booked a week in advance. For prolonged illnesses, please speak to us to determine your availability for additional make up lessons.

Give us a call or send us a message to find an available class to book in your makeup class. Makeup classes can be booked up to a week in advance.

Unfortunately, we cannot transfer or suspend paid lessons to future dates 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!

Swimming is a skill like writing and reading that needs regular practice. Continuing lessons through the school holidays ensures your child’s skill level and confidence is not forgotten.

Yes, we have ample parking down the side of the building. Patrons of Somerville Swim School must ONLY park in spots allocated with a "1" or visitor signage, or in spaces with no allocation. Please respect the needs of neighbouring businesses and do not park in car spaces allocated to other businesses. 

Yes, we have EFT facilities on site. Unfortunately, we do not accept AMEX or Diner's.

We offer two payment methods. Direct debit per month and payment in full for a 12-week block.

Our Direct debit runs on the 26^th of the month prior and charges for the number of lessons that will be running on the day of your lesson. You will not be charged for days that we are closed. Depending on your bank, this transaction may take 3-4 days to process. In the event the 26^th falls on a weekend or public holiday, the debit will occur on the business day prior. An invoice is emailed to you one week prior to the debit day for your records and to enable you to ensure sufficient funds are in your account.

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.

Yes. As private lesson times are limited, give us a call and have a chat to us 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 to provide a comfortable learning environment for all ages.

Yes, we offer a 5% discount on the second child in a family and a 10% discount on the third and subsequent child/ren in a family. The one off membership fee is only payable for the first two children in a family, and is waived for the third and subsequent children (they will still recieve a membership pack!)

Group classes are $22/lesson

One off membership fee of $35, which includes a bag and your choice of reusable swim nappy or cap and goggles.