What should parents look for in a swim school?

Deciding to take your child/children to swimming lessons is a great decision, however, it is important to look for the swim school that best suits your family. Therefore, when searching for the right swim school, the following tips may help in your decision.

1. Safety: The swim school should have a strong focus on safety and have safety measures in place, such as accredited and trained Lifeguards (for those pools that employ Lifeguards), pool safety equipment that is well maintained, and clear safety policies.

2. Qualified Teachers: The swim school should have accredited swim teachers who are trained in teaching children of different ages and skill levels. Look for swim schools that have swim teachers who are certified by reputable organisations, ensuring their qualifications are current. Look for swim schools that invest in staff training.

3. Age-Appropriate Classes: The swim school should offer classes that are appropriate for your child’s age and skill level.

4. Small Class Sizes: Small class sizes allow for more individual attention and personalised instruction. Swim schools that have small class sizes ensure your child will get the attention they need to progress through the levels.

5. Teaching Program: Ideally the swim school should have a clear and structured program that is designed to support children progress their swimming abilities through the levels. Ask about the teaching program and how it ‘is tailored to different age groups and skill levels’.

6. Cleanliness: The swim school should maintain a clean and hygienic pool and facility. There should be regular cleaning and maintenance schedules and have policies in place to prevent managing the spread of germs.

7. Friendly and Professional Customer Service: First impressions do count; at your initial contact, the swim school customer service team should explain about their philosophies, their service and how they can help you and your family have a long-lasting and joyful experience. The swim school should have opportunities for parents to be involved in their child’s progress, regular and ongoing communication with the swim school about your child/children’s progress should be encouraged.

8. Reputation:: Look for swim schools with a good reputation in the community and positive reviews from other parents. Word of mouth carries a lot of weight.

9. Comparison: visit a few different swim schools to compare what they offer. Watch lessons being undertaken as it is great to observe first – you get an insight into what the swim school can offer you and your family.

10. Ask yourself: will this swim school suit your needs? are the teachers and students engaged, are they having fun, is there an obvious lesson planned, is there good class management, not a lot of wasted time, students are learning and practicing? Behaviours are being managed.

By considering these factors, plus other needs such as travel distance and lesson availabilities, parents can find a swim school that provides a safe, positive, non-threatening and inclusive learning environment for their child/children, with qualified swim teachers and a teaching program designed to educate and help their child/children progress through their swimming skills.