FAQ

Does the Mairangi Swim School operate the same term times as schools?
What qualifications do the teachers at the Mairangi Swim School have?
How often should we attend swimming lessons?
How long will it take for my child to learn to swim?
What should my child wear during and after swimming lessons?
What happens if the pool is soiled?
What should the parent wear in the baby class?
What is the best time of day for our baby’s swimming lesson?
Should we take a break from swimming lessons over the winter?
Can we make up classes lost due to unexpected absences?
Do we still pay for the swimming lesson, if we are leaving Auckland for the school holidays?
How do we enroll in swimming lessons?
How can I pay?

Does the Mairangi Swim School operate the same term times as schools?

No, we operate year-round, except four weeks over the Christmas and New Year school holiday period, when we close for annual maintenance.
We offer a continuous programme to maximize learning opportunities. In addition to our normal continuous programme, we offer a School Holiday Intensive Programme to boost swimming ability.

What qualifications do the teachers at the Mairangi Swim School have?

On Joining our teaching team our teachers complete our Initial Teacher Training programme. Our experienced teachers mentor our beginning teachers for their in-the-water training, this is complimented by theoretical based learning giving our teachers the tools they need to be effective teachers.

With a bit of experience our teachers go on to complete their swim teaching qualifications through Swimming New Zealand. SNZ uses Austswim, an internationally recognised swim teaching and coaching organisation to provide a qualification pathway for swim teachers in New Zealand. We have an Austswim presenter on staff, Linda Howes, ensuring our staff receive top teacher training from the time they join our team.

Our teachers receive on going training and development to ensure that the level of teaching remains at a high standard.

How often should we attend swimming lessons?

Once a week is adequate, but more often accelerates development.
For a boost to skill development, we offer School Holiday Intensive classes, and subject to demand, offer an intensive programme during school times for 3-5 year olds also.

How long will it take for my child to learn to swim?

This is a difficult question to answer as there are so many variables to take into account, such as the starting ability of your child and also the level of ability you wish your child to achieve, whether it is a competent skill level or swimming club entry level.

Because swimming is a complex skill, it will take time to learn and master. We will set realistic goals for your child’s development and ensure that their motivation remains high. We also encourage you to liaise with our staff if you have any questions.

What should my child wear during and after swimming lessons?

Babies and Toddlers (under the age of 3) must wear a swim nappy to avoid contamination of the pool. Babys’ swimming costume should cover upper and lower core body for warmth. For example: Bodysuits, rash shirts, polypropylene . Layering may be required for the very young/less mobile.

Older children (over the age of 3) are required to wear a swimsuit and a swim nappy if not toilet trained. In winter time, children may require a rash shirt to cover the upper body. Despite our pool being warm (32-33 degrees), and constant movement; some children (particularly those with low body fat) may find their shoulders become cool.

Children, particularly the babies should be dressed warmly after lessons and wearing hats helps retain body temperature.

What happens if the pool is soiled?

The pool will be closed for decontamination. Because this is a costly exercise please ensure that your child uses the toilet before they enter the pool and is correctly clothed.

What should the parent wear in the baby class?

Please wear a swimsuit. You may also wear a T-shirt or rash shirt if you wish.

What is the best time of day for our baby’s swimming lesson?

The best time is approximately one hour after feed time, but not during their normal nap time. Try to schedule their lesson for the ‘awake’ phase in their routine.

As your child’s routine changes, whenever possible we will offer alternative lesson times.

Should we take a break from swimming lessons over the winter?

Taking breaks is generally not advised. Because swimming is a complex skill that requires regular practice, interruptions can be detrimental to the learning process. Skills may be forgotten by children who re-enter the programme after a significant break, increasing the time it takes to learn to swim.

Can we make up classes lost due to unexpected absences?

Yes, if you advise us in advance that your child is sick or that you are unable to attend, you are then entitled to a ‘make-up’ lesson. You have 3 months to use this ‘make-up’ lesson. If a ‘make-up’ has been arranged and you are unable to attend it, you will lose that ‘make-up’. All ‘make-ups’ must be taken prior to leaving the programme.

Do we still pay for the swimming lesson, if we are leaving Auckland for the school holidays?

Inter-term School Holidays (the two week holiday between school terms): If you are leaving Auckland for the school holidays, and tell the office staff in advance of the absence, there will be no charge for the swimming lessons that occur during the two weeks of the school holidays. Please consult our office wall calendar to confirm the dates [weeks] of the school holidays. NB. If your child attends one lesson each week, then over the two weeks of the school holidays you will be entitled to two ‘holidays’ [lessons with no charge].

End-of-Year School Holidays (December and January): Our annual maintenance break is for four weeks in December and January, over Christmas and into the New Year. There will be no charge for lessons during this break. To guarantee retention of your place in your swmming class for January, all fees for January must be received in advance of our annual maintenance break. For absences in January where the swim school has been notified in advance a 'make up' will be allocated.

How do we enrol in swimming lessons?

Please speak with a team member in the office. We will firstly ascertain your child’s ability, sometimes through a free assessment to match your child’s ability to an appropriate class level.
Because we run a continuous programme independent of school terms, you can start at anytime.

How can I pay?

We ask our clients to pay monthly in advance. As our programme is continuous we divide our months into even weeks and have a pay calendar on display in the office. We accept all major credit cards, cash and EFTPOS and internet banking.