FAQs

 

Why should I or my child learn to swim?

Here in New Zealand a lot of our recreational activities are water-based so being able to swim will ensure that you or your child can take part safely and have fun. Living on an island and for most of us being no more than 40 minutes from a beach, river, lake or stream, swimming and aquatic activities is a part of our lifestyle. 

What is the cost of lessons?

A full outline of the different prices of lessons can be found on our Fees and Charges page.

Do you offer private lessons?

Yes we do – either for individuals or small groups. You can phone our Customer Services team on (06) 368 0070.

My Child has never had Swimming lessons before. What do I need to do to?

All new students are required to have an assessment before we are able to enrol them into lessons. You can fill in the Streamline Swim School New Student Registration Online Form or phone our Customer Services team on (06) 368 0070.

My Child hasn’t had lessons with Streamline Swim School or hasn’t had lessons for quite some time. What do I need to do?

We will also require them to be assessed before we are able to enrol them. This is to ensure that they are put in the correct level for their skills. You can book online or phone our Customer Services team a ring on (06) 368 0070.

We are going on holiday, can my child have a make up lesson?

No, Streamline Swim School does not offer make up classes for missed classes.

Do I need to stay for my child's lesson?

Children under 8 must be actively supervised by a caregiver 16 years or older. Actively Supervised means watching your child at all times and able to provide immediate assistance. Any child under the age of 8 that is found to be in the pool and not actively supervised will be asked to leave the pool and wait until their caregiver returns.

Why doesn't my child improve like others?

We are all different in all areas. You should never compare your child to other children as everyone has different learning and physical capabilities.  Many things affect a child's progress in swimming.  This could be injury, illness, tiredness, behavioural issues, physical and mental issues.  You can talk to the instructor to see what their impression is of how your child is progressing and they will check their records.  There may only be one or two skills that are holding your child back from moving up a level, and these could be worked on during the school holiday block courses.  

 

When do enrolments open?

We open enrolment for next terms lessons on the last week of the previous term. See our Events and Activities page for more dates. 

Do you have Adult lessons?

Yes, more information can be found on our Adult Lessons page

Should my child wear goggles when doing swimming lessons?

Yes, if possible your child should wear good fitting goggles to protect their eyes from the effects of chlorine, and to enable them to see clearly under water.  You can purchase goggles from our Reception area.

Should my child wear a rash shirt for swimming lessons?

A tight fitting rash shirt is acceptable.   We request that no baggy clothing is worn, as this creates drag and adversely affects stroke technique.

 

Does my child need to wear a swimming cap for lessons?

Wearing a swim cap is preferred as it is not only hygienic but also stops water running into your child's eyes and mouth when their face is lifted out of the water. This makes concentrating easier which in turn helps your child's progress. 80% of body heat is lost through the head, therefore wearing a cap reduces heat loss. Swim caps also help maintain our water quality. We have a selection of fabric and silicon caps for sale at Reception.

My child has long hair, should this be tied up?

Yes, it is preferred that long hair is tied up in a ponytail or plaited, so that it stays out of their face and doesn't get caught up.

Should my child eat before swimming lessons?

It's best not to eat 30 minutes before a swimming lesson, to enable food to settle.

If a child vomits in the pool after swallowing too much water, the pool may have to be closed for cleaning.

If my child is misbehaving for the instructor, what should I do?

You can intervene and talk to your child, asking them to behave and listen to the instructor.  If your child continues to be disruptive, the instructor may ask you to remove your child from the lesson.

How can I prepare my child for their first swimming lesson?

It's a good idea to visit the pool in the days before their first lesson, especially if you are new to the area.  Take the child for a walk around the pool facilities, showing them where the changing rooms and toilets are, where all the different pool areas are, especially the teach pool, and explaining what the rules are.  These are displayed on a big sign at the end of the main pool area.

Some children may think the water is too cold, so let them have a play to familiarise themselves with the water temperature so they know it will be warm and comfortable for them.

My child has completed all of the Streamline Levels, where to next?

A full list of Levin’s best swimming clubs can be found on the Swimming Clubs and Water Sport Clubs page

What information does the instructor need to know about my child that may affect their behaviour or performance?

It's a good idea to let the Swim School know if your child has any disabilities or behavioural issues that may affect their ability to learn or perform.  For example, do they have any vision or hearing loss, do they prefer quiet teaching time, enjoy using some training aids, whether they are okay being touched etc.

What should I do if my child has special needs or a physical disability of some sort?

You should advise the Swim School if your child has any special needs or a physical disability or restriction that may affect their learning and ability to perform.  This information is passed on confidentially to the instructor who may adjust their teaching style and lesson content to suit.

How long are lessons, and how are they structured?

Swim School lessons are 25 minutes long, and are structured with a lesson plan.  Each lesson will have a focus topic, and other skills will also be learnt.  The swim school progression levels are displayed on the wall at the end of the teach pool.  Each level has a number of criteria that must be achieved before a child is moved up a level.  If the instructor finds your child is not coping at the level they are enrolled in, it may be possible to move them back a level to consolidate skills. 

Reports are prepared at the end of the term on each child so parents know what they have achieved and what they are still working on.  Only when a child has completed all the criteria successfully will they be moved up a level.

What are the water safety components of swimming lessons all about?

The water safety components are included in both pre-school and school-age lessons to ensure children learn the basics of good water safety skills.  This covers floating, submerging, bobbing to breathe, underwater swimming, safe entries, jumping and diving, sculling, and confidence in deep water.  Children will only be taken into the deep lane in the teach pool when the instructor is confident are ready to swim in water where they cannot touch the floor.  Other survival floating and moving skills are also covered.

What if I think my child is in the incorrect swimming class for their ability?

Your child is being constantly assessed during their swimming lessons. If your child is placed into an unsuitable class at the start of the term, or is ready to be moved onto the next level during the term, this will be done on the advice of the instructor. You will be contacted to arrange a new class time.