Questions
What should my child wear for a swimming lesson?
We request that girls wear a one-piece swimming costume and boys can wear traditional trunks or swimming shorts.
Do swimmers have to wear swimming caps?
Yes, at certain venues our swimmers need to wear swimming caps – this is a requirement of certain pools where the lessons take place. Ask us for more details about each pool if in any doubt. When you join Make A Splash, you will receive a complimentary Speedo latex cap if one is needed to be worn at the venue you have chosen.
What age swimmers do you teach?
We offer places within Make A Splash lessons to swimmers from 3 years to adults with activities including Water Yoga and Synchronised swimming. Our Happy Aqua Babies swim scheme allows swimmers from 6 weeks old to join.
How long are lessons?
All our lessons last 30 minutes.
Are teachers in the water or on poolside?
Our teaching staff teach our swimmers from within the water.
Can bottled water be brought onto poolside?
Yes. We promote the use of water bottles for any age and ability of swimmer. We ask that bottles be kept to the side – out of the way – and that swimmers can have a sip whenever they need.
Are private lessons available?
Yes, by arrangement for all activities.
Do you have a loyalty scheme?
Yes we do. Introduce a friend – and you will receive a free lesson. We have no limits to the number of friends you can introduce (each time – you get a free lesson)!
How do I pay?
Pre-payment can be made by card payment, cheque, cash, or online bill payment – for the total length of the course. Debit card payments do not incur an added charge but credit card payments cost an additional £5.00 per swimmer; card payments of any nature can be made over the telephone or by poolside (on certain dates when the machine is available). Cheques should be made payable to ‘Make A Splash Swim School’. For online bill payment – please ask us for our bank details and simply log into your account and send us the course fees.
Will I need to pay for a full course of lessons if my child starts part way through?
No, you will need to pay for the remainder of the course of lessons to guarantee a place.
How do I become a parent helper?
Please contact us with your availabilities and we will make all arrangements for you to join us.
Can swimmers come to lessons when they are unwell?
We ask that you please do not bring your child/ any other swimmers when they are ill or showing signs of sickness.
Can swimmers attend lessons with verrucas? – Do they need to wear a special sock?
The ASA tells us that the use of devices – such as plastic socks to protect the feet should be discouraged and that the use of a waterproof plaster is sufficient. Most enlightened associations believe the exclusion of children with verrucas from swimming and other barefoot activities is no longer justified. The NHS suggest that you can wear flip-flops in swimming changing rooms and cover the wart or verruca with a waterproof plaster to help prevention. To research this yourself, you can visit their info pages:
www.swimming.org/britishswimming/swimming/understanding-verrucas
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Warts/Pages/Prevention.aspx
Swimming Lessons
How long are swimming lessons?
Our swimming lessons last for 30 for minutes.
How many children do you have in a class?
We believe in keeping class numbers small so that every swimmer receives the attention they deserve.
The maximum number of swimmers we will allow in a class is 8 children. Normally, our staff teach from within the water; there may be certain times when they cannot (for example during test week), but in most cases the teachers are within the water.
Can my child join part way through a course of lessons?
Yes, we accept entrance onto courses part way through – up to week 7.
Will I need to pay for a full course of lessons if my child starts part way through?
No, you will need to pay for the remainder of the course of lessons to guarantee a place.
Will I need to pay for the complete term if I know I/ my child will be away on holiday/ at an event for a week?
As much as we understand you have a life outside swimming, the simple answer to this is: Yes, you need to pay for the complete term. As they say ‘the show must go on’ and our lessons take place on the planned dates regardless of which swimmers attend. Since we only schedule our lessons around the academic term dates and display these planned dates on our websites much earlier than the dates start – please use these to plan holidays around so you don’t have to miss any of our splashtastic swimming lessons.
Does your loyalty scheme also apply to introducing friend’s children?
Yes, but the loyalty scheme only applies to Make A Splash swimmers and Happy Aqua Babies swimmers currently attending group lesson courses.
What award scheme do you use?
We use the ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming as our primary award scheme. We use complimentary award schemes to supplement the National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS).
Can swimmers come to lessons when they are unwell?
We ask that you please do not bring your child/ any other swimmers when they are ill or showing signs of sickness.
What are your Child Class Groups called, and what ability level are they?
Ducklings 3 & 4 year old swimmers
Nemos Beginner level (5 years & upwards)
Nemos + Beginner level (5 years & upwards leading into Intermediate 1)
Aqua Splash! Intermediate 1 level
Pirates Intermediate 2 level
Neptunes Advanced level
H2O Elite level: Swimming, Lifesaving, Synchro, Water polo
Are private lessons available?
Yes, by arrangement. These private lessons are paid for in half termly blocks (to space out payment).
What is Synchronised Swimming?
Synchronised Swimming is often referred to ‘Synchro’ and was developed from ‘Water Ballet’. Synchronised Swimming has been an Olympic sport since 1984 when it was first introduced at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Synchro swimmers move gracefully through the water in time with the music and if swimming in teams or in pairs (duets), with each other. These swimmers are strong yet extremely graceful – like ballerinas and gymnasts. Synchronised Swimming develops swimmers’ flexibility, stamina, strength, endurance and agility. It feels like dancing in the water or flying like a bird through the water whilst listening to music. Ideal for dancers who happen to love swimming!
How long are Synchronised Swimming lessons?
Synchronised Swimming lessons last for 30 minutes.
Can any child join lessons?
Any children who have achieved Stage 7 of the ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) can join lessons – both girls and boys are welcome. If you are not sure of the stage attained by your child, or she/he has not followed the NPTS – please contact us for further information.
Can my child join part way through a course of lessons?
Yes, we accept entrance onto courses at any time.
Do swimmers need to have extra equipment for Synchro?
Yes – but the only additional item is a nose clip. This might seem like an odd piece of equipment – but it is the most important thing needed for Synchro. We have a link to a reputable seller on our Links page. All else failing – ask us for nose clips.
Are awards available for Synchro swimmers?
Yes, the ASA Synchro specific awards are available for stages 8, 9, and 10.
Are private lessons available?
Yes, by arrangement.
Lifesaving – Rookie Lifeguard Lessons
What is the Rookie Lifeguard programme?
The Royal Lifesaving Society UK designed this programme in conjunction with the ASA in order to ensure that children know what to do in an emergency and learn key water skills to keep themselves safe.
Who can become a Rookie Lifeguard?
The programme is aimed at children aged 8 – 12 years old who are interested in learning Lifesaving and Lifeguarding skills.
How long are lessons?
Rookie Lifeguard lessons last for 30 minutes.
Can my child join part way through a course of lessons?
Yes, we accept entrance onto courses at any time.
Will Rookie Lifeguards need extra equipment?
No extra equipment will need to be bought.
Are awards available for Rookie Lifeguards?
Yes, there are three stages; Bronze, Silver and Gold and within each stage there are three levels.
What is Water Yoga?
Water Yoga combines the natural buoyancy and therapeutic properties of water with the inner calmness and invigorating effects of yoga. The water supports our bodies, enabling greater stretching and breathing than is possible in yoga based on land. Water yoga provides the benefits of yoga and swimming combined.
Will I need extra equipment for lessons?
No. We just ask that you wear a suitable costume and swimming cap.
Is Water Yoga just Yoga done in the water?
Water Yoga does incorporate yoga positions within the movements but the buoyancy and fluidity of the water is utilised. The swimming strokes have been adapted too.
Do I need previous experience of yoga?
None is required. Both swimmers and non-swimmers can practise Water Yoga exercises.
Does it make a difference what stage I am in of my pregnancy?
Please advise Suzie of your stage of pregnancy as some exercises are more suitable at different times during pregnancy. All expectant Mothers can benefit from practising Water Yoga wherever they happen to be in their pregnancy.
How long are lessons?
Water Yoga lessons last for 30 minutes.
Is private tuition of Water Yoga available?
Yes, we offer private Water Yoga tuition by arrangement.
