Swim School FAQs

How often are classes?
We run weekly classes to align with the school term dates. Children come to one class a week during term time, with classes on the same day and time each week. Please be aware classes aren't held on public holidays or on a Saturday when it's a long weekend; fees are automatically adjusted to take this into account at the time of booking.

How do I enrol online?
You can browse available class times and levels, and make a booking using our online booking portal. Once you have selected your preferred class, click "Book". If you have had a booking with us in the past, click "Login" and use your registered email address. If you haven’t registered before, select "Register" and follow the prompts to set-up an account and make a booking.

How do I enrol if I don't know what level my child is at?
If your child has never had swimming lessons before and isn’t confident in submerging with breath control, they will go into the first level of the programme. If your child is confident in water and has good breath control you will need to book in for a swim assessment to see what class they should enrol into. If you’re not sure what swimming level your child is at, please email swimschool@taupo.govt.nz or call 07 376 0350 to book a swim assessment before booking classes.

When can I sign up for swimming lessons?
Our infant programme starts from six months. You can sign up to the programme throughout the school term – depending if we have space in the level. If not, we can waitlist you for your preferred day.

Can I change my booking?
Get in touch with us and we can check availability.

How do I cancel my booking?
You can cancel your term booking anytime by emailing us on swimschool@taupo.govt.nz, calling 07 376 0350 or visit us at reception - we will pro rata a refund based on the number of lessons remaining in the term that won't be used.
In the case where your child misses a class, please be aware no credit is given for non-attendance and we do not offer make up lessons. If you wish to stop your booking for next term, please notify us before the end of the current term.

How do I book in for next term?
All bookings are term-based and perpetual, so if you are currently enrolled in a class your booking will be rolled over to the following term so you keep the same class day and time. To confirm the booking, you just need to make full payment by the due date on the invoice. If payment isn't received by the due date your booking will be cancelled and we cannot guarantee a place in a class for the following term - you will need to contact us to rebook. Note this does not apply if you pay by direct debit. If you wish to stop your booking for next term, please notify us before the end of the current term. Please be aware we reserve the right to combine or cancel classes or to change the instructor if necessary.

What do I need to do if I want to re-join the swim school after a term off?
If you want a term off, then we can waitlist your child on the term you want to book in for. We cannot pre-book you into a class in advance. When a space becomes available, we will contact you. Let us know if your availability or preferred option changes and we can update this in the system.

How much do lessons cost?
The cost for lessons is shown in the table below. We ask for full payment at the time of booking to secure a place in a class. Please be aware classes aren't held on public holidays or on a Saturday when it's a long weekend; fees are automatically adjusted to take this into account at the time of booking.

How do I pay for lessons?
Payments can be made by the due date (as shown on invoices) in the following ways:

• Pay online using our new online membership platform. New users can use the first-time logging in button to create a password and account.
• Pay in person at AC Baths reception by EFTpos or cash.
• Direct debit: payments go out on the 10th of each month. To set up direct debit payments, download a direct debit form (PDF, 628KB), fill it in and drop it off at reception with a bank deposit slip to verify your account number - and we will do the rest!
• Online banking: simply follow the steps shown on your invoice to pay using your bank's internet banking site.

What happens if I don't pay by the due date?
All bookings are term-based and perpetual, so if you are currently enrolled in a class your booking will be rolled over to the following term so you keep the same class day and time. To confirm the booking, you just need to make full payment by the due date on the invoice. If payment isn't received by the due date your booking will be cancelled and we cannot guarantee a place in a class for the following term - you will need to contact us to rebook. Note this does not apply if you pay by direct debit. If you wish to stop your booking for next term, please notify us before the end of the current term. Please be aware we reserve the right to combine or cancel classes or to change the instructor if necessary.

What do I need to bring?
Your swipe card to gain entry through the barriers at reception, a towel, togs (see below for children under three years of age), cap and goggles.

What does my baby need to wear for lessons?
Please ensure all children under three years of age wear a water proof nappy and tight-fitting togs over the top to minimise the risk of any accidents. These products are available to purchase at reception.

Do I need to hop into the water with my child?
If you've enrolled in our infant programme, a parent or caregiver must be in the water to assist the child. Once the child has turned three, is comfortable in the water and can follow instructions, they can move into a pre-school class, with the parent or caregiver watching from the poolside.

How long are swimming lessons?
All learn-to-swim classes are 25 minutes except the Awesome Orcas class, which is 55 minutes.

If my child misses a class, can we make it up later?
Unfortunately, we cannot offer make up lessons and we do not offer refunds when a child misses a class.

Which pool do the swimming lessons take place in?
All learn-to-swim classes up to Brown Trout 2 are in the learn-to-swim pool. Rainbow Trout is held in the outdoor 25 metre pool, and Flying Fish and Awesome Orcas are held the indoor 25 metre pool.

How do I update my contact details?
You can email us on swimschool@taupo.govt.nz, call 07 376 0350 or visit us at reception. We email newsletters to our community so please ensure we have your correct email address.

How are classes structured?
All classes are grouped on swimming ability apart from children under three years of age who are grouped by age.
Find out more about class levels.

When will my child move up a level?
Your child will move once they achieve the level outcomes for that class. Students are continually assessed throughout the term. Once our instructor and pool deck supervisor are confident your child has achieved the required level outcomes they can be moved up. When that happens, we will contact you to change your booking.

What do I do if I forget my swipe card?
No problem, just let our team on reception know when you arrive and they will let you in.

What do I do if I lose my swipe card?
We can issue you with a replacement swipe card for $10 - please ask at reception.

SWIM SCHOOL BOOKING TERMS & CONDITIONS

• The full term payment needs to be made to confirm your booking.
• The bookings are term-based and perpetual. If you wish to cease your booking, please notify us before the end of the current term.
• We reserve the right to combine or cancel classes or to change the instructor.

GENERAL FACILITY RULES AND POLICIES

Taupō District Council provides swimming, climbing, fitness and recreation facilities for all the family. Our aim is to ensure everybody has a safe and enjoyable visit; please follow our rules and policies, and the instructions of staff.

AC Baths and Taupō Events Centre Rules and Policies (PDF, 118KB)