Swim Academy

It is a requirement of The Swim Academy by Fitness First that swimmers wear a swimming cap while in the water. A cap will be given at the time of the initial booking after the assessment and any replacement caps can be purchased at the club reception. Swimmers are also requested to wear the appropriate swimwear, trunks or costumes - not shorts or bikinis.

Full payments must be made at the time of booking or ‘top-up’- no reservations or bookings can be made without payment.

There is no credit or reimbursement of fees for group sessions unattended. If swimmers do not attend their scheduled session they miss the lesson or they can check the availability for a make-up class with your instructor.

For private classes, in the event of injury or illness a minimum of 24 hours’ notice is required and a doctor's note must be presented in order to have sessions credited.

If a swimmer is not able to attend their scheduled session for any reason and they miss the lesson they can check the availability for a make-up class directly with the instructor.  There is a maximum of 2 make-up classes permitted within a block of 12 sessions, each class must be made up within 2 weeks of the session missed.  

Please note a make-up class is not a credit – all classes must be completed within 12 weeks of the booking.

Swimmers must ensure they attend all sessions. Please ensure children aged 7 and under are supervised by an adult to the registration table at the lesson time, children at this age often don't know when their lesson is starting and cannot be expected to get themselves there.

Notification by the student/parent of inability to attend a class/session is requested as a courtesy to the instructor. Swimmers who miss more than 2 consecutive sessions must show a medical note. Non-attendance will cause a swimmer to fall behind which, in turn, affects the whole group. Too many sessions not attended may result in a change of group or suspension until the following term to ensure maximum learning environment within our swimming program.

It is advised that swimmers attend one swimming program as it has been proved that different approaches from more than one coach at one time are detrimental to the swimmers progress.

Swimmers are requested to be ready for the lesson (with their hat and goggles on) 5 minutes prior to the lesson. If a swimmer is more than 5 minutes late to the session s/he may not be allowed to join the class as it can be disruptive to the other learners.

Late arrival is disruptive and inconsiderate to the rest of the class, and nothing can be more disruptive to a child's development than irregular attendance. Consistency and routine are very important to every child's learning.

Swimmers must behave in a manner acceptable to the swim instructor and that unsuitable behaviour may result in his/her expulsion from further participation in the swimming program, without further notice or refund at the discretion of The Swim Academy. 

• Further to recent NSPCC advice we are required to inform parents and guardians that there are aspects of our teaching which require a 'hands on' technique. This type of physical contact between instructors and swimmers will be in full view and will be used for the following reasons: 
•  Where is essential to support the swimmer during the early stages of learning a skill for safety reasons.
• To develop the skill and technique (e.g. placing the swimmer in the correct position/posture).
• To prevent an injury To administer first aid to an injury.
• Please let us know on joining the program if you are uncomfortable with any aspect of this teaching technique.- Be part of the team. Stay with the Club squad on poolside. If you leave poolside for any reason you must tell one of the coaches where you are going.

The following rules apply when representing Fitness First Swim Academy at any competition.

• In the water it is best to wear a swimming hat - it should be the official club hat.
• On poolside swimmers should wear The Swim Academy kit.
• Children are not advised to wear a rash vest unless they are learning to swim in direct sunlight.  If a rash vest is required it must be the correct size and fitted as excess drag can be detrimental to their learning.

• Make sure you have all your kit ready for the session: fins, kick board, pull buoy and paddles. Always check you have your hat & goggles and keep a spare set in your bag.
• Arrive for the session on time.
• Listen to your coach/instructor. If you don't understand please ask.
•  Always swim to the end of the lane. Let faster swimmers through.
• When you have finished a set or got to the end of the lane get out of the way for swimmers who have not.

• Be part of the team. Stay with the Club squad on poolside. If you leave poolside for any reason you must tell one of the coaches where you are going.
• Support your team mates.
• Be in your team kit and ensure that you have everything you need.  The correct colour swimming hat for competitions is worn.

Swimmers who participate in galas or events are required as a point of sportsmanship and common courtesy to the other teams/swimmers and their own team mates to remain until the end of prize presentation at all events

Swimmers should be present to congratulate their competitors as they would like when they perform well.

I agree to give my consent for videos/photographs to be taken of me/my swimmers during the swim sessions when necessary  and for this to be used for training and/or marketing purposes.   

For personal protection photographs are not permitted to be taken by parents/guardians/friends of any swimmers in the water  without written permission from The Swim Academy management.