Aquatic FAQs

Our Swim School Team has collated a list of our most commonly asked questions to help you get ready for Swim School at MSAC!

I have a question about the Swim School Booking Portal?

Our Booking Portal FAQ’s can be found below:

Client Portal FAQsDownload

Is the pool heated?

Yes, our pools are all heated to varying degrees to ensure that the water temperature is appropriate for the user groups accessing each area.

Multipurpose (Infant, Preschool, Level 1 & 2): 34 degrees
Lap Pool (Level 3-5): 31 degrees
Indoor Dive Pool (Level 6 & 7): 26 degrees

Can my child wear a normal nappy in the water?

Infants and Toddlers are required to wear swimwear or swim nappies that are tight fitting around the thighs. Standard nappies are not permitted in the pool.

What if my child becomes upset during their swimming lesson?

Please be aware that it is common for children to have difficulty adjusting to swimming lessons. Most children will settle within a few weeks; however, we do encourage parents to bring bathers along during this time, in case your child requires additional support.

What do we need to bring?

Bathers, towel, goggles and dry clothes to change into after their session, a swim nappy if your child is not yet toilet trained.

Does my child need goggles?

They may appear insignificant, but they can make a large difference to a child’s learning journey as they progress through swimming lessons! Most children who do not wear goggles close their eyes as they swim. This can lead to them becoming disorientated or preoccupied which makes them unable to focus on their stroke technique. We offer a great range of affordable youth goggles, ask Customer Service for assistance.

Goggles are not a compulsory for Infant to Level 5 classes, however we highly recommend children gaining experience both with and without goggles.

Do I have to be in the water with my child during the lesson?

If your child is under 3 and/or enrolled into one of our Water Babies, then a parent/guardian must be in the water for the duration of the lesson. 

What is the Watch Around Water Policy?

Children under 5 – must be accompanied in the water and remain within arm’s reach of an adult.

Children under 10 – must be accompanied and constantly supervised by an adult.

In swimming lessons, students enrolled in Babies & Toddlers classes require their parents to be in the water with them. In all other swimming lesson classes, parents are still expected to abide by Watch Around Water with constant supervision of their children under 10.

Life Saving Victoria has created a free online learning module for parents/guardians who would like to learn more about the Watch Around Water policy: click here

Click here to view full policy

What qualifications and checks do our teachers have?

Our teachers hold nationally accredited AUSTSWIM Teacher of Swimming & Water Safety Certificates, ASTCA Swim Australia Teacher qualification or LSV Swimming and Water Safety Teacher qualification current CPR and Working with Children Cards. All teachers that teach infant or disability lessons hold specialised qualifications, likewise all our coaching staff hold Swimming Australia Coaching Accreditation. 

Can I take photos of my child in their swimming lesson?

We welcome the capturing of your magic moments on camera or video, however privacy of others must be respected. The use of cameras and video cameras at this venue is conditional upon the following:

  • You must have all relevant individuals consent to use images
  • It is illegal to broadcast or publish images without consent
  • Under no circumstances are cameras, video cameras or mobile phones to be used in change room areas

WATER SAFETY GUIDELINES

Know your responsibilities as a guardian of children in the water.

Watch Around the Water

The Watch Around Water program was created by the aquatics industry for the aquatics industry and looks to raise awareness of the importance of parental supervision of young children while at public swimming pools and promotes the following safe supervision policies (minimum standard):

  • Children under 5 years must be accompanied into the centre by a responsible adult over 16 years of age and supervised at arm’s reach at all times.
  • Children under 10 years must be accompanied into the centre by a responsible adult over 16 years and supervised at all times.

Life Saving Victoria

MSAC and Life Saving Victoria work closely together to achieve a safe aquatic environment. LSV’s vision and mission aligns with MSAC’s passion for creating an enjoyable and safe environment for all members of the community.

MSAC has a Platinum Pool rating. The Platinum Pool Program was introduced by Life Saving Victoria to highlight aquatic facilities that have achieved the highest standards in the provision of aquatic safety and risk management. The receipt of Platinum Pool accreditation is recognised as a sign of excellence within the Industry.

MSAC Aquatic Guidelines

When visiting Melbourne Sports Centres, we ask that all patrons adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Parents need to adhere to MSAC’s supervision policy of: Children under 5 supervised within arm’s reach and children under 10 actively supervised by a parent or guardian over the age of 16.
  • Walking at all times,
  • Reckless behaviour prohibited,
  • Ball games are not advised and
  • Please listen to lifeguards requests.
  • Lane etiquette: Please stay close to the lane whilst swimming and be mindful of the speed in which you swim as there are lanes for all speeds.
  • Please check the conditions of entry of the centre
  • Family change rooms should be used by parents and guardians with children of opposite sex over the age of six years.

Lock Out

Please note, when the venue reaches its full capacity, a lock out may be required to maintain the safety of or visitors. Information relating to our lock out procedure is outlined below:

WHAT IS A LOCK OUT?

A lock out is when we do not allow any new patron/s into the venue as it is considered at full capacity. The safety of all our patrons, staff and visitors are our priority at all times, and for public safety reasons a lock out will be initiated.

WHY DOES MSAC HAVE LOCK OUTS?

MSAC conduct lock outs during peak periods to manage the safety of all visitors. A lock out will occur mainly in the aquatic areas and is most likely to happen on hot days when there are several hundred people using aquatic facilities.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A LOCK OUT?

There is no set time that a lock out will run for as it largely depends on how many patrons exit the impacted area before more patrons are let in. During lock outs MSAC will provide patrons with activity options while they wait that may include entertainment on our big screen in the main foyer. Pass-outs are not issued during a lock out period.

WHAT IF I AM A MEMBER OR PART OF A MSAC PROGRAM (INCLUDING SWIM SCHOOL)?

A lock out does not apply to members or those who are pre-enrolled in programs such as our swim school squad or holiday programs.

CANCEL YOUR SWIM SCHOOL ENROLMENT

If you wish to cancel swim school lessons for you or your child please email us: swim@melbournesportscentres.com.au