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?
We do our best to accommodate our swimmers’ schedules. Please get in touch with us if you find your booking time is no longer working and we can check our class availability to find a time that better suits.

How do I cancel my booking?
You can cancel your term booking anytime by logging in to our online booking portal and withdrawing from the class. The system will credit you pro rata for the number of lessons remaining in the term. You can also contact us to cancel your term booking.

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 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 in the following ways:

• Pay online using our online booking portal. 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.

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.

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 babies programme, a parent or caregiver (in appropriate swimwear) 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 login to our online booking portal and update your contact details as necessary, or contact us to arrange. 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, the instructor and/or pool deck supervisor will notify you and then you can work with the Swim School Office to change your booking.

What lessons are offered during the holidays?
We offer group lessons for pre-school up to Rainbow Trout, and private lessons for any level you wish.

When are holiday lessons?
Holiday lessons take place during school term breaks; normally lessons are for two weeks, excluding any holidays.

How do I enrol?
You can enrol for holiday lessons the same way you enrol for term lessons - using our online booking portal.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel your booking by emailing us at swimschool@taupo.govt.nz, calling 07 376 0350 or visiting us at the Swim School Office. Please note that holiday lessons must be cancelled 10 days in advance in order to receive a class credit.

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)