Policies and make-up lessons
Fair and clear policies to support every swimmer
Enrolment – Terms & Conditions
SALTWATER SWIM SCHOOLS (SWSS)
ENROLMENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- General
Terms and conditions
These Terms and Conditions form the agreement between you (the customer and/or participant) and SWSS in relation to the services we provide.
They apply to all enrolments, lessons, programs, casual swimming, lap swimming, aqua aerobics and other activities conducted by SWSS, unless we let you know that separate terms apply to a specific program or event.
By enrolling a student, attending a lesson, purchasing a pass, entering the pool area or otherwise using SWSS facilities, you agree to these Terms and Conditions.
If a participant is under 18 years of age, a parent, legal guardian or authorised carer must accept these Terms and Conditions on their behalf.
If any part of these terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that part will be severed and the remaining terms will continue to apply.
We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time by providing reasonable notice. Any changes will not apply retrospectively to fees, services or accrued rights, except where permitted by law.
Supervision and use of the facility
For everyone’s safety, children must be supervised by a responsible adult or carer at all times while at SWSS, except during their scheduled lesson once they have been handed over to the instructor.
During the lesson, SWSS staff supervise the enrolled student only. This supervision is limited to the lesson itself and does not extend to siblings, friends or other patrons.
If a child is not ready to participate, leaves the class, or requires assistance beyond the usual scope of the lesson, we may ask a parent or carer to assist or to remove the child from the class.
Parents and carers remain responsible for children before and after lessons, including in reception, change rooms, pool surrounds and all other areas of the facility.
School-aged children are encouraged to use their designated gender bathroom. Family and gender-neutral facilities may also be available.
All patrons are expected to follow pool depth markings, safety signage and any reasonable directions from SWSS staff.
Privacy and photography
To help protect the privacy and safety of all patrons, photos or videos may only be taken with the permission of SWSS management and anyone who may appear in the image or recording.
Health and safety
We are committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all swimmers, families, staff and visitors.
Children who are not fully toilet trained must wear aqua nappies in the pool.
If your child is unwell—particularly with vomiting, diarrhoea or another contagious illness—please do not attend. Where appropriate and in line with these terms, we will make reasonable efforts to offer a make-up lesson once your child has recovered.
All equipment and facilities should be used carefully and in accordance with signage and staff directions. Use of the facilities is at your own risk.
- Learn to Swim Program
Perpetual lessons
Our classes run on a continuous basis, including during school holidays, with a short break over Christmas and New Year. We will notify you of any closure dates in advance.
We communicate primarily by email, so please ensure your contact details are kept up to date.
Scan in
All families are required to check in at reception using their digital student card or the method advised by SWSS.
Please wait until your lesson is about to begin before entering the designated lesson area.
Consistency
We aim to keep classes as consistent as possible. However, class times, levels, instructors or lesson structures may change where reasonably required for operational, educational or safety reasons.
Absences and make-up lessons
Parents, carers and swimmers are responsible for marking absences and booking make-up lessons via the SimplyPortal App (or any replacement system we advise).
Absences must be recorded to access a make-up lesson.
They can be marked up to 4–6 weeks in advance, with a minimum of 1 hour’s notice before the lesson.
Make-up lessons are offered subject to availability and the following conditions:
- They are non-refundable and non-transferable
- Valid for up to 6 months from the date of the class
- Bookable up to 7 days in advance
- Subject to class availability (preferred times are not guaranteed)
- Cannot be rescheduled once booked
- Are forfeited if not attended
- Remain valid only while enrolment is active and become void upon cancellation.
- Require fees to be up to date
Make-up lessons are not available for the Summer Holiday Program.
If your child has an extended illness or injury, please contact us to discuss available options.
Assessments and behaviour
Students are formally assessed approximately every 4–6 weeks and monitored during regular lessons. Updates may be shared via the SimplyPortal App.
To ensure a safe and positive environment, we follow a behaviour policy. Unsafe or disruptive behaviour may result in:
- A reminder
- Sitting out of part of the lesson
- Removal from the class or facility if behaviour continues
- Billing, statements and direct debit
Billing arrangements
Statements are issued on the 15th of each month for the following month.
Enrolment is confirmed once your direct debit is set up and the first fortnightly payment has been successfully processed.
We operate primarily via fortnightly direct debit. You may also pay upfront, but a valid direct debit must remain on file as the default payment method. The direct debit may be used if upfront credit is exhausted while lessons remain payable, so that the swimmer’s place is not automatically cancelled.
Payments are processed two weeks in advance. The processing dates are published by SWSS on its website and on your customer portal.
If a payment date falls on a public holiday, it will be processed on the next banking day.
Please ensure sufficient funds are available, as bank payments may take 3–4 days to process. Declined payments will incur fees.
Once a payment has begun processing, it cannot be stopped through SWSS.
Applicable processing fees:
- Transaction fee: $0.88
- Visa/Mastercard: $0.33 + 1.98%
- Amex: $0.33 + 1.98%
- International cards: +1.10%
- Declined payment fee: $10.00
These fees are set by the payment provider and may change.
Direct debit provider
Direct debits are managed securely by WorldPay for Platforms (formerly Payrix) or a replacement provider.
Your payment details are encrypted and not directly accessible by SWSS staff.
Your arrangement is also subject to the provider’s direct debit service agreement, which should be kept for your records.
Outstanding fees, cancellations and suspension
All fees must be up to date for ongoing participation unless otherwise agreed.
Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable except where required by law.
To cancel enrolment, please provide at least 4 weeks’ written notice.
If notice is not provided, a cancellation fee equivalent to 4 weeks of lessons may apply.
We may suspend or cancel enrolment if fees are overdue or these terms are breached.
- Summer Holiday Program
Payment for the Summer Holiday Program is required in full at the time of booking to secure your place. Direct debit is not available for this program.
If you need to cancel before the program begins, the amount paid will remain as a credit on your account for future enrolment, unless otherwise agreed by SWSS.
If cancellation occurs after the program has started, the fee for that week of lessons will be forfeited.
Make-up lessons and credits are not available during holiday programs. Any missed lessons are forfeited, subject to applicable consumer law.
- Aqua Aerobics
Casual visits require payment on the day, along with completion of any required participation form or waiver.
An enrolment form is required for the purchase of multi-passes, which must be paid in full before use.
Multi-passes are non-refundable, non-transferable and valid for 12 months from the date of purchase, subject to applicable consumer law.
Participants aged 16 years or under must be accompanied by an adult.
- Lap Swimming and Casual Pool Use
Casual lap swimming and general pool use are only available during scheduled times set by SWSS. These times may change, so please check the monthly schedule on our website for the most up-to-date information.
Casual visits require payment on the day and completion of any required participation form or waiver.
Multi-pass options are available and must be paid in full prior to use. These are non-refundable, non-transferable and valid for 12 months, subject to applicable consumer law.
Parents and carers are responsible for supervising children during casual swimming. SWSS instructors supervise enrolled students during their lesson only.
At times when no lifeguard is on duty, signage will be displayed and additional conditions may apply. All patrons must follow any directions, safety requirements and supervision conditions in place.
For safety, operational or staffing reasons, SWSS may limit or suspend casual pool access at any time.
- Medical Consent and Emergency Response
By enrolling or participating in any SWSS activity, you authorise our staff to provide or arrange first aid, emergency assistance, ambulance attendance or other medical treatment if reasonably required.
Any associated costs, including medical or ambulance expenses, remain the responsibility of the customer or participant.
- Personal Property
All patrons are responsible for their personal belongings while at SWSS.
To the extent permitted by law, SWSS is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to personal property brought onto the premises, except where caused by our negligence or where liability cannot be excluded.
- Australian Consumer Law and Limitation of Liability
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes, restricts or modifies any rights or remedies you may have under the Australian Consumer Law or any other applicable law.
Where services provided by SWSS are considered recreational services under the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic), SWSS limits its liability for death or personal injury to the extent permitted by that legislation.
Where liability cannot be excluded, any available remedies are limited to those provided under the relevant law.
Any reference in these terms to fees, credits, make-up lessons or other entitlements being non-refundable, non-transferable or forfeited applies only to the extent permitted by law.
Important Notice Under the Australian Consumer Law
WARNING UNDER THE AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW AND FAIR TRADING ACT 2012 (VIC)
By enrolling or participating in SWSS activities, you acknowledge that your rights to take legal action against SWSS under the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic) may be limited in relation to liability for death or personal injury, as permitted by law.
This notice is provided in accordance with section 22 of that Act.
Please note: This limitation does not apply where death or injury is caused by gross negligence on the part of SWSS.
For clarity, gross negligence refers to conduct involving a reckless disregard for the consequences of an act or omission.
Complimentary Free Lesson – Terms & Conditions
1. General Overview
These Terms & Conditions apply to the complimentary free assessment offered as part of the Learn to Swim (LTS) Program at Saltwater Swim Schools.
2. Eligibility
2.1 This offer is available to new students enrolling in the Learn to Swim Program for the first time.
2.2 To access the offer, students must be registered, enrolled, and paid-to-date at Saltwater Swim Schools.
2.3 Each new enrolment is eligible for one (1) complimentary assessment.
2.4 This offer is not available to students who have previously been enrolled.
2.5 The complimentary assessment applies only to the Learn to Swim (LTS) Program and cannot be used for other programs, including the Holiday Program.
3. Conditions of Use
3.1 The complimentary assessment will be your first introductory lesson, helping us assess the student's level and get them started.
3.2 This lesson is non-refundable, non-transferable, and cannot be credited.
3.3 If you're unable to attend your first lesson which is your complimentary assessment class, then standard learn to swim fees apply from thereon.
Splash n Play – Terms & Conditions
1. General Overview
These Terms & Conditions apply to all enroled families and patrons engaging in splash and play sessions before or after scheduled swim lessons at Saltwater Swim School.
By entering the facility and participating in splash and play, you agree to comply with these Terms & Conditions.
2. Eligibility
2.1 Splash and play access is available only to:
- Currently enroled students
- Access may be restricted during peak lesson times, events, maintenance periods, or at management discretion.
3. Supervision Requirements
3.1 Children under 10 years of age must be actively supervised by a responsible adult (18+) at all times within the facility.
3.2 Active supervision means:
- Remaining within arm's reach for non-competent swimmers
- Maintaining constant visual contact
- Not using mobile phones or engaging in distracting activities
3.3 Saltwater Swim School staff supervise structured lessons only. Staff are not responsible for supervising children during Splash and Play sessions.
4. Splash and Play Guidelines
4.1 Free play is recreational swimming and not a structured lesson.
4.2 Running, diving (unless permitted), rough play, and unsafe behaviour are strictly prohibited.
4.3 Flotation devices may be restricted at management's discretion.
4.4 Saltwater Swim School reserves the right to end a free play session if safety rules are not followed.
5. Photography & Media
5.1 Photography and video recording are not permitted without management approval.
5.2 Any approved photography must not capture other patrons without consent.
6. Changes to Terms
Saltwater Swim School reserves the right to update these Terms & Conditions at any time. The most current version will be available upon request or via our website.
7. Additional Benefits & Fees
7.1 Complimentary Splash n Play
All enroled SWSS students are welcome to swim free of charge during our Splash n Play times.
7.2 Toddler Parent Participation
Students enroled in Toddler Beginner, Toddler Advanced and Toddler Transitions classes are eligible for one parent to swim complimentary during their child’s lesson.
7.3 Weekday Morning Access (Monday–Friday)
During term time, students attending their scheduled class that day may have one parent join them in the water before or after their class at no additional cost.
Please note, this offer is limited to one parent per enroled student. Additional children or adults are not permitted to participate during this time.
7.4 Weekend Access – Mt Duneed
Additional participants are welcome on Saturdays and Sundays at our Mt Duneed location; however, a participation fee applies on weekends.
Summer Holiday Program – Terms & Conditions
First lesson free does not apply to the Summer Holiday Program
- Fees are payable up front to book into the Holiday Program to lock-in and confirm your spot.
- Bookings can be cancelled at any time prior to the Holiday Program commencement date. A cancellation fee will only be applied if cancellation occurs during the Program and will be equivalent of 2 lessons charged, this is non-negotiable. Please speak to management to discuss your options.
- Make-up lessons and credits are not applicable during the Holiday Program. If you are absent during the program, you forfeit your lesson.
- SWSS aims to maintain consistency but may sometimes need to move students or change instructors if the need arises during the program.
- Children must be accompanied by a parent during the Program. Children are not to be left unattended at the poolside or enter the water until their lesson has commenced or unless they have been instructed by their teacher.
- SWSS staff are here to do the best they can to assist and accommodate you. No rude or disrespectful behaviour will be tolerated.
- As a respect for privacy, no photos or videos are to be taken in the pool area without consent from management and all other patrons.
- Saltwater Swim Schools takes NO responsibility for accidents or injuries that occur within or outside the swim school premises.
Make-up Lesson Policy
MAKE UPS:
Unlimited make-up classes are available (subject to availability). These classes are non-refundable, non-transferable, and valid for up to six months. Please note that any unused make-up classes will be forfeited if you cancel your enrolment, as all make-ups become void upon cancellation. Full details are available on our website and in the SimplyPortal app.
MARKING YOUR ABSENCES:
If your swimmer cannot attend a lesson, please mark the absence through the SimplyPortal App. This ensures you can access available make-up sessions.
Absences can be marked up to 4 weeks in advance, with a minimum notice of 1 hour before the lesson.
BOOKING A MAKE-UP:
Make-up bookings can only be made after an absence has been recorded, so please remember to log it—otherwise, a make-up session won't be available.
A make-up lesson can be booked up to 7 days ahead of the class time.
- Make up lessons are non-refundable or transferrable and expire 6 months after the absence date is marked.
- Make up lessons are subject to program availability. We do not guarantee you will be able to book a make up at a time you desire or that a place will be available.
- Make up sessions cannot be rescheduled.
- Failure to attend a make-up will result in the forfeit of your lesson.
- Make ups are only valid while currently enrolled in the program.
- Make up lessons are not available for the Summer Holiday Program.
- Fees must be paid to be eligible for a make-up.
- For extended illness or injury, please contact the swim school's management team to discuss options.
Billing & Payment Policy
STATEMENTS:
SWSS will issue statements on the 15th of each month for the following month.
CONFIRMATION:
Your enrolment is confirmed once your direct debit is set up (and fortnightly payment processed).
PAYMENT OPTION:
SWSS operates on a fortnightly Direct Debit as its primary payment option. You can also choose to pay for fees upfront through your SimplyPortal App or at the swim school reception. However, you still need to set up a direct debit as your default payment method. The direct debit will only be used if your upfront payment runs out and there are still lessons to be paid for. This helps make sure your place is not cancelled.
PROCCESSING DATES:
Direct debits are processed fortnightly, two weeks in advance of lessons. Please refer to the Direct Debit schedule on our website or via your simply portal, for processing dates.
Direct Debits are processed on the morning of the nominated processing date.
If the processing date falls on a Public Holiday, processing will commence on the next banking day.
Payments from bank accounts may take 3 to 4 banking days (weekdays) to process. Please ensure funds are available from the processing date for this duration to avoid any declined payment fees.
Once processing has started, the direct debit cannot be recalled, stopped or cancelled.
DECLINED DEBITS:
Declined debits will incur a $10.00 fee, which will automatically be added to your family account. This fee is charged by "WorldPay for Platforms" (formerly "Payrix"), the third-party provider that manages the agreement, and therefore cannot be waived.
If your direct debit is declined, please make prompt payment (including the declined fee) to rectify the issue and prevent any potential cancellation of lessons.
DIRECT DEBIT PROVIDER AGREEMENT:
Please note that processing fees are charged for this service.
Fees currently are:
Transaction Processing Fee – $0.88
Visa/Master Card Fee: $0.33 plus 1.98%
Amex Card Fee: $0.33 plus 1.98%
Additional fee of 1.10% will apply to international cards
Declined Payment/Failure Fee: $10.00
WorldPay for Platforms is an authorised Direct Debit processor, with an Australian Financial License (AFSL no. 418105). All payment data is encrypted, stored and processed within a highly secure network. Its entire process is certified at the highest level of compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Your payment details are encrypted and not visible to or accessible by any of our staff at any time.
DIRECT DEBIT REQUEST SERVICE AGREEMENT:
This Agreement is designed to explain what your obligations are when undertaking a Direct Debit arrangement with Payrix Australia and the Business (SWSS). It also details what our obligations are to you as your Direct Debit Provider. We recommend you keep this agreement in a safe place for future reference. It forms part of the terms and conditions of your Direct Debit Request (DDR) and should be read in conjunction with your DDR form (refer to the DDR Service Agreement found in your customer portal)
OUTSTANDING FEES:
Must be paid in full prior to the commencement of any lesson. All payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Any outstanding amount must be cleared prior to attending the lesson.
CANCELATION:
Once your Direct Debit Agreement has been signed and completed, your direct debit is ongoing. To terminate a direct debit, this can be done with four (4) weeks' prior written notice.
Failure to comply with the cancellation period will result in a cancelation fee, which is valued at 4 weeks of lessons.
Kids Active Voucher – Terms & Conditions
- The Get Active Kids Voucher will be redeemed upon enrolment in the Family Account of the SimplySwim Program.
- In accordance with Service VIC conditions, the voucher must be used for a structured program.
- If a child withdraws from their Term or Holiday Program enrolment before using the full voucher amount, the remaining balance will remain as a credit on the Family Account.
- Non-attendance in a program does not qualify for credit against the voucher.
- The Get Active Kids Voucher is not redeemable for cash under any circumstances.
- Vouchers are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Child Safety Policy
Our Commitment to Child Safety
Saltwater Swim School is committed to keeping all children and young people safe.
We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment where children feel respected, listened to, and protected.
This policy applies to all staff, instructors, contractors, volunteers, students, families, and visitors.
Victorian Child Safe Standards
We follow the 11 Victorian Child Safe Standards to make sure child safety is built into everything we do.
1. Child Safety and Wellbeing is Embedded in Our Leadership and Culture
- Child safety is everyone's responsibility.
- Leaders promote a culture where children are safe, valued, and supported.
- Staff are encouraged to speak up about concerns.
2. Children Are Informed, Listened to, and Taken Seriously
- Children are encouraged to speak up if something makes them uncomfortable.
- We listen to children and respect their views.
- We support children to feel confident and safe during lessons.
3. Families and Communities Are Informed and Involved
- Families are provided with information about our child safety practices.
- We welcome feedback and questions from families.
- We work in partnership with parents and carers to support child safety.
4. Equity Is Upheld and Diverse Needs Are Respected
- We respect and support children of all abilities, cultures, backgrounds, and identities.
- We provide inclusive programs and reasonable adjustments where needed.
- Discrimination, bullying, or exclusion is not tolerated.
5. People Working With Children Are Suitable and Supported
- All staff and volunteers must have a valid Working With Children Check.
- Recruitment includes reference checks and screening.
- Staff receive training in child safety and appropriate behaviour.
6. Codes of Conduct Are Established and Followed
- Staff must always behave professionally and appropriately.
- Physical contact is only used when necessary for teaching or safety and is explained to the child.
- Inappropriate language, behaviour, or favouritism is not allowed.
7. Complaints and Safety Concerns Are Taken Seriously
- We have clear procedures for reporting concerns or complaints.
- All reports are taken seriously and acted on promptly.
- Children and families can raise concerns without fear of punishment.
8. Staff Understand How to Identify and Respond to Harm
- Staff are trained to recognise signs of abuse or neglect.
- Staff know how to respond appropriately and who to report concerns to.
- Mandatory reporting obligations are followed.
9. Child Safety Is Embedded in Our Physical and Online Environments
- Our facilities are designed and maintained with child safety in mind.
- Supervision is maintained at all times.
- Online communication and social media use follow strict guidelines.
10. Policies and Procedures Are Documented and Accessible
- Child safety policies are written in plain English.
- Policies are available to staff, families, and the community.
- Staff know where to find and how to follow these policies.
11. Continuous Review and Improvement
- We regularly review our child safety practices.
- Feedback from children, families, and staff helps us improve.
- Policies are updated to meet current legislation and best practice.
Reporting a Child Safety Concern
If you are concerned about a child's safety:
- Speak to the Site Manager or Coordinator immediately
All concerns will be handled confidentially and respectfully.
Our Promise
At Saltwater Swim Schools child safety comes first.
We are committed to providing a safe, positive, and supportive environment where every child can learn, grow, and enjoy swimming.