Frequently Asked Questions

1. What changes are being made?

We've updated our assessment criteria to create a clearer and more supportive progression pathway for our students. These changes provide more opportunities for students to achieve milestones, build confidence, and celebrate their success, while continuing to progress based on their skills, confidence, and readiness.

2. Why are these changes being introduced?

To help students progress more consistently through the swim program, we have updated our assessment criteria to create a clearer progression pathway with smaller, achievable milestones. This gives students more opportunities to experience success, celebrate their achievements, and build confidence throughout their swimming journey.

3. When will the new criteria take effect?

While our team is working behind the scenes to prepare for these changes, the new assessment criteria will take effect from Term 4, 2026, commencing 5 October 2026.

4. Who is affected by these changes?

The updates have been designed to enhance progression opportunities across the program, with the level of change varying between class stages:

• Mini Explorers: No change to class criteria or progression pathways.
• Little Discoverers: No change to class criteria or progression pathways.
• Big achievers 1-2: Minimal updates have been made, with only a small number of criteria refinements.

·Big Achievers Levels 3-7: These levels have undergone the most significant updates. Skills have been broken down into smaller, more achievable milestones, and additional levels have been introduced to create more frequent progression opportunities and support students as they continue to develop their swimming skills.

5. What are the main differences between the old and new criteria?

We've made a number of improvements to create a clearer and more rewarding learning journey for our swimmers. Skills have been broken down into smaller, achievable milestones, and additional levels have been introduced within the program. This means students will have more opportunities to experience success, build confidence, and celebrate their progress as they develop their swimming skills.

6. Will my child need to change classes?

All students will be reviewed and placed into the most appropriate level within the updated program structure. Our team will manage this process and communicate with families if any time changes are required.

7. How will I know what skills my child is working on?

Information about your child's level, achievements, and progression pathway will be available through your online portal. You can also speak with the ASO for feedback.

8. My child has already achieved skills in their current level. Will these be recognised?

Yes. Existing students will be assessed as part of the transition, and previously achieved skills and competencies will be recognised when determining the most appropriate level placement.

9. Where can I find more information about the new levels?

Information about the updated levels, progression pathways, and assessment criteria will be available through your online portal closer to the launch of the new program structure. We will also keep families informed with regular updates.

10. Will my child's teacher change because of the new criteria?

While we understand that consistency with teachers is important, some students may have a change of teacher as part of the transition to the updated program structure. Wherever possible, we will aim to minimise teacher changes and maintain continuity for students. Our priority is to ensure each student is placed in the most appropriate class to support their ongoing development and success in the water.

11. Will students still receive certificates or recognition for progressing?

Yes. We know how important it is for students to celebrate their achievements. Recognition of milestones and progression will continue to be an important part of our swim program. Certificates will be available online through your portal.

12. What if my child is close to progressing when the changes begin?

Our team will carefully review all students during the transition. Any skills and achievements your child has already demonstrated will be considered when determining their placement within the updated program structure.

13. Will my child progress at the same rate as before?

Every child progresses at their own pace. The updated criteria provide smaller milestones and more opportunities for achievement, but progression will continue to be based on each student's skills, confidence, and readiness.

14. Who can I speak to if I have questions?

Our Deck Supervisors and Swim School team are happy to help. Please speak with a team member during your visit, and we'll be happy to answer any questions about your child's progression or the upcoming changes.

15. Who can I contact if I have questions?

Please contact your local Swim School team:

Broadmeadows
broadmeadowsswimschool@hume.vic.gov.au

Splash
splashswimschool@hume.vic.gov.au

Sunbury
sunburyswimschool@hume.vic.gov.au

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Our Swim School is a structured program that’s designed to teach babies, children and adults how to swim and to increase their water safety skills and water awareness.

Our dedicated team of qualified Swim Teachers provide the Hume Swim School Program, which is a comprehensive swimming initiative tailored to the Hume community.

Hume Swim School provides a broad, balanced program of swimming, water safety and survival skills and prepares people of all abilities for a lifetime of safe activity in, on or near the water. We also provide adult lessons, teen lessons, swim ability, private lessonas and programs for beginners to experienced swimmers.

Our Swim School is made up of four categories for different age groups.

• Mini Explorers – water familiarisation for parents and their children aged 6-36 months.
• Little Discoverers – builds water confidence for preschool aged children between 3-5 years.
• Big Achievers – swimming and water safety program for school aged children 5-14 years.
• Adult and Teen – lessons and programs for beginners to experienced swimmers aged 15 and over.

We also run swim programs that sit outside our learn to swim program. These include our squad programs, swim ability and privates lessons. These lessons and programs are for beginners to experienced swimmers of all ages.

Our swimming lessons are held over 40 weeks of the Victorian primary and secondary school year and run from 9am-11.30am and 4pm-7.30pm on weekdays and 8.30am-12.30pm on weekends.

As a general rule, infant and toddlers lessons are held between 9am-11.30am on both weekdays and weekends, while school aged classes are held from 4pm-7.30pm weekdays and 8.30am-12.30pm on weekends. Adult lessons are held during weekday mornings and weeknights.

We offer a Swim and Play Membership, which provides year-round access to our aquatic facilitites, with your lessons included.

Our Swim and Play Membership is convenient, packed with value and member bonuses and secures your place year round. Enjoy the convenience of automatic renewal, spread your payments over 24 fortnightly direct debits, and ensure your child doesn't lose their place by guaranteeing their enrolment each term. Swim and Play members receive:

• Up to 40 swimming lessons per year, held over the four Victorian primary and secondary school terms
• Unlimited year round pool access for your child and an accompanying adult
• One month of summer on us, with no payments during the month of January
• Free waterslides access for your child and an accompanying adult on your child’s birthday
• Free pool access for your child and one accompanying adult at all 3 Hume Leisure Centres, year-round.

Benefits of the Swim and Play membership:

• Online payments – Enrol and authorise your direct debit payments easily on the Hume Leisure website
• Guaranteed placement – Automatic renewal ensures you keep your spot in our program
• Convenient payments – Spread your payments over the year, with fortnightly direct debits from your debit or credit card
• No lock in terms – Cancel at any time by providing two weeks’ notice in writing
• Family discounts – For families enrolling more than one child.

Our lessons go for 30 minutes.

No, our lessons are not held on public holidays. There may be instances during the year when your lesson falls on a public holiday. We do not provide make-up lessons, but Swim and Play members can access the centre on public holidays. Please refer to our website for specific public holiday hours.

Our teachers hold an AustSwim - or equivalent qualification - CPR, AND Level 2 First Aid certificate.

All teachers have a current Working with Children Check.

No, it's never too late to learn how to swim.

Yes, parents and guardians must actively supervise their child during their lesson.

Children under 10 years old:

• Must be accompanied into the centre by a responsible parent / guardian
• Must be constantly and actively supervised
• Parents and guardians must have a clear view of their child at all times.

Children under 5 years old:

• Must be accompanied into the centre by a responsible parent / guardian
• Must be constantly and actively supervised during recreational play within arms reach

Children over 10 years old:

• For children 10 years and older, parents must use their knowledge of the child’s swimming ability and general development to determine the level of accompaniment required.

For students aged between 10 and 13, a parent or guardian must remain in centre during their lesson.

We’re expecting a high demand for places in our Swim School. Once you’re enrolled, it may be some time before you can change the day and time of your swimming lesson. If your circumstances change, please contact us to see if an alternative lesson day and time are available. But we can’t guarantee it.

We try to enrol families with more than one child as close together as possible, but can’t guarantee that your children’s lessons will be held on the same day and time. Our classes are structured to accommodate the hours of the day, the age of the children and other commitments such as school.

We understand that things come up from time to time, which may prevent you from attending your lesson. If you can’t make it, you don’t need to tell us in advance. We’ll see you next time.

As we run to a strict timetable, please arrive 10 minutes before your lesson.

Well-fitting bathers (one piece preferable), goggles, towel and a swimming cap is optional but encouraged.

Long hair must be tied back. All learn to swim equipment is provided eg. noodles and kickboards.

For reasons of public health, parents should ensure that:

• Children taking part in baby classes wear an aqua nappy at all times while in the pools. These are available for sale at reception.
• Children of any age who are not toilet trained should wear an aqua nappy while swimming.
• Any swimmer who has recently had diarrhoea or gastro should not attend swimming classes or use the pools for at least 14 days after symptoms have stopped.
• If your child has a cough or cold, you should let them recover fully before resuming classes.

In the early stages, goggles are not necessary but as they start to put their faces in the water, goggles enable them to see under the water and protect their eyes. In terms of a swim cap if your child has long hair, please ensure it is tied back and out of the face.

Our lessons run to a strict timetable and due to the high number of people enrolled we need to start on time. We unfortunately cannot wait if you’re running late. We encourage you to be at our centre at least 10 minutes prior to your lesson.

Due to the high demand for places at Splash, we do not provide make-up lessons in our Swim School. If you have paid for your Swimming Lessons only up front, we will provide you with a Family Swim Pass.

If you’re unwell or have suffered an injury that prevents you from attending your swimming lessons, you may be eligible to have your lessons suspended until you’re well enough to return. We will only suspend lessons for medical reasons if you provide us with a medical certificate from an approved medical practitioner, that grants you absence for a minimum of two consecutive weeks.

No. We do not provide the option to suspend your swimming lessons, unless for approved medical reasons.

No. As our Swim School program is already subsidised, we cannot provide any further discounts for pension or concession card holders.

Not generally. We only provide private lessons in exceptional circumstances.

We try to keep our students with same teacher, but this isn’t always possible, particularly as your child progresses through the levels of our Swim School program. We have a set program, so if a regular teacher is absent, the teacher covering will teach all the skills necessary for that level. We find that at times a different teacher can in fact be a good thing, as they are often able to provide different teaching points to master a certain swimming ­skill.

The maximum number of students in a lesson varies by age group and skill category of the swimmers.

As a general guide, the maximum number of students enrolled in each class is:

• Babies (months – 3yrs old): Maximum of 8 students per class
• Pre-school (3-5years old): Maximum of 4 students per class
• School aged (5-14 years): Maximum of 6 students per class
• Adults (15 and over): Maximum of 5 students per class.

Students are assessed by their teacher and our deck supervisors regularly. We’ll provide progress reports to you in a number of ways, including email updates and in person where appropriate.

We will advise you when your child has complete their level and what the next steps are.

If you ever have a question about your progress, please speak to your teacher or one of our Swim School Deck Supervisors.

Yes. You will receive a digital certificate via email as your child progresses through our Swim School.

It depends. Every child learns at their own pace. In some instances, children may progress through their level quicker than others, while other children may take longer to learn. Once your child has completed their level, we’ll advise you of next steps and what class times and days are available.

How long is a piece of string? There is no set timeframe for a child to learn how to swim.

The key is to attend swimming lessons regularly. We’ll keep you updated as we go on your child’s progress.

Yes. In line with our Watch Around Water (WAW) policy, each baby must be accompanied in the water by a responsible adult who actively participates in the session.

Yes. We encourage you to take as much time in the pool as you like although being so young you may find 30 minutes is enough.

We would love to offer this opportunity to as many families/babies as possible however if there are 2 babies there needs to be 2 adults in the water

You will need to bring another responsible adult to supervise your other child at all times while you are participating in the class.

Yes, additional swimmers are welcome; however casual entry fees will apply. All children must be actively supervised at all times in accordance with our Watch Around Water (WAW) policy.

Our hope is this program will offer the opportunity to socialize and make new friends. In reality we are teaching the parent/guardian who supports the infant. In saying that, any person over the age of 16 can take part in these sessions

This program is designed specifically for babies up to 6 months of age. Once your baby reaches 6 months, we recommend continuing their swimming journey by enrolling them in our Learn to Swim program, where they can progress into the next appropriate level.

For more information about our Learn to Swim programs, please visit the link below:

Swimming Lessons — Hume Leisure

Please bring a towel, a swim nappy, and a fresh nappy for after the session. As adults are also required to be in the water, don’t forget to bring a towel and bathers for yourself as well.

A swim nappy is a specially designed nappy made for use in the pool. It helps contain solids while allowing water to pass through, keeping the pool clean and safe for everyone.

If you require an additional swim nappy, please speak to our friendly reception staff.

If you’re unable to attend, we encourage you to cancel your booking through your online portal. This allows other families the opportunity to participate.