Manta Swim School Terms and Conditions 2023/24

1.0 General

• Terms and conditions subject to change. We will notify our customers of any changes via email and will publish them to our website.
• It is expected that parents/carers are fully involved in the Babies and Toddlers Swim & Sing classes (level 1-4) with singing, dancing and positive encouragement. This includes putting your head underwater. If you are not comfortable with submerging, please let the instructor know and they will show the swimmer themselves. Please ensure full attention is on the instructor and the swimmer throughout the duration of the lesson.
• For group lessons of 3 or 4 swimmers in level 5 (first level in the Kids Learn to Swim Program), there MUST be at least one parent/carer in the water, assisting the instructor. 1:1 with children in the Kids Learn to Swim Program do not require the parent/carer in the water, however they MUST be on poolside, ready to get in the water, if required. For children under 5 years of age, parents/carers must remain within arm’s reach of the child if they are in, around or on the water.
• Swim nappies must be worn by infants who are un-toilet trained. This is in line with the Department of Health Code of Practice.
• We encourage the use of goggles and swim caps to boost learning.
• By accepting enrolment into the program, it is acceptance of terms and conditions by themselves and parent/carer.
• Although we will endeavour to be consistent, we cannot guarantee the same instructor will teach every lesson. If an instructor is unwell, we will firstly attempt to arrange another teacher to cover the lesson.

2.0      Payment and enrolment

• Parents/carers are encouraged to enrol swimmers as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, especially during the summer months and school holiday intensives.
• We do not accept cash payments. Card payments are our only accepted method of payment upon enrolment.
• Casual lessons are paid upfront and in full. 
• Discounted packages are paid upfront and in full. 
• Trial lessons are only available to new swimmers and are limited to 20 minutes in duration.
• We do not accept part-payment.
• We do not offer discounts for concession card holders. 

3.0      Cancellations and refunds

• We do not offer refunds or credits; however, we understand that sometimes unavoidable circumstances occur, which means you have to cancel. Each situation will be considered on a case-by-case basis in line with our policies.
• For discounted packages, if a lesson is cancelled and a makeup lesson cannot be arranged during the package period, 50% of the lesson price will be charged for adding a makeup lesson onto the end of the package.
  
• Cancellations and refund requests must be applied for in writing.
• Trial lessons can only be rescheduled or cancelled under extreme circumstances (e.g., extreme weather or a medical emergency) and you must allow 48 hours’ notice. Each cancellation/rescheduling of a lesson will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

4.0      Photography

• You are only permitted to take photos of your swimmer during the lesson. Instructors can refuse to have photos taken of themselves. Please ensure you ask for approval.
• When you enrol into the Manta Swim School program, you will have the option to refuse photography sharing permission of the swimmer. If you decide to change your mind, please notify us in writing. Use of photographs/videos are for staff training purposes and/or promotional material.

5.0      Programs

• All swimmers are assessed during the trial/first lesson. Infants are generally in classes based on their age. However, they are also assessed for suitability and will be moved in accordance with their ability.
• 20 minute lessons are for Babies and Toddlers Swim & Sing and swimmers with different abilities only. Semi-private lessons are for two swimmers only in the 20 minute classes and up to four swimmers in the 30 minute classes.
• Swimmers will progress through the levels as they develop skills and confidence. The progress for each individual swimmer will be assessed to reflect this. Some swimmers achieve skills faster than others. Therefore, it is important to remember that all swimmers learn at different stages.
• All swimmers receive a certificate when they complete a level.

6.0      Health and safety 

• For insurance and safety reasons, we do not allow play around or in the pool before or after the lesson.
• Please do not allow your swimmer to enter the water before the instructor tells them to do so.
• Please follow all health and safety rules as advised by the instructor or other staff and as displayed in this policy.
• Parents/carers are responsible for their swimmers before and after lessons, as well as any other swimmers in your care whilst lessons are underway.
• Swim nappies are to be worn by all un-toilet trained swimmers. Reusable nappies are the preferred option to help with movement.
• All swimmers should go to the toilet prior to entering the pool.
• All open skin areas are to be covered with an occlusive dressing. An occlusive dressing is one which will shut the wound from contact with the water.
• Swimmers with bleeding or weeping wounds should not attend lessons. Our instructors reserve the right to cease a lesson if they believe the bleed or open wound is unhygienic for the lesson. 

7.0      Pool owner responsibilities

• The pool owner must ensure there is a First Aid Kit available for use and all medical products inside the kit are checked regularly and replenished.
• Pool covers must be removed before the lesson and all obstacles such as floaties, toys, nets and garden equipment must be put away. Pool conditions must be sound prior to lessons commencing.
• Parents/carers must stay present during the lesson in case of an emergency. Staying to watch the lesson also allows you the opportunity to see the progression of your swimmer(s) and question the instructor about skills/ask for advice on practise tips.
• Pool owners must carry out regular checks to ensure barriers and safety is in place to restrict child access.

8.0      Missed lessons

• We require at least 4 hours’ notice (via email or SMS) if swimmers are unable to attend the lesson due to illness, unsafe pool quality, weather conditions or absences. We will work with you to arrange a suitable time to have a makeup lesson.
• If we receive less than 4 hours’ notice, we cannot offer alternative lessons.
• Early morning lessons (before 9.30am start) that are affected owing to weather conditions, must be cancelled no later than 8pm the night before via SMS to your instructor. Whilst weather conditions are unpredictable, we need as much notice as possible if you wish to cancel. Your instructor will swim during all weathers (as long as it is safe to do so); however, if you think your swimmer cannot attend in cold/rain (or if lightning is forecast), please cancel the night prior to the lesson taking place. Lessons scheduled after 9.30am require at least 4 hours’ notice.
• Manta Swim School reserve the right to cancel lessons in case of adverse weather conditions. We will endeavour to make alternative makeup lessons.

9.0      Behaviour

• Manta Swim School has a strict zero tolerance policy for rude or disrespectful behaviour. This is for the welfare of everyone involved (swimmers, parents, carers, instructors and admin staff).
• If a child displays this behaviour in a lesson, there is a three-strike system in place where the child will sit on the edge of the pool or steps for a “time-out” period on the first and second occurrence before being allowed continue with the lesson. On the third occurrence, the parent or carer will be asked to remove the child from the lesson.
• Any adult who displays this type of behaviour will also be given a formal warning in writing.
• No refunds will be given for a lesson where a child or adult has been notified for not adhering to this policy.

10.0    Illness

• We reserve the right to stop a lesson if our instructor believes the swimmer is unwell.
• Students who are unwell can infect other people. Out of respect for our instructors and other swimmers, please notify us of any illness with at least 4 hours’ notice in writing and seek medical attention.

10.1    COVID-19

• Manta Swim School adhere to Government guidelines on Covid-19 procedures. Please see Australian Government Department of Health for current updates.
• We will send out relevant correspondence to our customers if they are affected by changes to lessons due to Covid-19.

• If you or any member of your family are unwell or showing symptoms, please inform us, we have a generous make-up lesson policy and will be happy to accommodate.