At The Swim Vault we ensure the key achievements in our programmes are in alignment with the Swim England framework & core outcomes. 

What programmes do we offer?

All of our programmes can be viewed under the "Programmes" tab. 

Due to high demand some of our programmes may be subject to availability, please enquire about a programme of your interest. 

How do I know which stage to register for?

At the Swim Vault we follow the Swim England Learn to Swim Pathway for stages 1-7 and the Aquatics Skills Framework for stages 8-10 for the children programmes. Swimmers under the age of 18 who have successfully completed and awarded stage 10 inclusive of the core outcomes and distance awards can be considered for the Swim Squad programme. We also incorporate the Adult Swimming Framework stages 1-4 for individuals over the age of 18. The Swim England stage criteria can be found within the "Programmes" tab under each respective swimming stage for both children and adult swimmers. 

The Swim Vault retain the right to assess and adjust a swimmers stage as necessary. 

What ability and age groups do you cater for?

At The Swim Vault we believe swimming should be enjoyed by individuals of all abilities. We cater for all abilities from complete beginners to competent swimmers; including swimmers with physical or special educational needs. To help us best guide you to your full swimming potential and assist to cater for all individual needs; we kindly request for the registration form to be completed as accurately as possible prior to submission. Children from as young as three years of age can attend lessons at The Swim Vault (without parent/carer/guardian in the pool). The Swim Squad programme is catered for swimmers under the age of 18 (please refer to the "Swim Squad" webpage for more details). Adult sessions are suitable for individuals 18 years and over. 

How many swimmers per group? 

Your continuous swimming progress and developement is our priority, this is why we have kept our group sizes small and intimate, with a maximum of 6 swimmers in the childrens classes. The adult classes have a maximum of 8 or 10 swimmers dependent on the stage. The Swim Squad programme caters to a maximum of 12 swimmers. 

At The Swim Vault we promote our private 1:1 bespoke sessions as we want the swimmer to receive our undivided attention. 

What days and times are available? 

The Swim Vault will provide availability upon acceptance of registration. Session times are assigned in accordance to grouping of similar swimming abilities and levels which are subject to availability and adjustment. 

What is the duration of a lesson?

The duration of a lesson is approxamately 30 minutes; this includes taking of register, a warm up, main body, and cool down activity. 

At The Swim Vault we recommend for adults to opt for the 1 hour lesson duration thus providing sufficient time for  technique focus, overall stroke and swimming development and exercise. 

How long is a term at The Swim Vault?

At The Swim Vault the swimming term is a minimum of 9 or 10 weeks long. 

How do I register onto a programme?

You can easily access The Swim Vault virtual registration form under the "Registration" tab. Once you have completed and submitted the form, you will receive a confirmation email or WhatsApp / Message of your application submission. 

How soon do I need to register?

Due to popularity and high demand we advise all new and existing clients to register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

Do I have to re-enrol every term and why?

Yes. Re-enrolment confirms your choice in selecting The Swim Vault as your swimming lessons provider. Re-enrolment every term also ensures we have your most up to date information. 

What information do I need to provide?

At The Swim Vault we aim to meet the individual needs of all of our clients thats why it is imperative all information inserted onto the registration form is honest and current. We understand your personal information is important, and therefore adhere to current GDPR regulations and legislations. For more information please refer to the "T&Cs" tab. 

How do I know if my registration has been successful?

Once you have submitted your virtual registration form, you will hear back from one of our team members. 

Can I enrol after the course has started? 

To secure your/child/rens slot and avoid disappointment, registration must be completed, approved and paid for prior to the start of a new term. Approved registrations after the start of term will be dependent on availability and charged on a pro rata basis.

How do I make payment?

The Swim Vault accept payment via Bank transfer. At present we do not take AMEX or cheques as a method of payment. 

Do I need to leave a deposit to secure my place? 

Upon approval of your registration, to secure your place you will be required to pay a 50% non- refundable deposit of your total programme cost for the respective term. We will contact you to provide you with all necessary details such as: the programme price, day and time of the lesson, start and end dates of the term, The Swim Vault's bank account details and any other required information. It is imperative that when completing your deposit payment you include the swimmers forename and surname in the reference field of your payment. You will be provided with confirmation once we have received your deposit payment. You also have the choice to make full payment should you wish to do so. Should you wish to pay in full, 50% of the full amount will be considered as the non-refundable deposit 

When do I need to pay the remaining balance?

You will be required to pay the remaining balance in full atleast 1 week prior to the start of the upcoming term unless there are extenuating circumstances subject to the approval of The Swim Vault. When paying the outstanding balance, please follow the same payment procedure as the above "deposit payment".   You will be provided with confirmation once we have received your payment. 

Why do I need to make a non-refundable deposit payment?

A deposit payment is required to secure the swimmers place on a programme, reserving a place ensures that slot will not be available for sale to another customer. 

What do I need to bring?

To be lesson ready you will need suitable and appropriate swim wear, a towel, swimming goggles & swim hat. A double swim nappy is to be worn during the lesson if required. 

Personal preference: a rash vest, a kick board, a pool noodle, prescription goggles if required. 

Swimming Pool Etiquette: 

- Tie back long hair if applicable and wear a swimming hat 

- Remove loose jewellery before entering the swimming pool

- Bring suitable flat footwear such as flip flops, sliders, crocs or go bare footed

- Bring a suitable verucca sock if required

- Ensure your child is wearing 2 swim safe nappies if required

- Have a quick rinse before entering the swimming pool 

- We advise our clients to not consume any food immidiately or shortly before the start of their lesson.

- We advise our clients to use the bathroom prior to their session to maximise their learning time in the pool

- Do not use a snorkle mask or flippers

- Long sleeved appropriate swimwear is permissable

- Do not bring hot / cold beverages in glass bottles, a plastic bottle of water is advisable

- Swimmers cannot attend and will be refused entry if they are under the influence or misuse of any abusive / harmful substance / intoxicant

The Swim Vault will not be held responsible or liable for any lost possessions or valuables. 

How early can I arrive on the day of my lesson?

We ask that all swimmers arrive no more than 15 minutes prior to the start of their lesson time, allowing adequate time for the swimmers from the previous lesson to leave the premises, to avoid congestion in the changing areas, we request for all swimmers to leave no more than 15 minutes after the end of their lesson. For health and safety reasons The Swim Vault requires that swimmers access the pool side no more than 5 minutes before their lesson time.

What changing and shower facilities are available at the venue? 

There are seperate gender changing rooms with showers available.

Changing Room Policy:

Children aged 8 and below can use either the male or female changing room, the parent / carer / guardian accompanying the child will be determining factor on which changing room to use. For instance if  a female up to and including the age of 8 is accompanied by a male parent / carer / guardian, they will be required to use the male changing room. If a male up to and including the age of 8 is accompanied by a female parent / carer / guardian, they will be required to use the female changing room. Both female and male children aged 9 and above are required to use the respective changing room and are to be accompanied by a parent / guardian / carer of the same sex. 

What happens if I am late to a lesson?

To limit disruption to swimmers and lessons we request that all swimmers arrive in a timely manner. If a swimmer is more than 10minutes late to a lesson, their attendance for the remainder of the lesson will be at the discretion of the instructor. If a swimmer is late on three seperate ocassions in a given term; this may result in the cancellation of your remaining sessions in the current term without refund / credit issue. 

Are there parking facilities available? 

Yes there is free parking available. 

Do parents have the option to drop off at the start and collect the swimmer at the end of the session? 

Parents / Carers / Guardians for children under the age of 18 must stay on the premises throughout the duration of the swimmers lesson from start to end and ensure the swimmer is both dropped off and collected on time. The responsible adult must remain contactable for the duration of the lesson. No child will be released until they are collected by their appointed responsible adult from pool side. 

What happens if I am unable to attend a session?

Due to demand, to better manage our small group sizes and provide the best possible service, The Swim Vault does not offer make up lessons or issue a refund / credit for any missed sessions at present (unless otherwise authorised).

Can someone else attend in my place?

Swimming lessons are to be attended solely by the registered swimmer and cannot be transferred to or shared with any other persons.

What happens if I can no longer attend?

Succesful fulfilment of the programme payment requirements indicates your commitment to a full swimming term at The Swim Vault regardless of absense due to holidays, illness, travel disruptions with no refund issue, credit, or make up availability (unless otherwise authorised). 

In exceptional circumstances where a swimmers ability to continue with swimming lessons in a safe manner deteoriates due to a new/ongoing health issue, The Swim Vault reserves the right to request for the swimmer / parent / carer / guardian to provide a medical letter from the swimmers GP/health care professional. In such instances, The Swim Vault will issue a refund for the lessons which have been paid for but not taken (excluding the non-refundable deposit). 

When does a swimmer progress to the next stage?

At The Swim Vault all swimmers are assessed by qualified instructors, we ensure a swimmer progresses to the next swimming stage when their swimming technique, stamina and proficiency has improved and they have met and can demonstrate their current stage criteria confidently, competently and to a good standard. Swimmers are assesed both on core skills and distance, a swimmer will progress to the next swimming stage once they have accomplished both outcomes for their respective stage. Swimmers who progress to the next stage without displaying readiness can not only lose motivation and enjoyment for swimming but may also begin to regress as oppose to progress. 

Submersion?

Voluntary submersions are a fantastic way to build water confidence and to better introduce and manage aquatic breathing.  At The Swim Vault we are against and do not partake in forced submersions. Submersions are always performed in a safely supervised, mutually comfortable and healthy manner.

Is filming and photography allowed?

Filming and photography is strictly prohibited by all at The Swim Vault unless authorised. 

Spectatorship?

Spectatorship is permissable at the venue with a spectator gallery or  an appropriate pool side. Where there is a spectators gallery we kindly ask parents / carers / guardians to refrain from poolside throughout the duration of the lesson and withhold from assisting the instructor unless asked to do so. 

Lost property?

The Swim Vault will not be held responsible or liable for any lost or damaged possessions or valuables. 

How can I contact the instructor directly?

At The Swim Vault we advise our clients to contact us with any questions, queries or feedback they have either before or after a lesson; via email / the enquiry form via the The Swim Vault website or our business contact number via whatsapp.  We endeavour to reply to all queries as soon as we can. Please refrain from contacting the instructor on poolside.