We have been listening to your feedback and are pleased to say we are taking measures to address some of the issues we’ve identified.
Many of you, particularly in stages 4 and above, have struggled at some point to get a suitable place in a class, as your child has moved through the stages. We are aware that we need more higher stage classes, so to address that and give you more options we will be reconfiguring the layout of our lessons and adding additional higher stage classes over the coming weeks. You will initially see a trial layout from your return next week, which will then, all being well, become permanent over the next couple of weeks. Initially the priority will be evaluating the new layout and then we will be adding in additional classes as the weeks progress. We have already been able to make a few more options available from next week, some of which have been taken up already via the Homeportal.
This will mean that stages 3s and above will be swimming in lanes in the main pool and ducklings, stage 1s and 2s will be swimming in the smaller boom end area towards the café end. This has the advantage of providing a quieter area for the lower stages which will be less intimidating for new starters, away from the hustle and bustle of the main activities.
Stage 3s will remain in the main pool but will be in their own lane and be working up to swimming a full 17m so the move to stage 4 in slightly deeper water, will not come as much of a shock as it previously has and will give them more opportunity to practice swimming further before putting their feet down. Swimming one at a time along the lane will also allow for easier individual feedback by the teacher as they return to the end of the lane. Similarly, the stage 4s who were swimming in a square in the main pool rather than a lane, will remain in the main pool but will now be in a lane which ensures more uniformity and will better prepare them for the distances and depths of stage 5.
We will also be able to introduce more Club Foundation classes, which have been in high demand, as well as exploring the opportunity to add in other activities such as Rookie Lifeguard in the future.
So just to reiterate all stage 3s and above will meet their teacher in the main side of the pool and Ducklings through to stage 2s will be in the boom end small pool area closest to the café. We would like to remind everyone that the wearing of swim hats is necessary as this is for safety reasons and ensures the child can be identified as being in the correct area for their ability. We appreciate your patience whilst we transition to this layout and everyone becomes used to it.
The only exception to this is for Sunday classes which all take place in the boom area.
If your child struggles with change and is likely to find this challenging, please reach out to us and we will do our best to ensure a smooth transition.