1.     Right of Admission

Whale of a Time Swim School reserves the right of admission at all times.

2.     Parental Responsibility

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that the child understands the purpose of attending swimming lessons and is prepared to participate accordingly.

3.     Code of Conduct

While personal views on child rearing are respected, all parents and learners are required to adhere to the Swim School’s code of conduct to ensure a safe, structured, and effective learning environment. Lessons are conducted in a structured format to support consistent progress.

4.     Hygiene Requirements

Children under the age of four (4) years are required to wear a reusable swimming nappy at all times while in the pool. These are available for purchase from the Swim School.

5.     Bookings

All lesson bookings are deemed to be recurring monthly bookings. A reserved time slot is allocated to each learner and will continue automatically on a month-to-month basis unless cancelled in accordance with clause 6 below.

6.     Cancellations and Notice Period

A minimum of one (1) full calendar month’s written notice is required to cancel any booking. Notice will only be deemed valid once acknowledged by the Swim School.

7.     Fees and Payment Terms

7.1   Fees are payable in advance and are due no later than the 5th day of each month.

7.2   Payments may be made via electronic transfer or cash. No cheques will be accepted.

7.3   The monthly fee is a fixed fee and remains payable in full regardless of learner attendance, including absence due to holidays, illness, or any other reason, as the time slot is reserved exclusively for the learner.

7.4   The Swim School reserves the right to suspend lessons for any account that is more than thirty (30) days in arrears.

8.     Public Holidays and Scheduled Closures

The Swim School does not operate on public holidays or scheduled closure days. As fees are calculated on a monthly basis (taking into account variations in the number of lessons per month), no credits, refunds, or catch-up lessons will be provided for such closures.

9.     Attendance and Missed Lessons

Attendance is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. Missed lessons are governed by the Absenteeism Policy outlined below.

10.    Medical Disclosure

Parents/guardians are required to disclose any medical conditions, injuries, or irregularities prior to participation. Any child on medication must have clearance from a medical practitioner confirming that they are fit to swim.

11.    Safety and Behaviour in the Pool Area

• No running, rough play, or unsupervised activity is permitted in the pool area.
• No eating or drinking is permitted in the pool area.
• Parents and spectators are required to maintain a low noise level to avoid disrupting lessons.

12.   Limitation of Liability

While all reasonable care will be taken to ensure the safety of learners, Whale of a Time Swim School, its instructors, and staff shall not be held liable for any injury, loss, or damage sustained during lessons or while on the premises, howsoever caused, unless due to gross negligence.

13.   Amendments

The Swim School reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. Updated terms will be communicated and will take effect upon publication.

14.   Absenteeism and Missed Lessons Policy

14.1 General Policy

Whale of a Time Swim School does not offer routine catch-up lessons. This is in line with industry practice, as each learner is allocated a dedicated time slot and instructor.

14.2  Missed Lessons Without Notice

Any lesson missed without prior notification will be forfeited. No catch-up lesson will be offered under these circumstances.

14.3  Prior Notification Requirement

Catch-up lessons will only be considered where prior notification has been provided at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled lesson.
Valid notification must be made via email or direct communication with the Swim School.

14.4  Catch-Up Lessons (Exceptional Circumstances)

Catch-up lessons may be offered only in exceptional circumstances, subject to availability.
Exceptional circumstances exclude, but are not limited to: holidays, school events, sports activities, parties, concerts, poor timekeeping, or other personal arrangements.

14.5  Illness and Medical Absence

Where absence is due to illness:

• Prior notification is required; and
• A valid medical certificate must be provided, stating the nature of the condition and its impact on swimming.

For extended illness or injury:

• A medical certificate is required; and
• A maximum of two (2) catch-up lessons per month will be permitted.

14.6  Extended Absence

In cases of absence exceeding one (1) month, the Swim School may, at its discretion, allow catch-up lessons at a ratio of two (2) lessons for every four (4) lessons missed, subject to availability.

14.7  Catch-Up Lesson Conditions

• Catch-up lessons are strictly subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
• Catch-up lessons must be completed within four (4) weeks of the missed lesson.
• Any missed or cancelled catch-up lesson will be forfeited.
• Catch-up lessons do not replace scheduled lessons and do not reduce or adjust monthly fees.
• It is the sole responsibility of the parent/guardian to arrange and attend available catch-up lessons.

14.8  Lessons Cancelled by the Swim School

Where a lesson is cancelled by the Swim School, a catch-up lesson or alternative arrangement will be provided.

14.9  Weather and Acts of God (Lightning Policy)

Swimming lessons may be suspended due to lightning or unsafe weather conditions, as determined by the Swim School using a recognised lightning detection system.

• If a lesson is cancelled due to lightning, no catch-up lesson will be provided.
• If lightning results in the cancellation of two (2) consecutive scheduled lessons, the Swim School will provide one (1) catch-up lesson, subject to availability.

15.    Acceptance of Terms

By enrolling with Whale of a Time Swim School, the parent/guardian acknowledges that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.