Frequently Asked Questions

How much will lessons cost?

Please check with Laughing Waters Swim School for the most up-to-date costs.

How does the payment of fees work?

Fees are payable UP FRONT on a monthly basis. An invoice is sent out with the fees for the month.

If a pupil starts in the middle of the month, you will pay pro-rata, from your 1st lesson, until the end of the month.

What happens if one of our lessons falls on a public holiday?

We are closed on public holidays. All fees are calculated individually, based on the day that your child swims. So, if one of the lessons falls on a public holiday, the lesson will NOT be included in the fees.

What happens if my child misses a lesson?

We regret that we are unable to make up lessons due to the fact that the pool is fully booked. We do however make exceptions where there may be a gap in the schedule where we are able to fit this in. It is unfortunate that children do get sick / have other unforeseen commitments that interfere with lessons, but our teachers make a commitment to be at the pool and need to earn their salary accordingly, so fees are still payable for lessons missed.

What is the temperature of the pool?

The temperature fluctuates between 32° & 34°.

What age can my child begin swimming lessons?

Laughing Waters Swim School takes babies from 6 months old. Our infant/toddler lessons are taught in groups with mom/dad in the pool.

What if my child cries or performs?

All our teachers are very experienced in dealing with nervous children and they will know how to deal with the children. Don’t get involved in the lesson; you are taking the child’s attention away from the teacher. Let your child develop a bond and learn to trust their teacher. We want our children to love having lessons with us as much as you want them to be enjoying them.

How long do children take before they can swim by themselves?

It is impossible for us to say how long they will take. All children are different, and will learn at different rates depending upon their personal developmental level.

Is it possible to drown proof a child?

No. No-one is ever drown proof. We do however say that a child is “water safe” once they can swim by themselves. Different people react differently to different situations, and even the most experienced swimmers can drown in certain situations. The emphasis needs to be on safety and an adult should be present at all times when children are swimming.

Q What if I arrive late for my lesson?

If you arrive late for your lesson, the teacher will teach your child for the remainder of the session. If they are able to give your child a slightly longer lesson they will do so.

Does swimming in winter make you sick?

No. Viruses are transmitted by direct contact between people and causes illness – not cold weather. The likelihood of people getting sick in winter is due to the fact that they are indoors more and this creates a prime opportunity for germs to spread.

Why do swimmers have to wear swimming caps in the water?

Firstly, for hygiene reasons.
Secondly, so that hair does not get sucked up into the pump, thus blocking it.
Thirdly, to keep the hair out of the face whilst swimming.

Should I get goggles for my child?

We prefer that children don’t learn with goggles as they become too reliant on them, and are then unable to swim without their goggles. Once they can swim without goggles, they are welcome to wear them.

What should my child wear in the pool?

Infants / toddlers must wear correct fitting swimming nappies covered with a snuggly fitting all in one sunsuit and a swimming cap.
For adults and all fully toilet trained children regular swimwear is required (no baggies or string type bikinis) as well as a swimming cap.

Who are your swimming instructors?

We have a couple of excellent instructors who teach on different days. All of our teachers are qualified and registered with Swim South Africa and Western Province Aquatics.