Learn to swim

Current updates

Maitland Aquatics is proud to partner with Royal Life Saving to offer their Swim & Survive Program to our Swimming & Water Safety education participants of all ages and abilities. 

All infants and preschool lessons are run on Monday through to Saturday mornings in 30 minute increments, while most school age lessons run from Monday to Friday in the afternoons and Saturday mornings.

Our term dates are:

Term dates for 2022
Term 131 January to 10 April
Term 226 April to 3 July
Term 318 July to 25 September
Term 410 October to 18 December

Bookings are essential. Please contact Maitland Aquatics on 02 4933 5073 or [email protected] to make an enquiry, or make an account at our Aquatics Portal.

Children over five with some swimming experience may require an assessment to determine the correct level. Assessments run on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 3.30pm, and can be booked by emailing [email protected].   

All swim teachers are accredited through Austswim or Royal Life Saving, with classes designed for beginners through to stroke development swimming levels.

Swim & Survive Program

This Swim & Survive Program has been implemented as of Term 3, 2022, in response to feedback from those wanting to better understand how Learn to Swim participants are progressing through the levels as their ability in the pool improves.

It means our Aquatics teachers will teach skills that align with developmental milestones set by a national framework, developed by aquatics experts. The aim of the program is to:

  • Increase the swimming and water safety skills of all Australians
  • Prevent drowning by teaching more water safety skills 
  • Increase participation in safe aquatic activity

We’ve prepared some FAQs below to help give you some more insight into what changes and what to expect with the new Program. Got a question that isn’t covered below? Email it through to [email protected] and we'll do our best to answer it.

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How does the new level system compare to the old system?

We've developed a handy conversion chart to show you clearly how levels from our old grading system equate to the new grading system. Click here to view the comparison chart. 

You can also check out the full Pathway Progression. 

Or, check out the table below for a more general look. 

Age GroupOld Grading SystemNew Grading System
6 months to 3 yearsStarfish and SeahorseLittle Wonder Classes
3 years to 5 yearsJellyfish, Goldfish, Flying FishLevel 1, 2, and 3
5 years to 14 yearsClownfish, Eels, Squid, Penguins, Sharks, DolphinsLevel 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6
How can I track my child's progress?

We'll be implementing the ability to track and view your child's progress and level online, through our Active Carrot online booking system. Stay tuned for more. 

What will change in the day to day of my child's lessons?

The biggest changes in the day to day lessons are an increased focus on water safety and survival skills in the pool. On top of that, we’ll be able to better track progress against a nationally recognised and implemented scale and make sure your child is swimming to the level they’re capable of. 

Will swimming lesson dates or times change?

There will be no change to dates, times, or length of swimming lessons as a result of the revised program.

Intensive Swimming and Water Safety Programs

During the school holidays, our Aquatics Centres also run five-day Learn to Swim: Intensive Swimming and Water Safety Programs.

Our dates for 2022 are:

Dates for 2022
Term 1 holidaysTuesday 19 April to Friday 22 April
Term 2 holidaysMonday 11 July to Friday 15 July
Term 3 holidays (week one)Monday 26 September to Friday 30 September
Term 3 holidays (week two)Tuesday 4 October to Friday 7 October

Please contact Maitland Aquatics on 02 4933 5073 or [email protected] to make an enquiry, or make an account at our Aquatics Portal.

General Information
What do I need to bring?

For your very first lesson at Maitland Aquatic Centre, we suggest you arrive 15 minutes prior to ensure you have enough time to sign in and get to your designated area.

Following this, arriving five minutes prior will be sufficient. It is essential you bring the fob which has been previously assigned to your child. A drink bottle, goggles and swimming cap are optional but highly recommended.

Finally, after your lesson you will need a towel to dry off and exit the facility with.

If I cannot attend a lesson

Refunds are not provided for missed lessons. If appropriate notice has been given and a medical certificate has been presented, a family pass could be awarded.

 The family pass is valid for 12 months allows one free entry to the aquatic centre for the entire family, on a day of your choice, to enjoy the fantastic facilities we offer.

If a teacher cannot attend a class and a replacement is not available, a credit will be placed on your account.

Direct Debit Membership

Payment for Learn to Swim is by weekly direct debit. This is a perpetual agreement, meaning your booking rolls over from term to term, securing your child’s position at the centre. If you decide you wish to cancel your enrolment, 30 days notice is required in writing by email to [email protected]

We also accept the Active Kids vouchers. This will be applied to family credit, and your lesson fees will draw from this before debiting from your account. Email your voucher through to [email protected].

Access fob

Every child enrolled in the Learn to Swim program is issued an access fob. This fob will gain the child access to the facility, as well as marking the child off as ‘attended’ for each lesson. Please bring the fob to each lesson and scan each child’s fob when entering.

If you forget your fob, see our friendly staff to mark your child’s attendance and gain access at the gate. If you lose your fob, these can be replaced for a small fee.