Learn to Swim

03 450 9115

aqualandswimschool@qldc.govt.nz 

QLDC Swim School – Queenstown is located at Alpine Aqualand, Queenstown Events Centre.

As an Aqualand Swim School member, you can enjoy practicing or splashing about at Alpine Aqualand for two hours after your lesson.

Enjoy our purpose built learners’ pools (maintained at a comfortably warm temperature), a separate shallow area for toddlers, an adult hot pool and a 25m lap pool.

Alpine Aqualand also has two hydroslides and a ‘lazy river’ feature.

View the below information for class levels, class types and prices or proceed to our online booking system.

Timetable

New Customer Register

Existing Customer Login

03 443 9334 

wanaka.swims@qldc.govt.nz

QLDC Swim School – Wānaka is located at the three-pool complex at Wānaka Recreation Centre.

As a Wānaka Swim School member, you can enjoy practicing or splashing about for two hours after your lesson.

We have an eight-lane 25m lap pool, 20m learners' pool with separate toddlers' area, and adult hot pool.

View the below information for class levels, class types and prices or proceed to our online booking system.

Timetable

New Customer Register

Existing Customer Login

Term classes

Family discounts will apply when booking three or more children. Multi-lesson discounts will apply when your child takes more than one class per week. See the bookings section below.

Individual classes

Adult group lessons

Click here to find more information on our swimming venues, swim memberships and casual prices.

Group Lessons

Starting at 6 months of age, our swim classes develop your child’s swimming ability all the way through to senior high school. See below for class levels and the skills developed at each level.  If your child can complete the skills, then they are ready to move to the next level.

Private Lessons

For complete one-on-one attention, we offer private lessons with a highly qualified swim instructor. Private lessons provide a very secure environment for those who have never learned to swim.

Abilities Lessons

We also offer one-on-one classes for those with special needs, such as ADHD, Dyspraxia, Autism and Cerebral Palsy. Funding may be available through the Halberg Trust. See halberg.co.nz. 

Adult Lessons

There is no time like the present to develop your swimming ability. Whether you are learning to swim for the first time or you would like to touch up your skills, our adult classes provide swimming tuition and technique correction to help you progress. The programme consists of two five-week blocks per term, or private lessons.

All lessons are subject to availability. To learn more, please complete our enquiry form located below.

First Steps 

The more relaxed and confident you are in the water, the more secure and relaxed your baby will feel. Be sure to keep your movements slow and controlled, especially when entering the water. Encourage your child, smile at them and try to remain relaxed, giving them plenty of time to adjust to this new environment. This will help your child feel comfortable in the water and result in a fun, rewarding experience. 

After Your Lesson 

Keep your child warm by bringing a dry change of clothes for them to wear home. We recommend you give them lots of encouragement and praise for their efforts. With toddlers and pre-schoolers, try asking them what they liked most about their lesson. These actions will help reinforce swimming as being a positive experience, and in return help your child progress as rapidly as possible. 

Extra Steps 

We also encourage you and your child to spend time in the water outside of lessons (e.g. during bath time, using cue words from your lesson). Whether you are playing games or practicing, it will all help them gain water confidence. 

Lessons are available every day during the school term, catering for children as young as 6 months through to adults. Whether you are new to swimming or wanting to improve your technique, we have a level for you.

If you have any doubt which lesson level you or your child should be in, please view our class descriptions below which details the required skills at each level. If you are still unsure what would be best for your child, we can provide you with a free swim assessment.

All children receive certificates of achievement as they progress through the levels. Classes are based on a 10 week term.

1. Parent and Child Classes  
It’s never too early to learn and babies love water! Introducing them to water at an early age will help them gain a lifelong skill. Classes are conducted with a parent or guardian in the water, so take this opportunity to bond with your child and improve their water confidence.

	Class	Skills developed
	Rubber Duckies (6-12 months) 8 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a rubber duckie, I am working on: > Introduction to water > Basic water safety at home and in the pool
	Frogs (12-24 months) 8 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Frog, I am working on: > Submersion >Increased independent movement > Flotation and rotation skills
	Sprats (24-36 months) 8 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a sprat, I am working on: > Develop independent movement in the water > Increase water confidence > Encourage basic swimming

2. Pre-school Classes: 3-4 years

Introduce your pre-schooler to the wonderful world of swimming. Our fun programme and awesome instructors will allow your pre-schooler to discover the water independently, gain confidence and learn how to enjoy the water safely.

	Class	Skills developed
	Happy Hippos 4 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Happy Hippo, I am working on: > Repeated happy submersion with bubbles > Unassisted flotation on front regain to standing position > Unassisted floatation on back regain to standing position > Assisted rotation front to back > Safe Entry and Exit > Push and glide on front with aid > Push and glide on back with aid
	Busy Beavers 4 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Busy Beaver, I am working on: > Unassisted front push off and streamline for 5 seconds > Unassisted back glide off wall for 5 seconds > Unassisted glide rotation in both directions -3m > Unassisted front streamline with kick– 5m > Unassisted back streamline position (arms by side) with kick -5m > Introduction of Freestyle arms with kicking -5m
	Crazy Crocs 4 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Crazy Croc, I am working on: > Kicking (Front) with side breathing -13m > Back kicking (arms by side) – 13m > Freestyle – 8m > Backstroke- 8m > Breaststroke kick – 5 kicks (feet turned out) Repeated streamline rotate front and back with kicking – 8m > Breaststroke arm with noodle- 5m > Butterfly (Dolphin) kick
	Super Squid 4 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Super Squid, I am working on: > Freestyle bilateral breathing 13m > Backstroke 13m > Breaststroke (pop-up breathing) 10m > Butterfly (dolphin) kick 10m > Tread water 10 secs

3. School age classes: 5-16 years
Our school age levels cater to all ages and abilities. Work your way through all the strokes: breaststroke, freestyle, and butterfly. Swimmers will have a progressive set of goals to achieve and will receive a certificate at the completion of each level. 

Learners pool:

	Class	Skills developed
	Starfish 5 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Starfish, I am working on:  > Repeated happy submersion with bubbles > Unassisted flotation on front regain to standing position. > Unassisted floatation on back regain to standing position. > Assisted rotation front to back > Safe Entry and Exit > Push and glide on front with aid > Push and glide on back with aid
	Turtles 5 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Turtle, I am working on: > Unassisted front push off and streamline for 5 seconds > Unassisted back glide off wall for 5 seconds > Unassisted glide rotation in both directions -3m > Unassisted front streamline with kick– 5m > Unassisted back streamline position (arms by side) with kick -5m > Introduction of Freestyle arms with kicking -5m
	Penguins 6 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Penguin, I am working on: > Kicking (Front) with side breathing -13m > Back kicking (arms by side) – 13m > Freestyle – 8m > Backstroke- 8m > Breaststroke kick – 5 kicks (feet turned out) Repeated streamline rotate front and back with kicking – 8m > Breaststroke arm with noodle- 5m > Butterfly (Dolphin) kick
	Water rats 6 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Water Rat, I am working on: > Freestyle with bilateral (breathing 1-2-3 to the side) – 13m (in the lap pool) > Backstroke -13m(in the lap pool) >Breaststroke (feet turned out) with pop up to breath correct time – 13m(in the lap pool) > Butterfly (Dolphin) kick – 13m > Tread Water -10 sec > Forward roll to wall

Lap pool:

	Class	Skills developed
	Octopus 6 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As an Octopus, I am working on: > Freestyle with bilateral breathing-20m > Backstroke with shoulder roll continuous -20m > Breaststroke – continuous - 15m. > Butterfly kick – 12m > Perform a kneeling dive > Tread water in deep water – 15sec > Introduce Butterfly arms on poolside only
	Otters 6 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As an Otter, I am working on: > Freestyle with bilateral breathing – 25m > Backstroke with shoulder rotation – 25m > Breaststroke – 25m > Butterfly – 5 full strokes. > Tread water for 30sec in deep water > Perform a Kneeling or standing dive
	Dolphins 7 per class 30 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Dolphin, I am working on: > Continuously swim bilateral freestyle 50m > Continuously swim backstroke with rotation -50m > Breaststroke (pull-breath-kick-glide) 50m > Butterfly - 15m > Survival backstroke - 25m > Introduction to starts/ turns and finishes
	Sea Lions 8 per pass 45 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Sea Lion, I am working on: > Freestyle with correct turn and finish  100m > Backstroke with correct turns and finish 100m > Breaststroke with correct touch turn and finish 100m > Butterfly finish with touch turns and finish 25m > Tread water for  60sec > Introduce IM (Butterfly, Backstroke, Breaststroke and freestyle 100m)
	Sting Rays 8 per class 45 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Sting Ray, I am working on: > Freestyle with correct turns and finish 200m -400m > Backstroke with correct turns and finish 200m-400m > Breaststroke with correct turns and finish 200m-400m >Butterfly correct turn and finish -50m > Individual Medley ( IM) – 200m > Tread water -2min
	Sharks 8 per class45 mins Book class - Queenstown Book class - Wānaka	As a Shark, I am working on: > Proficient in all four strokes with correct starts / turns/ finishes. > Individual Medley ( IM) – 400m >Familiar with Swimming terms

Our instructors have both nationally and internationally recognised qualifications, including the Assistant Swim Teacher Award (ASTA) from Swimming NZ, the National Swim Ed Certificate and the AUSTSWIM Australia's Teacher Licences.

We provide a secure online system for class bookings and payments. Depending on your preferred location (Queenstown or Wanaka), expand the above QLDC Swim School section and select your option to either register for an online account (new customers), log back in (existing customers) or browse our online timetable first, prior to registering or logging in.

Once you have selected your preferred class, you will have 2 payment options:

1. Pay by direct debit (select “Perpetual” payment type) which will deduct fortnightly payments directly from your account. Your swim school enrolment will then automatically rollover to the next term and the class level will automatically adjust to your child's current swimming ability.

2. Pay upfront for the full term (select “Term” payment type). If you would like to continue with swimming lessons next term, you will need to log back in (when the new term is published) to book and pay again.

Please note, we try to be flexible with lesson times and work around your family's needs, however please be aware this is not always possible.

Tight fitting togs, goggles, and cap (lap pool swimmers).

Children swimming in rash shirts and board shorts are disadvantaged due to the drag that is created in the water by wearing them. This swimwear is great for the beach and to protect children from the sun but makes learning to swim difficult. You can purchase appropriate swimwear and aquatics equipment to assist your child’s swimming at our on-site shop, located in each of our facilities.

Ages 3 and under

While in classes and swimming, all children aged three years and younger age must wear swim nappies and tight fitting swim wear. The key requirement is that there are two lines of defence - nappy and togs. These are available for purchase at Customer Services or your nearest supermarket. Swim nappies can be disposable or reusable.

QLDC Swim School is a gold quality provider as certified by the New Zealand Swim Teachers and Coaches Association (NZSCTA). All our instructors hold qualifications from Swimming New Zealand or AUSTSWIM and attend regular in-house training.

Both centres provide:

• Qualified, experienced instructors
• A positive and comfortable learning environment
• Small classes and a friendly, personalised service
• Indoor heated swimming pools
• Family orientated environment
• Intensive Holiday Swim Week programmes

Mix up the kids' school holidays with swim classes at Alpine Aqualand (Queenstown Events Centre) and Wānaka Recreation Centre. 

A 30-minute swimming lesson each day is an intensive way for children to rapidly develop their swimming skills and enhance their technique. Each child can enjoy free entry to the pool two hours prior to the lesson and as long as they like afterwards.

For full details of our next school holiday swim programme visit our dedicated webpage here.

Safety of children and swimmers at QLDC Swim School is of primary concern. To reduce the risk of accidents, safety measures are in place at our  facilities. However, it is the parent’s or caregiver’s responsibility to ensure children’s safety during their lesson and in any of our pools. 

All children under the age of eight must be supervised by a parent or caregiver aged 16 years and over during their lesson and in any of our pools. 

Find our supervision policy here. 

QLDC Swim School terms and conditions

Fees

Fees for our standard swim programmes during the year are to be paid in advance by fortnightly (Monday) direct debit from a nominated account or credit card.

If a payment day is not on a working day, we will debit your account on the next working day. Depending on your bank, payments may take up to five working days to be processed. Please ensure you have allowed for this possibility by making sure there is enough money in your nominated account for up to five working days following your payment date.

Fees for the holiday swim programmes must be paid in full upon making your booking by cash, eftpos, internet banking or visa.

Whilst your child is enrolled with QLDC Swim School, the direct debit payments will automatically continue from fortnight to fortnight, which runs in advance.

If a payment is overdue for a period of two payments then your child’s swimming lessons will be cancelled.

Statutory Holidays

QLDC Swim School does not operate on public holidays, Easter weekend or Christmas (please see payment explanation).

If your child’s lesson happens to coincide with a public holiday there will be no charge for that lesson.

Notice of Withdrawal

DIRECT DEBIT
Please note it is your responsibility to provide Alpine Aqualand or Wanaka Swim School with a notice of withdrawal in writing two weeks PRIOR to the end of the term, if you do not want to enrol for the following term, if this date is missed you will be charged for a full fortnight of lessons.

Once payment has been made and you then decide to withdraw, your child from swimming lessons there will be no refund or credit for the payment made.

TERM PAYMENTS
Please note it is the responsibility of the parent or caregiver to go online to rebook your child for the following term, only direct debit bookings will be rolled over.

The Direct Debit and Notice of Withdrawal forms are available from the Alpine Aqualand or Wanaka Swim School reception desk and on the Alpine Aqualand or Wanaka Swim School website.

Payment Explanation

Direct debit and online bookings are the only means of payment, which means our resources are used where they should be, which aides both staff members and customers to ensure your child is getting the most out of their lessons. We prefer not to be chasing payments and being debt collectors, which is why these are our only form of payment.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF TRADE

Services

QLDC Swim School provides comprehensive water safety and learn to swim programmes. Each programme is arranged separately and is charged for in accordance with our prices, which may vary during the year. Prior notification of any price changes will be given in our regular newsletters before they take effect.

Programming of lessons

QLDC Swim School’s programmes operate four terms throughout the year, including intensive programmes during school holidays. We do however close on public holidays, Easter weekend and Christmas (please see payment explanation). QLDC Swim School reserves the right to change lesson times and teachers due to booking demands.

Booking confirmation

At present we accept bookings online or through our Swim School office. You will receive confirmation from us of your booking.

Please note, due to demand once a booking has been made it is not taken as a confirmed booking until payment has been made.

Fees

Online Term bookings
Fees for term swim programmes must be paid in full upon making your booking or through fortnightly direct debit payments.

Direct Debit
Fees for our standard swim programmes during the year are to be paid in advance by fortnightly direct debit from a nominated account or credit card.

If a payment day is not on a working day, we will debit your account on the next working day. Depending on your bank, payments may take up to five working days to be processed. Please ensure you have allowed for this possibility by making sure there is enough money in your nominated account for up to five working days following your payment date.

Holiday Swim Programme
Fees for the holiday swim programmes must be paid in full upon making your booking by cash, eftpos, internet banking or visa.

Whilst your child is enrolled with QLDC Swim School, the direct debit payments will automatically continue from fortnight to fortnight, which runs in advance.

If a payment is overdue for a period of two weeks then your child’s swimming lessons will be cancelled.

Statutory holidays

QLDC Swim School does not operate on public holidays, Easter weekend and Christmas (please see payment explanation).

If your child’s lesson happens to coincide with a public holiday, there will be no charge for that lesson.

Notice of withdrawal – direct debit

Please note it is your responsibility to provide QLDC Swim School with a notice of withdrawal in writing two weeks PRIOR to the end of each term, if this date is missed you will be charged for a full fortnight of lessons.

Once payment has been made and you then decide to withdraw, your child from swimming lessons there will be no refund or credit for the payment made.

No mid-term cancellations unless authorised in writing by swim school.

Notice of rollover – term payments

Please note only Direct Debit bookings are rolled over, all term payments and bookings are the responsibility of the parent and student at the end of each term.

The Direct Debit and Notice of Withdrawal forms are available from the QLDC Swim School Reception desk/ Swim School office and on the Swim School website.

Required swimwear for lessons

Please bring your Swim School swipe card to every lesson for pool entry.

Girls: Fitting one-piece togs (no rash vests or board shorts), goggles, swim cap (lap pool swimmers)
Boys: Fitting swim briefs or shorts (no rash vests or board shorts), goggles, swim cap (lap pool swimmers)
Under 3s: must wear swim nappies and tight-fitting togs.

Children swimming in rash shirts and board shorts are disadvantaged due to the drag that is created in the water by wearing them. This swimwear is great for the beach and to protect children from the sun but makes learning to swim difficult. You can purchase appropriate swimwear and aquatics equipment to assist your child’s swimming at our onsite shop, located in each of our facilities.

Queenstown Events Centre and Wanaka Recreation Centre offer a wide range of swimwear for both boys and girls.

Parental supervision

Safety of children/swimmers at Swim School is of primary concern. To reduce the risk of accidents, safety measures are in place at Swim School facility. However, it is the parent’s or caregiver’s responsibility to ensure the children’s safety at all times while on Swim School’s premises. All children under the age of eight years must be supervised by a parent or caregiver aged 16 years or over during their lesson and in any of our pools.

CCTV/photography

CCTV is now in place at Wanaka Swim School. We reserve the right to monitor the safety of our swim school, teachers and participants.

QLDC Swim School may take photos of the lessons from time to time. In order to assess lessons, teachers or for advertisement.

Missed lessons

A maximum of two lesson credits can be given if absent due to illness. The Swim School office must be contacted prior to the lesson starting and a medical certificate will be required.

Private Lessons

24 hours’ notice is require to cancel or reschedule private lessons or a charge will apply.

Privacy policy

QLDC Swim School reserves the right to collect personal information from you for the purposes of enrolment. This information will be used to assist us in providing swim school services and for any other purpose, you may authorise. QLDC Swim School undertakes to maintain your privacy in accordance with the Privacy Act 1993 and any subsequent amendments or variations thereof.

Customer satisfaction

If for any reason you are unhappy with our services, please let us know and we will endeavour to fix it.

Acceptance of terms and conditions

By enrolling with QLDC Swim School, you are acknowledging your acceptance to these terms and conditions.