FAQs
Here are some of our Frequently Asked Questions for you - if you still have queries, then please get in touch with us and we’ll do our best to help!
With thanks, The Flipper Club Swim School
Bookings and Cancellations
All lessons must be paid for in advance. All booked places are committed for the whole term; cancellation during the term will receive no refund.
There will be no refund or credit for any session missed due to general illness of a child or because of late arrival or non attendance. However, if a child needs to withdraw from the course based on medical terms, a letter from the GP stating that the child has been advised not to swim will be required along with a letter from the parent or guardian notifying the situation. A refund, if agreed, will be in the form of a credit for the next term. If you do not intend to book for another term then the appropriate refund will be paid direct into the recipients account.
It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to notify us of any illness, injuries or medical conditions likely to impede a child’s safety or ability to participate.
If we have to amend sessions you will be advised at the earliest opportunity. If a session is cancelled due to unavailability of the pool a refund or credit will be made.
We reserve the right of exclusion at our own discretion.
Read our full Terms & Conditions here.
What are the pool rules / codes of conduct?
We ask that you help maintain a clean pool environment and remove shoes when entering any pool building and no food to be consumed on poolside or in the changing rooms.
Please refrain from taking photos or videos of swimmers.
Please stay at the pool with your child(ren), in case we need to contact you at any point during the lesson or after.
Swimming hats are to be worn by all entering the water.
Read our full Terms & Conditions here.
Do I need to supervise my child(ren)?
Yes, please ensure that any children in your care are supervised at all times. Children in your care are your responsibility at all times other than during the swimming lesson itself.
What do I wear?
Swimming appropriate clothing includes a swimming costume or shorts. Jammers for boys are a popular choice (long lycra shorts). A swimming hat is also required and goggles are optional.
Children under the age of three should wear aqua nappies.
What do I bring?
Please bring your swimming costume / shorts, towel, swimming hat, goggles, warm dry clothes for changing into after, drinking water and if you own swimming equipment such as pull buoy, paddles, flippers, please feel free to bring them along to lessons in case they are needed. This is mainly for the adult classes and rest assured, The Flipper Club also provides lesson equipment, however, many people choose to keep their own.
What type of goggles are best?
If you would like your child to wear goggles, please buy ones with clear lenses. Dark lenses can be hard to see through when they get a bit steamed up and the swimmers need to be able to clearly see the teacher and the other swimmers.
Are there separate female and male changing rooms?
Yes, there are at each venue. Children over the age of 8 years old need to br in their gender appropriate changing room and able to change by themselves. If you have any queries regarding this or if your child needs extra assistance please let us know.
What age must children be to independently get changed?
Children 8 years old and over must be able to dress themselves independently in the changing rooms. If your child is over 8 years old you should not enter the changing room.
Is there disabled access?
Yes, each venue is accessible for wheelchairs although there are no separate disabled changing rooms. Please contact us with queries on disabled access and changing and we’ll be happy to help. Royal Alexandra & Albert School is the only pool with no disabled access but we will look at suitable options for you.
Do you work with Level Water?
Yes, we’re delighted to work with the charity Level Water, helping to provide quality 1:1 lessons for children with a disability. Get in touch with us to find out more.
Is food allowed on poolside?
In order to maintain a clean and hygienic pool environment, we’re sorry but food is not permitted on poolside.
It is also recommended that pupils leave at least 2 hours after a meal, before lessons.
Is it ok to swim if I have a medical condition?
It is usually possible to swim with most medical conditions, lessons can be adapted to suit the needs of swimmers. It isn’t advisable to swim after surgery or if you have any wounds on your body. Prior to starting lessons we’d love to discuss any medical needs with you, and potentially you will need approval from your doctor. Speak to us and we can work that out with you!
Where required, medicine can be kept on poolside (inhalers, epipens etc), and the person (parent or guardian) responsible for administering the medicine should also stay close. If your child is able to administer their own medicine please let us know.
Is there parking at the pool?
Dunottar School has a carpark which we prefer you to use than the residential roads. Royal Alexandra & Albert School also has on-site parking. There is street side parking and car parks for both Brooklands School and Wray Common School.
The school grounds are for access to the pool only and your child should be supervised at all times.
What swimming badges do the children work towards?
At The Flipper Club we work towards Swim England Learn To Swim Stages 1-10 Awards. We also teach Rainbow Distance Awards, Water Safety and Survival Awards, Water Skills, Swimming Challenge Awards (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Honours), Rookie Lifeguard Awards, I CAN Awards, Duckling and Discovery Duckling Awards, Alpha Step Awards, Water Polo and Synchronised Swimming.
We maintain a varied, fun and engaging and challenging swimming programme!
What is Swim England?
Swim England is the National Swimming body. It is the organisation that sets guidelines for teaching and coaching all elements of swimming and aquatic sports.
Swim England has set the outcomes for the Learn to Swim Programme - learn more about each Swim Stage HERE.
Who can join a swimming lesson?
Anyone can join a swimming lesson! We will ensure you or your child is matched with a suitable stage class, adults can also join a suitable group - so they or you can enjoy learning at a comfortable level.
Do you teach children / adults with special needs?
Yes, we are one of the few swimming clubs to provide swimming classes for people with disabilities or special needs. These classes are carried out at Brooklands School in Reigate. Because Brooklands School is a school for children with severe or profound and multiple learning difficulties, the changing facilities, access to the pool and water temperature have been especially adapted for their needs.
All age groups are welcome - from babies through to adults. Special needs classes are tailored to the individual's needs and focused on what is achievable and on building from this very positive approach.
The benefits of swimming include improved strength and flexibility, enhanced muscular stamina, stronger cardio-vascular system and social skills. Our main aim is to build confidence and provide an environment where the pupil can feel independent through free movement in the water, which may not be achievable outside of the pool.
Through empathy, enthusiasm and understanding each individual we gain trust, creating an atmosphere that is relaxed and positive, promoting a feeling of well being, fun and enjoyment.
What can I expect from a lesson?
Our lessons are safe, engaging, fun and our experienced teachers plan every session to ensure each child is working towards improving their confidence in the water and swimming ability. We work towards the Swim England Learn to Swim Stages, as well as, distance badges, Rookie Lifeguarding, water polo skills and synchronised swimming.
Are teachers qualified?
All our teachers are Level 2 qualified and above and also hold a teachers lifesaving qualification.
Who are the teachers?
You can find out more about our wonderful teachers HERE!
Do you have insurance?
Yes, our swim school is fully insured, as are our teachers.
Do you teach the same things across the year?
At The Flipper Club Swim School, we like to ensure varied and engaging swimming lessons and throughout the year we vary the learning focus too. We have a term working towards the Swim England stages, another aiming for distance badges and time spent completing Rookie Lifeguarding certificates and other water safety awards.
Can parents watch the lessons?
Yes, every one of the pools we use have a viewing or seating area for parents.
Can I take pictures of, or record my children swimming?
The use of any type of camera, video or recording equipment is strictly prohibited. You can read our Safeguarding policy here: https://www.flipperclub.co.uk/policies
Do you do Private Lessons?
We do offer child and adult private lessons, whether it’s learning to swim or honing your stroke techniques. Just get in touch with us to check availability.
Do you do 1:1 Adult coaching?
Yes, see above. At The Flipper Club we teach adults to swim or help you work towards other personal swimming goals. Contact us to discuss your 1:1 session requirements.
Are there group sessions for Adults?
Yes, we currently have two intermediate to advanced group swimming sessions for adults, on a Tuesday and a Thursday evening at Dunottar School pool. These are sessions which help to promote health and fitness, technique and skills development as well as distance training. We also have beginner to intermediate sessions on a Sunday afternoon, teaching adults to swim, water confidence and honing technique and water skills.
Where do you hold your swimming lessons?
The Flipper Club offers swimming lessons and coaching across 4 swimming pools in the East Surrey area - Dunottar School, Reigate; Wray Common School, Reigate; Royal Alexandra & Albert School, Reigate and Brooklands School, Reigate. All in Surrey.
What are the swim school term dates?
Find our updated term dates HERE.
Do you offer lessons in the summer?
Our swimming pool lessons are in term time only, however, we offer open water swimming coaching with our qualified open water instructors and open water lifeguards. Lessons include introductions to open water, technique and open water skills sessions, and event training. lakes in the Surrey area. Open water swimming coaching sessions take place in lakes in the Surrey area including Reigate and Godstone.
Each swimmer will need to complete a pre-swim form. Speak to us for further details and for bookings.
We do also hold Crash Courses through the summer months and other swim sessions for both children and adults. Keep in touch with us by signing up to our newsletter for announcements.
What are the Terms & Conditions?
Read our full Terms & Conditions here.
Is it Covid-19 safe to swim?
In order to re-open our doors and help protect our swimmers, parents and our staff members, we have put in a series of Cover-19 safe procedures in accordance with Government legislation and guidance from our sports governing body Swim England.
You can view our safety video HERE (the link will take you to our Facebook page).
To view a list of the measures in place read our News page on the Cover-19 procedures.
In summary, anyone entering the pool has their temperature taken, social distancing measures are maintained with clearly marked out places for swimmers to enter and exit the water, there is a one-way system through each pool, teachers are wearing PPE, there are hand sanitising stations around the poolside, swimmers come ‘beach ready’ and can bring their own equipment and all equipment we use is sanitised after each use. Changing rooms are available.
Do you accept childcare vouchers for payment?
We are not a childcare provider and so we cannot accept childcare vouchers to pay for swimming lessons. Parents must also accompany and supervise their children whilst they swim.
