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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are you looking to start swimming at Dolphin Academy, but have a question? Feel free to ask us, we are only more than happy to help. Here are a few of the most popular questions our new swimmers asked us.

Booking is easy; you book direct via our website. You are welcome to join us at any time; our progressive programme rolls on and runs throughout the year. We continuously assess our swimmers to make sure they are in the correct stage and will be in touch when they are ready to move up.

Our swimming lessons are paid for via a monthly subscription payment. We are open 50 weeks of the year, and your subscription payment is split into equal monthly instalments which already take into account any closures (we close 2 weeks at Christmas and for Bank Holidays – our holiday schedule is here).

Swimmers are expected to arrive to the pool a maximum of 10 minutes before and come onto poolside just 5 minutes before their lesson starts. Please ensure any outdoor footwear is removed, changed or covered when entering onto poolside to help manage poolside cleanliness and chlorine usage.

You can view your child’s progress via your dashboard here. You will find two sections: the first is Progress, which grades the specific skills taught in their current Stage; the second is Awards, which lists the awards they have achieved. These certificates can then be ordered from our online shop to celebrate your Dolphin's achievements.

Once you have been notified that your swimmer has achieved a pass on a set of skills or distance awards, you can go ahead and order these via our online shop. Your swimmer’s award will arrive through the post written and signed by our Head Swimming Teacher, Becky.

We do not allow spectators poolside at many of our locations.
  • At the Village Hotel, Ashton and The Hulme Grammar School, Oldham, parents/guardians can watch poolside in the designated areas, but this will be managed in accordance with the venue.
  • At Everlast Oldham, members have the option of using the facilities during the lesson otherwise, Dolphin parents/guardians can wait in the café area.
  • At Oulder Hill Leisure Complex, there are large glass windows in the waiting areas which has views of the small pool and the deep end.
  • At Castleton Health and Leisure Centre there is a viewing gallery above the pool. Access is via the steps near reception.

Should you ever need to change your lesson day/time, or you have been advised to move up, please view our schedule for available classes and then you can either request a ‘Transfer’ from your Parent Dashboard, or contact us to change your booking. You will receive an email confirmation when your booking has been successfully transferred.

Your card details can be updated via your dashboard, on a per subscription basis.

Checklist:

• Appropriate swimwear - Please read our blog

• Swimming Goggles - We advise our Stage 2 swimmers and above to wear swimming goggles and would recommend brands such as Speedo or Zoggs. Top Tip: goggles come in different sizes depending on age – make sure you get the right ones as they might leak otherwise! It is also advisable to practice putting them on at home.

• Towel - A nice fluffy towel will help your Dolphin to get nice and warm after their swimming lesson.

• Swimming Hat - We prefer our dolphins to be in swimming hats. This helps to keep our pools hygienic, stops hair from getting in their eyes and makes a faster, more streamlined swimmer! You can buy our branded hats here.

Yes, there is free* parking at all of our locations. *Time limits may apply, please check signage or enquire with centre staff.

Parents/guardians are required to be in the water throughout the baby and toddler programme in Dolphin Babies. In our Learn to Swim programme, Dolphin Academy, parents/guardians do not need to be in the water with their swimmer. The only class which requires additional in-water support is the Beginners class, but this will be the teacher and not the parent/guardian.

We are unable to offer alternative lessons if you cannot make your regular slot, but we can look to permanently move your lesson. Please view our schedule for available classes and then you can either request a ‘Transfer’ from your from your Parent Dashboard or contact us to change your booking.

We offer a weekly catch up sessions for Dolphin Babies. This is held at Everlast Fitness Club, Oldham (OL2 5HX) @ Sundays @ 3.30pm. Please check social media for any changes.

We are always very sad to lose one of our Dolphins, but we understand that sometimes circumstances change. Customers are able to cancel via their dashboard where their subscription and place will be cancelled from the following month.

Our holiday schedule is here.

Ready To Dive In?

Whether you’re a parent looking for baby swimming or an adult wanting to improve your skills, we have a range of classes suited for you. Explore our options and book a session today!

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