DKHAC's Learn to Swim program is designed to guide its participants along the aquatic pathway from water familiarisation to water confidence. We focus on the core aquatic skills and on developing an understanding of safety in and around the water. This program is offered to children from ages 4 years (kindergarten) and up. Our levels are: Discovery > Swim Prep > Swim 1 > Swim 2 > Swim 3 For parents that want to get involved with children under the age of 4 years, please see our Guardian Program. Further aquatic development is encouraged through local squads, water sport clubs and platform diving program.

Discovery
Pre-requisites:	Age - over 4 years Parents / Guardians are not in the water for this level, child needs to be able to be confident and independent in the water. Depth - in 25m pool, no exposure to deeper water without floatation.
Students per class:	3
Description:	Discovery is fundamental for learning foundational swimming skills, water safety and water survival within a supportive environment that encourages the independence of the child. The Discovery program guides children through fun and safe activities, gradually building upon their breathing, floating and movement skills, supporting the development of trust and learning through independent interaction with the instructor.
Skills taught in this level:	Safe entry and exit Get your face wet Float and recover without an aid Demonstrate a torpedo (no aid)

Further aquatic development is encouraged through local squads, water sport clubs and platform diving program.

 Our current modified program offers lessons from Monday to Saturday depending on availability. To find out about enrolment, please contact our Aquatic Team on (03) 6222 6999 or email via dkhac@hobartcity.com.au.

The Direct Debit dates for 2022 Term 1 are:

• Tuesday 15th February 2022
• Monday 28th February 2022
• Monday 14th March 2022
• Monday 28th March 2022
• Monday 11th April 2022

Start of Term 1, 2022: Tuesday 15th February

End of Term 1, 2022: Wednesday 13th April

• Term 1 Public Holidays
  • Monday 14th February - Royal Hobart Regatta
  • Thursday 10th March to Monday 14th March - Tasmanian Long Course Championships - NO CLASSES
  • Monday 14th March - Eight Hours Day

Weeks in Term 1

• Monday = 7 weeks
• Tuesday = 9 weeks
• Wednesday = 9 weeks
• Thursday = 7 weeks
• Friday = 7 weeks
• Saturday = 7 weeks

Start of Term 2, 2022: Monday 2nd May

End of Term 2, 2022: Saturday 9th July

Term 2 Public Holidays

•  Monday 13th June - Queen's Birthday

Weeks in Term 2

• Monday = 9 weeks
• Tuesday = 10 weeks
• Wednesday = 10 weeks
• Thursday = 10 weeks
• Friday = 10 weeks
• Saturday = 10 weeks

Start of Term 3, 2022: Tuesday 26th July

End of Term 3, 2022: Saturday 1st October

Term 3 Public Holidays

• Tasmanian Short Course Championships - Saturday 10th and 11th September

Weeks in Term 3

• Monday = 9 weeks
• Tuesday = 10 weeks
• Wednesday = 10 weeks
• Thursday = 10 weeks
• Friday = 10 weeks
• Saturday = 9 weeks

Start of Term 4, 2022: Monday 17th October

End of Term 4, 2022: Saturday 17th December

Term 4 Public Holidays

• Thursday 20th October - Royal Hobart Show
• Friday 21st October / Saturday 22nd October - no LTS classes

Weeks in Term 4

• Monday = 9 weeks
• Tuesday = 9 weeks
• Wednesday = 9 weeks
• Thursday = 8 weeks
• Friday = 8 weeks
• Saturday = 8 weeks

The Adult Program at DKHAC is designed to accommodate all levels of adult swimmers.

Adult Swim Program runs on Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday nights from 6:45pm to 7:30pm

Our classes operate in line with the school terms as outlined on our Calendar tab.

	To start the process and record your enrolment preferences... just complete our online survey linked below: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dkhacadult
Adult Swim Program Information Our  Adult Swim program is aimed to provide an introduction to the swimming environment, learning basic swimming skills and developing water confidence.   The program aims to give a clear and accessible pathway for those community members that have previously experienced barriers to starting their aquatic journey, as well as a progression through to independent swimming. During each four-week program, the classes will build water awareness, confidence, skills and knowledge.   The sessions have been developed to guide the participants on the path to becoming an active and safer swimmer and increase the opportunities for individuals to safely participate in water-based recreation and sport.   Available to all Tasmanian community members aged 16 years and over, the Adult Swim Program will run during the school terms and enrolment is subject to availability. Program Levels  LEVEL 1: Adult Discovery – Session Duration: 45 minutes – max 4 students.  Our beginning level is appropriate for persons with no previous understanding or exposure to water.  Description: Adult Water Discovery is a multi-faceted program that provides adults with fully supervised water access. This program is designed as an entry point for adults who have never been in, or have had minimal contact with water during their life. This program will enable all participants to have a basic understanding of water-based activity and familiarisation. We move through towards unsupported entry and basic water-based competency. By the end of this level, participants will be at the stage where they can adapt to confidently negotiate and navigate water from zero depth to a depth of comfortable manageability, including submersion.     Cost: $2.50 per session LEVEL 2: Adult Swim1– Session Duration: 45 minutes – max 6 students.  The next step in your aquatic journey involves getting more comfortable in the water and starting to learn skills required for swimming by yourself.  Description: Swim1 is working on skill development pre and post submersion. This program incorporates aquatic breathing, submersion for objects, jump or stride entry, dive entry, and basic survival techniques. Pending the participant’s progression, considerations will be made to incorporate stroke instruction.     Cost: $12.50 per session  LEVEL 3: Adult Swim2 – Session Duration: 45 minutes – max 8 students.  Our final swim level starts to build your confidence in your aquatic skills, extend your distance and broaden your understanding of the aquatic environment.  Description: Stroke correction, distance improvements, building efficiency and effectiveness of strokes.    Cost: $20.30 per session What to take to your first adult swimming lesson?
	To start the process to get involved in the next program... just complete our online survey linked below: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dkhacadult

Enrolments for Term 1, 2022

Learn to Swim Program

At DKHAC we have a few principles that guide our enrolment process for the LTS Program : 1) We always organise our existing customers first. If you are in the program, we will try and accommodate you and your family in regards to time /day options before we enrol new customers. 2) We don't enrol new LTS customers during the term. The enrolment period is from the last day of the previous term to the end of week two of the next term. Introducing new customers to the program mid-term causes more disruption to our existing classes than is warranted. 3) We enrol from our online enrolment preference list. As we have so many enquiries around our program, more demand than we can supply, we need to have a fair and equitable method to get new customers into our program. Every term we ask people looking to join our program to re-submit their preferences via our online form. We keep the list in a strict order of first-come-first-served. Sometimes the restraints on availability mean that people miss out on multiple occasions, but we try and accommodate all enquiries as best we can.

To start the enrolment process, you first need to record your enrolment preferences here:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dkhaclts

Disability Program

To be considered for the DKHAC Disability Program you need to have a current NDIS plan, or equivalent. These are Private 1:1 sessions with our specialist instructor and involves a lot of pre-lesson work to make sure our program is customised to meet the goals of each individual customer. To start a conversation with our Disability Officer and to see what availability there is in the program, please contact us directly at disabilityswimprogram@hobartcity.com.au

DKHAC have some great water sport clubs that work with the Centre to bring you more aquatic challenges!

Squads We do not offer an internal Squad / Competitive program, but instead work closely with the local competitive clubs to transition those children looking for a competitive channel. Club contacts: Hobart Aquatic Club: Paul Crosswell 0479 058 255 / hobartaquaticclub@gmail.com  HC Swim Club: Rachel Brennemo (03) 6211 4919 / pool@collegiate.tas.edu.au Sandy Bay Swim Club: Karen French jkmtfrench@hotmail.com or info@sandybayswimclub.com

Take the Plunge with Diving Tasmania Diving Australia and Diving Tasmania is pleased to announce that diving is back in full force in Hobart beginning July 26, 2021. Running out of the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre, lessons are open to people of all ages and sporting backgrounds. With a world class facility and nationally qualified coaches, now is your chance to dive back into fun. Contact Diving Tasmania for more information: https://www.divingtasmania.com.au/contact/

Water Polo Water Polo teaches you to be a member of a team, love water, to be strong, as well as waking up your inner competitive nature and building a strong passion inside you! Water Polo Tas: president.wptas@gmail.com

Underwater Hockey Want to try something different? Underwater Hockey is a fun safe sport for anyone aged 10 and up. It combines speed, skill and teamwork in a way that you don’t find in other sports. We welcome new players at any time and provide you with a safe environment to learn. Chris Wright (0419 561 740) / president@underwaterhockey.com.au

Water Basketball Water Basketball is a combination of basketball, water polo and netball rules resulting in a great social non-contact mixed sport for female and male adults. Water Basketball Tasmania: shane@hamelconsulting.com.au

Underwater Rugby Underwater Rugby is a full contact sport played in a deep pool with two teams of players aiming to score goals by placing the ball into the opponent's basket, located at the bottom of the pool at each end of the playing area. Underwater Rugby Tasmania: uwrtas@gmail.com

DKHAC Aquatic Program FAQs

Vaccination Mandate at DKHAC

The Hobart City Council COVID-19 Vaccination Policy can be seen here: https://www.hobartcity.com.au/vaccinationpolicy

Before our Aquatic Programs return in 2022, we hope to have processes in place to record this information in our system and streamline the entry process for our Learn-to-Swim customers.
 
We do not know what changes are in store for us over the summer break, so we will revisit the vaccine mandate in the new-year and how it will be applied to the 2022 Aquatic Programs.  

Below are the current DKHAC Aquatic Program forms:

Learn To Swim / Guardian Enrolment Form(PDF, 236KB)

Adult Swim Program Enrolment Form(PDF, 287KB)

Direct Debit Form(PDF, 607KB)

Terms and Conditions(PDF, 71KB)

What times do the programs run?
The DKHAC Aquatic Programs run in-line with the school terms (see the Calendar tab for details).

Weekday Morning Guardians Program

• Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• From 9:30am to 11:45am
• 30 minute lessons with 5 minute gaps between each class
• Lesson start times 9:30am / 10:05am / 10:40am / 11:15am

Tuesday Morning Discovery Program

• Discovery Level only
• Tuesday from 9:30am to 11:45am
• 30 minute lessons with 5 minute gaps between each class
• Lesson start times 9:30am / 10:05am / 10:40am / 11:15am

Weekday After-School Learn To Swim Program

• Monday to Friday
• From 3:45pm to 6:35pm (6:00pm on Friday)
• 30 minute lessons with 5 minute gaps between each class
• Lesson start times 3:45pm / 4:20pm / 4:55pm / 5:30pm / 6:05pm

Saturday Learn to Swim Program

• From 8:15am to 12:45pm
• 30 minute lessons with 5 minute gaps between each class, plus a 30 minute break at 10:30am for our teachers
• Lesson start times 8:15am / 8:50am / 9:25am / 10:00am / 10:35am 30 minute break / 11:05am / 11:40am / 12:15pm

Adult Aquatic Program

• Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
• 45 minute lesson from 6:45pm to 7:30pm

Can I come for a swim on days other than my lesson day?
During the swim year:

• 2021: Monday Feb 15th 2021 to Dec 11th 2021
• 2022: Tuesday Feb 15th 2022 to Dec 17th 2022

... a swim school booking gives that person access to the DKHAC pools, subject to any restrictions in place at the time.

Where the swim school booking is for a child under the age of 6, this free access includes the responsible person access to the Centre and pool.
Where the swim school booking is for a child under the age of 11, this free access includes the responsible person access for supervision purposes.

Our Adult Swim Program gives free access to the Centre (as per the LTS customers above) while you have an active and financial booking in the program.

Your access card needs to be presented at the front Customer Service Desk when accessing the pool. Should you lose your RFID access card and require a replacement, there is a standard $10.00 replacement fee.

What is the DKHAC Aquatic Program Absence Policy?

We only provide credit to your family account for the reasons listed below. We require an email from the Responsible Person to be sent to dkhac@hobartcity.com.au outlining the reason for the absence so that the Aquatic Team can process the credit.

• Person feels unwell / guardian(s) unwell - As per our conditions of entry under COVID-19, no person who is experiencing flu-like symptoms (sore throat, runny nose, persistent cough, shortness of breath, fever) is permitted entry to the Centre. Please contact the Aquatic Team at dkhac@hobartcity.com.au as soon as possible so that we can organise a credit on your account.
  
  
• Person misses a lesson for other medical reasons - Just provide us with a doctors medical certificate and we will put credit straight onto your account.
  
  
• Can I suspend the swimming lessons? No suspensions are allowed in the DKHAC Aquatic Program. We run on a school term basis, so there is no need to suspend your classes for the holidays.
  
  
• Can I have a make-up lesson for a missed class? We do not offer make-up lessons in our Learn to Swim or Guardian programs. Where possible we can accommodate make-up classes for our Adult Swim Program - up to a maximum of two sessions per term.

Can I attend my child's swimming lesson?
We need to be able to contact trace all entries to DKHAC.  

By enrolling into the DKHAC Aquatic Program you understand that should we need to contact trace an event, we expect each Responsible Person to be able to identify the spectator that accompanied your child on any given session. The expectation is that the person who attended with the child will then follow government recommendations and contact tracing requirements.

As an existing customer, do I need to re-enrol for next term?
All existing customers are automatically re-enrolled into next term. We will email you a booking confirmation as soon as the program is finalised and your child has been assessed and allocated a position.

For more information, see the Enrolment section.

Can I cancel my swimming lessons anytime?
You can cancel your enrolment at any time. The Responsible Person just has to email us at dkhac@hobartcity.com.au requesting the date they would like the cancellation to be applied from (cannot be in the past). We need at least 3 days before a direct debit run to ensure you are not charged for the coming fortnight, you can check the direct debit dates on our Calendar.

Can I enrol anytime?
Enrolment in the current term for Learn-to-Swim customers is only available up to the first two weeks of that term. All new enrolments made after this cut-off point will roll into the next term. This allows our classes to maintain consistency and gives the instructors and students the best chance to work together and learn together. 

Enrolments for Guardians and the Adult Swim Programs are available throughout the terms depending on availability.

Check the Enrolment section for up-to-date information.

Can I change days for swimming lessons?
You can change the days, as long as there is availability into the same level and the move has been authorised by one of the Aquatic Team Supervisors. We try to minimise movement during terms as the disruption to an existing class can be significant.

Can I change level anytime?
Levels can be swapped / changed within the first two weeks of the term in order to maintain consistency and allow progress of the class group. All level changes require approval by the Aquatic Team. If you feel your child is enrolled into a wrong class, you can contact one of Aquatic team supervisors on pool deck.

Are the classes running all year?
We work on term based structure. Classes operate in blocks which align with the school terms, check our Calendar section for details.

Do you run any school holiday programs?
We no longer offer school holiday programs. During the swim school year, our current Learn-to-Swim customers have full free access to the Centre for swimming. If you are looking to join our Learn-to-Swim program, please check out the Enrolment tab.

How can I pay for my lessons?
Customers have two options regarding payment:

1. Direct Debit: Fees are paid fortnightly direct from your account.
2. Pay-as-you-go: Paid at the Customer Service Desk either in-person or over the phone. Customers need to have their account paid-up to enter the Centre. You can pay with either cash or credit card - you can pay the balance owing OR as much as you like to cover future fees.

What happens if I am charged for a lesson that didn't happen?
If you have already paid for a lesson that didn't happen the credit will stay in your family account and be used for the next payment on that account. If you would prefer to have the amount refunded, you can contact the Aquatic Team directly and they will help you get the refund process underway. 

Do I get charged during holidays?
No, you aren't charged during the holidays. Our swimming terms run in line with the school term, check the Calendar for specific dates.

Can I get discount when enrolling more than one child into the swimming lessons?
There is a 25% discount for the third child onward from any single family unit.

How do I change my payment method, or bank details on my family account?
You just need to download the Direct Debit Form, then scan and send it to dkhac@hobartcity.com.au

How can I claim a refund?
The person responsible for the family account must send an email to dkhac@hobartcity.com.au requesting a refund. Please include as much detail as you can, you will be contacted by the Aquatic Team to explain the process and get your refund request moving.

Do you offer private lessons?
DKHAC offer 1:1 swimming sessions only to children that meet a basic NDIS criteria through our Disability Program.

From what age should my child start to have swimming lessons?
We encourage an early start to build confidence, familiarisation with water environment and development of body skills. Our Guardian Program can help you understand the steps to introduce your child to the Aquatic environment.

Do swimming lessons prevent kids drowning?
Even though swimming lessons help to develop swimming skills, kids always have to be supervised while in a water environment.

If you are a school group looking for information regarding our Schools Swimming Program, please contact our Schools Officer, Weijie Zhang at dkhac@hobartcity.com.au