Find answers to common questions about swimming lessons in Gordon's Bay. Class info, pricing, water aerobics, pool parties and more at Easy2Swim.
Welcome to Easy2Swim's comprehensive FAQ page. Whether you're looking for swimming lessons in Gordon's Bay for your baby, toddler, child, or yourself — we've answered the 58 most common questions below. Browse by category or search for specific topics.
We offer a comprehensive range of swimming programs:
We welcome babies from 6 months old in our Parent & Baby classes. The earlier children are introduced to water, the more comfortable and confident they become.
Babies are born with a natural "swimmer's reflex" that stays strong for the first six months. Starting early helps maintain this instinct and builds lifelong water confidence.
Registration is easy:
Not sure which class? Book a FREE 15-minute assessment first!
Our class terms follow the normal school terms, typically 10 weeks (sometimes 11-12 weeks depending on the calendar).
You may enrol at any time — if you join mid-term, you'll pay a pro-rata amount for the remaining weeks.
Based on our 19+ years of experience, 30 minutes is the optimal duration to keep children interested, focused, and happy in the pool.
Longer sessions can lead to fatigue and loss of concentration, especially for younger children. Our 30-minute classes are designed for maximum learning in minimum time.
The minimum is one class per week. However, we recommend two classes per week for optimal progress.
Children who swim twice weekly progress significantly faster because skills are reinforced before they're forgotten. The more consistent the practice, the quicker the advancement.
Start by selecting your child's age group on our website. Each age group has descriptions of swimming abilities to help you choose.
Not sure? Book a FREE 15-minute assessment — our coaches will evaluate your child and recommend the perfect class.
Your child will also be assessed in their first few lessons and may be moved to a more appropriate class if needed.
Yes! Please refer to our Make-Up Policy for full details.
We're unable to provide make-up classes for circumstances beyond our control, including public holidays, inclement weather, and pool closures. However, you can schedule a make-up lesson following our policy guidelines.
We are closed on public holidays. You can schedule a make-up lesson according to our make-up policy.
Children under 3 years (and any children not potty-trained):
Note: Disposable swim diapers (like "Lil' Swimmers") are NOT allowed as they clog our filters.
Children 3+ years (potty-trained):
We have swim diapers, goggles, and caps available in our shop if needed.
Payment options include:
Lessons must be paid in advance to guarantee your spot. See our Banking Details page for more information.
Once lessons are booked, refunds are only available up to one week before the term starts.
Because we guarantee your spot, cancellations after this date or during the term will forfeit tuition. We guarantee that booked lessons will be available as scheduled — if not, lessons will be rescheduled at no additional cost.
Yes! We offer a FREE 15-minute swimming assessment.
This allows us to place your child in the right class AND lets you see how your child responds to our facility, coaches, and pool environment before committing.
Please arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled lesson.
This ensures your child receives their full instruction time and minimises disruption to other students. Encourage children to use the bathroom before the lesson.
Email us at [email protected] to request a change.
If you see an available slot on our website, you can register for that class and email us to drop your previous booking. Changes are subject to availability.
Easy2Swim Swimming Academy
14 Stellentia Road, Off Gustrouw Road
Firlands, Gordon's Bay, 7140
Western Cape, South Africa
We're Gordon's Bay's premier swimming school, serving Gordon's Bay, Somerset West, Strand, Helderberg, Grabouw and surrounding areas with quality swimming lessons since 2005.
Our heated indoor pool is maintained at a comfortable 30-32°C year-round.
This tropical temperature ensures children (and adults) never shiver during lessons, making learning more effective and enjoyable — even during Cape Town winters!
Swimming is one of the most valuable life skills you can give your child. Here's why Gordon's Bay families choose swimming lessons:
Every child progresses at their own pace. Typically:
Our free assessment helps us give you realistic expectations for your child specifically.
Our standard is that a swimmer should be able to:
This may take time, but it's a goal worth achieving. Being able to breathe effectively while swimming is what separates "playing in water" from true water safety.
Absolutely! Every Easy2Swim instructor has:
Some instructors also hold additional qualifications in Bay Swimming and Water Aerobics.
Yes, always! Because we have an indoor heated pool, weather doesn't affect our lessons.
Rain, wind, or shine — we're open! The only exception would be thunder storms, which are rare in Gordon's Bay.
Yes! We encourage parents to watch from our comfortable viewing gallery.
Your presence gives children security and allows you to celebrate their progress. Plus, we have a coffee shop so you can enjoy a cappuccino while watching!
Note: Please don't intervene during lessons — let our coaches work their magic!
Not without instructor supervision.
Water wings and similar devices give children a false sense of security and teach incorrect body position (vertical instead of horizontal). Our instructors use appropriate aids when needed for teaching, but outside of lessons, these devices can be counterproductive.
Absolutely! We believe all children are equal in the water.
Special needs children follow the same program with individual accommodations based on their capabilities. The water provides an amazing sensory environment — weightless, stimulating, and confidence-building.
Contact us to discuss your child's specific needs.
Water transfers heat 25 times faster than air!
This means 30°C water feels similar to 18°C air. If you're not actively swimming, you may feel cool. This is why we keep our pool at 30-32°C — warmer than most pools — to ensure comfort during lessons.
Yes! Year-round swimming provides the best results.
Our heated indoor pool at 30-32°C ensures comfort regardless of outside temperature. Children who swim year-round:
Many parents report their children have their "best winter yet" when swimming regularly!
Your child should only attend if fit and well.
If your child has had sickness or diarrhoea, please wait until fully recovered before returning to lessons — usually 48 hours after symptoms stop. This protects other swimmers and staff.
There are two types:
Outer ear infection (swimmer's ear) — Can occur when water is left in the ear canal. Prevent with ear drops (available at pharmacies) that speed drying.
Inner ear infection — Studies show NO link between swimming and inner ear infections.
Usually yes, but consult your doctor if having a flare-up.
Tips:
It depends:
When in doubt, rest and recover.
Ask your doctor for specific advice.
Some doctors recommend earplugs while swimming; others say it's only necessary when diving or swimming in untreated water (lakes, rivers). Our pool is fully treated and maintained.
Yes — this is a myth!
While swimming with a full stomach may cause minor discomfort, there's no evidence it's dangerous. The old "wait 30 minutes" rule has no scientific basis.
Yes — head lice hold tightly to hair even underwater, and chlorine doesn't kill them.
The main concern is sharing towels or hairbrushes. Teach children not to share these items at poolside or in changing rooms.
Swimming is a full-body workout! Plus, you can sweat up to 0.25 litres every 15 minutes in the pool without realising it.
Smart Swimmers' Drinking Rules:
This is called corneal edema — temporary water absorption in your eyes. It's normal and harmless.
Pool water has less salt than your tears, causing water to move into your eyes. Effects usually disappear within 30 minutes. Wearing goggles prevents this entirely.
No! In fact, doctors often recommend swimming for asthmatic patients.
The humid environment is good for airways, and the controlled breathing builds lung strength. The benefits far outweigh any minimal chlorine exposure concerns.
We specialise in helping nervous swimmers!
Our patient, experienced coaches use gentle, fun techniques to build confidence gradually. We never force submersion — we build trust first.
Most fearful children become comfortable within 3-4 lessons. The warm water (30-32°C) and small class sizes create a safe, supportive environment.
Our teachers are very experienced with nervous children.
Important: Please don't intervene — let the teacher build trust with your child. The teacher will use various techniques to engage and comfort them.
On average, most crying students stop after the third lesson. Remember: children are learning even while crying — muscles are building, coordination is developing, and patterns are forming in the brain.
Yes — learning to swim is a life-saving skill.
It's natural for parents to want to stop when a child is upset. But drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1-14.
Be a strong-willed parent. Your child will thank you when they're older and confident in the water. Our job is to make the process as enjoyable as possible while ensuring they learn this essential skill.
This is the most common challenge — and our instructors are experts at overcoming it.
How you can help at home:
Consistent exposure and positive reinforcement work wonders.
Plateaus are normal, especially after quick initial progress.
Please bring it to our attention — we can evaluate why and develop strategies to help your child move forward. Sometimes a small technique adjustment makes all the difference.
Frustration is normal, especially in advanced classes where skills are refined.
How to help:
Success breeds success!
Water aerobics (aqua fitness) is exercise performed in waist or chest-deep water.
The water provides 10 times more resistance than air while the buoyancy protects your joints. You get a cardio AND strength workout simultaneously — with minimal impact!
A 30-minute session burns approximately 300 calories, plus 50 additional calories per 5 extra minutes.
This varies based on intensity, age, and metabolism, but you can burn 450-700 calories per hour with a vigorous workout!
Visit our Water Aerobics page for the current schedule, pricfes and to book.
No! Our pool is a maximum of 1.2 meters deep — you can stand at all times.
Water aerobics is perfect for non-swimmers who want the benefits of aquatic exercise.
Ideal: Athletic swimwear that's comfortable and fitted (racerback, cross-back, or long-torso styles in polyester or Lycra) and MOST IMPORTANT a Swim Cap.
Alternative: Lightweight shorts and t-shirt/tank top (ensure fabric is colourfast).
Optional: Pool shoes for traction (white soles only, or specialized aqua shoes).
Yes! Water aerobics combines:
Many participants report it helped them get in shape faster and easier than any other program they've tried!
Often yes! With doctor's clearance, water aerobics is excellent during pregnancy:
Always consult your doctor first.
You can exercise as often as you like! We recommend at least twice per week for maximum benefit.
Because water naturally massages muscles and prevents soreness, many people find they can do water workouts daily without needing recovery time.
Classes are capped at 13 participants to ensure proper supervision, adequate pool space, and equipment availability.
Anyone 16 years and older!
No exercise background or fitness level required — workouts are designed so you can scale intensity up or down based on your abilities. Perfect for beginners through elite athletes.
Absolutely — and it's unforgettable! 🎉
Our venue is designed to make your child's party truly magical:
Our Splash Park is a dedicated water play area perfect for younger children and party fun!
Features include water sprayers, fountains, and interactive elements that keep kids entertained for hours — without the depth of a full pool. Perfect for mixed-age parties!
Parents love our parties because:
It's the birthday party they'll never forget!
Easy!
Book early — weekends fill up fast!
No! Children don't need to know how to swim to enjoy a pool party at Easy2Swim.
Important safety requirements:
Please note: We do not provide lifeguards. Parents are responsible for their children's safety.
Gordon's Bay's friendliest swim school is here to help! Reach out anytime.
