Terms and Conditions

1. Billing, Payment Authority and Fees

This section covers all policies related to fees, payments, invoicing, direct debits, financial transactions, and the consequences of payment issues.

Enrolment is confirmed once full payment of your first invoice is received.
Monthly invoices, except for Masters, are issued mid-month, detailing term dates, lesson times and fees for the next month.
To retain a place, payment must be received by the due date, otherwise the place may be offered to new applicants.
Learn to Swim fees; Squad, Masters and Adult program fees are available on the website.
All fees stated are inclusive of GST unless expressly stated otherwise.
Fees are billed via direct debit.
Family discounts apply: 5% off for a 3rd swimmer, 7.5% off for a 4th, and 10% off for a 5th and subsequent swimmers.

Payment Authorisation

By providing payment details, you authorise Maccabi Aquatics (and its appointed payment processor) to debit your nominated card or account for lesson fees, program charges and agreed purchases, at published prices plus applicable GST and card transaction fees.
You warrant that the payment details supplied are true, correct and complete, and agree to keep them current while enrolled.
To stop or change direct debit/autopay details, at least 14 days’ written notice is required.
If a payment is declined, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged, and outstanding balances must be cleared before further lessons.
Disputing a valid charge with your financial institution without first contacting Maccabi Aquatics may be treated as a breach of these Terms, potentially leading to suspension or termination of services and recovery action for outstanding amounts.

Withdrawals and Cancellations

Written notice (via the Parent Portal or email) is required to withdraw from a program.
If withdrawing after a term has started, a withdrawal fee equivalent to two weeks’ lessons applies, and the swimmer may attend their usual classes during this period.
If the swimmer does not intend to continue into the next term, written notice must be given before the end of the current term, failing which the 2-week notice requirement will apply.
Masters are invoiced at the end of each month based on attendance during the preceding month.

2. Parental Supervision, Safety and Conduct Requirements

These requirements are mandatory for all participants — please read carefully.

Parental Supervision Requirements

All participants and parents/guardians must comply with the Pool Rules and Standards of Behaviour set out in Schedule A. These rules apply in addition to the supervision and conduct requirements set out in this Section 2.

The following supervision requirements apply to ensure the safety of all participants and must be followed at all times:

Under 5s: must always be within arm’s reach of a parent/guardian in the water or on deck, unless in a structured lesson or program with a teacher.
Ages 5 to 9: must always be actively supervised from poolside by a parent/guardian, unless in a structured lesson or program with a teacher or coach. Active supervision means the parent/guardian is present, watching, and able to respond immediately.
Ages 10 to 14: must always have a designated responsible adult on premises with clear sight lines to the pool area.
Ages 15+: may attend independently but must have an emergency contact available and contactable.
All ages: non-swimmers or poor swimmers require enhanced supervision by a parent/guardian regardless of age.
Under no circumstances can any child or adult be in the pool unless engaged in a supervised lesson or program. Free swimming or unsupervised pool access is strictly prohibited.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

If a parent/guardian leaves the facility during a lesson, the swimmer will be immediately removed from the lesson until the parent/guardian returns. There are no exceptions to this requirement.
Parents are responsible for delivering swimmers to the teacher or coach at the designated start time and collecting them immediately at the end of the lesson.
During lessons, teachers and coaches are responsible for supervision only while participants are in the water during direct instruction time.
Parents/guardians retain responsibility for supervision and behaviour management: before lessons commence (including on the pool deck); after lessons conclude (including on the pool deck); in changing rooms at all times; in all facility areas outside the pool during lesson time; and in all areas outside direct teacher/coach supervision.
Parents/guardians always have primary responsibility for the safety and behaviour of their children, except during direct in-water instruction.

Medical Conditions and Disclosure — Mandatory

Parents/guardians must disclose during the enrolment process any medical conditions, allergies, disabilities, behavioural needs or special requirements that may affect their child’s safety or participation. This includes but is not limited to: epilepsy or seizure disorders; asthma requiring medication; diabetes; heart conditions; allergies (including anaphylaxis/EpiPen requirements); autism spectrum disorders or behavioural support needs; any condition requiring medication or management; and any swimming ability limitations or water fears.
Failure to disclose relevant medical information may affect our ability to provide appropriate care and does not limit your responsibilities as a parent/guardian.
All medical information will be treated with confidentiality and used solely for the purpose of ensuring safety and appropriate participation in aquatic activities, in accordance with privacy principles.

First Aid and Emergency Response

Maccabi Aquatics maintains first aid equipment on site and staff trained in emergency response.
Parents/guardians are responsible for managing their child’s known medical conditions, administering any required medications, responding to minor injuries outside lesson times, and being immediately contactable in case of emergency.
In the event of a medical emergency during lessons, Maccabi Aquatics staff will provide emergency first aid and summon emergency services as required.
Parents/guardians must ensure emergency contact information is current, accurate and answered during lesson times.

Health Policy — Illness Exclusion

Swimmers with illness (especially gastro, vomiting or diarrhoea) must not attend lessons.
For gastroenteritis, at least 7 days must pass symptom-free before returning.
Maccabi Aquatics may remove swimmers suspected of having a contagious illness.
A medical certificate does not entitle a swimmer to extra make-up lessons but may be considered for withdrawal/refund requests.

Conduct Requirements

All swimmers and families must follow all pool rules and facility rules.
Parents/guardians should encourage children positively, avoid coaching from the sidelines (let teachers teach), and address concerns politely with deck supervisors or by email. All participants must act respectfully towards staff and other patrons, comply with staff directions, and avoid disruptive behaviour.
Maccabi Aquatics reserves the right to suspend or terminate enrolment for: unsafe or disruptive behaviour by a swimmer or parent/guardian; failure to comply with supervision requirements; offensive or abusive conduct toward staff or other families; vandalism or damage to property; or repeated non-compliance with facility rules.
Decisions regarding suspension or termination will be made in consultation with parents/guardians where appropriate.

Facility Rules — Everyone Must Follow

Children aged 5+ must use same-sex change rooms.
No entry to the pool area before or after scheduled class time.
No smoking, vaping or use of electronic cigarettes anywhere in the facility.
Appropriate footwear must be worn in non-pool areas.
No glass containers or breakable objects in pool areas.
No food in the pool area.
Pool toys are for class use only.
Lost property is donated to charity at the end of each term.
Comply with all parking requirements and facility guidelines.

Swimming Attire — Required

All swimmers must wear a swim cap; goggles are recommended.
Swimmers who are not fully toilet trained must wear aqua nappies while in the pool.
Board shorts, long rash vests and bikinis are discouraged as they impede swimming technique.
Appropriate swim attire must be worn at all times.

Photography, Filming and Privacy

Photography, video recording or live streaming during lessons is prohibited without prior written approval from Maccabi Aquatics management.
Any approved photography must focus solely on your own child and must not capture other children or staff without their written consent.
No photography or filming is permitted in change rooms under any circumstances.
Maccabi Aquatics may take photographs/videos for training, promotion or social media only with signed parent/guardian consent given at enrolment, which can be withdrawn in writing at any time.
Personal information is collected for swim school purposes only, stored securely, and handled in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988.

Right to Exclude Persons

Maccabi Aquatics may, at its discretion, refuse entry to, or require the immediate removal of, any participant, parent, guardian or other person from the facility where Maccabi Aquatics reasonably considers that the person’s presence or conduct:

(a) poses a risk to the safety, welfare or wellbeing of any child;
(b) poses a security risk to the facility or the school;
(c) is disruptive, unsafe, inappropriate or non-compliant with facility rules or directions; or
(d) is otherwise deemed unsuitable by Bialik College or Maccabi Aquatics.

Maccabi Aquatics must and will comply with any direction from Bialik College to exclude a person from the facility.

Where a participant is permanently excluded, any prepaid fees for services not yet provided will be refunded on a pro-rata basis, excluding any amounts already incurred.

Schedule A — Pool Rules and Standards of Behaviour

1. Supervision and Safety

Follow all directions from Maccabi Aquatics and Bialik College staff immediately.
Children under 10 must be actively supervised by a responsible adult (unless in a structured lesson/program).
No entry to the pool without authorisation.
Emergency exits must be kept clear at all times.
Immediate evacuation is required when requested by staff.
All incidents must be reported immediately to staff.

2. Pool Deck and Water Conduct

No running on the pool deck.
No diving, pushing, rough play or horseplay.
Diving from the pool edge is permitted only under the direct supervision of a qualified coach/instructor in designated deep-water areas.
Diving from starting blocks is permitted only when authorised and supervised by a qualified coach/instructor.
Swimmers must not enter the pool until instructed by their teacher/coach.
All participants must act respectfully towards staff and other patrons.
Disruptive behaviour is prohibited.

3. Hygiene and Attire

Participants are encouraged to shower before entering the pool (may be required for certain programs).
Appropriate swim attire must be worn at all times.
Swim caps are required for all participants in structured programs.
Non-toilet-trained children must wear aqua nappies.
No glass containers or breakable objects in pool areas.

4. Facility Use and Access

No entry without an authorised booking or enrolment.
Maximum capacity limits must be observed.
No entry to the pool area before or after scheduled time.
Keep all equipment clear of walkways.
Comply with parking requirements and facility guidelines.
Children aged 5+ must use same-sex change rooms.

5. Health and Safety

No smoking, vaping or electronic cigarettes anywhere in the facility.
No food in the pool area.
Appropriate footwear must be worn in non-pool areas.
Participants with illness (especially gastro, vomiting or diarrhoea) must not attend.
For gastroenteritis, at least 7 days symptom-free is required before returning.

6. Photography and Privacy

Photography, video recording or live streaming is prohibited without prior written approval.
Any approved photography must focus solely on your own child/group.
No photography of other participants without their written consent.
No photography or filming in change rooms under any circumstances.

7. Compliance and Enforcement

Pool rules must be explained to all participants before entry.
Failure to comply may result in removal from the facility.
Repeated non-compliance may result in suspension or termination of access.
Maccabi Aquatics and Bialik College reserve the right to exclude any person whose conduct poses a risk to safety or security, or is otherwise unsuitable.

3. Risk Warning, Waiver, Programs and Operational Policies

Please read this section carefully. By enrolling and participating, you accept these terms.

Risk Warning for Recreational Services

Swimming and aquatic activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to slips, trips, falls, drowning, physical or mental injury (including the aggravation, acceleration or recurrence of such injury), the contraction, aggravation or acceleration of a disease or illness, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen incidents that may be harmful or disadvantageous. These risks may result in serious injury or death.

By enrolling in any Maccabi Aquatics program, each participant (and, in the case of minors, their parent or guardian) acknowledges and accepts these inherent risks as a condition of enrolment and participation.

Participants are advised to assess their own (or their child’s) physical fitness and swimming ability before participating. If a participant has any medical conditions, allergies or disabilities that may affect their safety, these must be disclosed during enrolment and properly managed (see Section 2).

This Risk Warning is provided in accordance with the Australian Consumer Law, the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), and the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic).

Waiver of Liability for Recreational Services

To the maximum extent permitted by law, each participant (and parent/guardian of minors) acknowledges and agrees that:

(a) Maccabi Aquatics and Bialik College are not liable for any death, physical or mental injury (including the aggravation, acceleration or recurrence of such injury), the contraction, aggravation or acceleration of a disease, or any other condition, circumstance or occurrence that is or may be harmful or disadvantageous to the participant or the community, suffered by the participant arising from participation in swimming lessons, squads, masters programs or other aquatic activities, except to the extent caused by the gross negligence of Maccabi Aquatics or Bialik College.
(b) Any statutory guarantees that would otherwise apply under the Australian Consumer Law in relation to the supply of recreational services (including that services will be provided with due care and skill, or will be reasonably fit for purpose) are excluded, restricted or modified to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Victorian legislation.
(c) Participation in all aquatic activities is voluntary and undertaken at the participant’s own risk.

Statutory Guarantees — Victorian Warning

Under the Australian Consumer Law (Victoria), several statutory guarantees apply to the supply of services. These guarantees ordinarily require that services be:

(a) provided with due care and skill;
(b) reasonably fit for any purpose made known to the supplier; and
(c) reasonably capable of achieving any result made known to the supplier.

Under section 22 of the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic), the supplier is entitled to ask participants to agree that these guarantees do not apply to recreational services.

By enrolling in any Maccabi Aquatics program, the participant (and parent/guardian of minors) agrees that their rights to sue Maccabi Aquatics or Bialik College under the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic), if they are killed or injured because the recreational services were not provided in accordance with these guarantees, are excluded, restricted or modified as set out in this waiver.

Limitation — Gross Negligence Exception: This exclusion does not apply if the participant’s death or injury is due to gross negligence by Maccabi Aquatics or Bialik College. “Gross negligence,” in relation to an act or omission, means doing the act or omitting to do an act with reckless disregard, with or without consciousness, for the consequences of the act or omission. See regulation 5 of the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Regulations 2012 (Vic) and section 22(3)(b) of the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act 2012 (Vic).

Acceptance and Agreement

By completing enrolment (online or in person), providing payment details, and/or participating in any Maccabi Aquatics program, each participant (and parent/guardian of minors) is deemed to have:

read and understood the Risk Warning, Waiver and Operational Policies in Section 3 and the Parental Supervision requirements in Section 2;
accepted the risks associated with aquatic and recreational activities;
agreed to the exclusions, restrictions and modifications to statutory guarantees and consumer rights set out above;
agreed to comply with all facility rules, pool rules, supervision requirements and safety directions issued by Maccabi Aquatics, Bialik College or their staff; and
acknowledged that Maccabi Aquatics and Bialik College may rely on this Risk Warning and Waiver as a complete defence to claims arising from recreational services, except where gross negligence is proven.

Personal Property

Personal property is brought into the facility at your own risk. Maccabi Aquatics and Bialik College are not responsible for theft, loss or damage to personal belongings.

Enrolment and Re-Enrolment

All families must register via the Parent Portal to enrol in classes.
Returning swimmers will remain in their current class unless moving up a level or requesting a change.

Make-Up Lessons

Limit: 1 make-up lesson per swimmer per month.
Absence must be advised at least 5 hours before the lesson via the Parent Portal.
Make-up lessons expire at the end of the term and are non-transferable.
Make-up lessons are subject to availability and cannot be credited, refunded, cancelled or changed once booked.
No make-up lessons are available for missed holiday program sessions.

Teacher/Coach and Time Changes

Maccabi Aquatics aims for instructor consistency but may change teachers/coaches as required (e.g. illness, staff changes, operational needs).
Class times may change; notice will be provided where possible.
Preferred instructor gender cannot be guaranteed.

Pool Closures and Unforeseen Circumstances

In the event of closure (e.g. plant malfunction, flooding, contamination or other unforeseen facility issues), Maccabi Aquatics will offer a make-up lesson or class credit at its discretion.
Refunds are not provided in such circumstances.

Emergency Procedures

All participants and parents/guardians must familiarise themselves with emergency and evacuation procedures, including the location of emergency exits, and must follow staff directions in an emergency.

Policy Updates

Policies are reviewed as required; updates will be notified via the Parent Portal/email.
By continuing enrolment after notification of changes, you accept the updated terms.

Entire Agreement

These Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between Maccabi Aquatics and enrolled participants/families.
Any amendments must be made in writing by Maccabi Aquatics.

Updated: August 2026