School Swimming and Water Safety Program
At MAC our School Swimming and Water Safety Program is built on genuine partnership, not just bookings.
Every program begins by understanding your students and your learning goals, allowing us to tailor an experience that is designed specifically for your school.
Delivered in a safe, welcoming and professionally managed environment, our program gives students of all abilities the opportunity to build essential swimming skills, confidence and lifelong water safety awareness, while enjoying a positive, engaging and memorable experience.
On this page you will find:
What Sets MAC Apart
- Dedicated program coordination with one consistent contact supporting planning, communication and delivery.
- Inclusive participation with programs designed to support students of all abilities and learning needs.
- Practical water safety outcomes that build swimming skills, confidence and safe decision making.
- Clear progress reporting through assessments, updates and certificates that support school records and reporting.
- Flexible program options with dates, formats, teacher to student ratios and lesson content tailored to your school's needs.
- Qualified instructors who are accredited swim teachers with current CPR and Working with Children Checks.
- A strong community focus as a council owned aquatic centre supporting schools, families and lifelong participation in aquatic activities.
Program Overview
MAC delivers high-quality school swimming and water safety programs that help students develop lifelong aquatic skills, confidence and safe participation in and around water.
Our programs support students of all ages, abilities and confidence levels, from early water familiarisation through to advanced aquatic and water safety skills.
We partner with schools to deliver inclusive, engaging and well-structured programs that support student wellbeing, strengthen water safety knowledge and encourage lifelong participation in aquatic activity.
Program Focus
Our programs help students develop:
- Swimming and water safety skills
- Water confidence and safe decision-making
- Survival and rescue awareness
- Confidence in and around aquatic environments
- Student wellbeing and participation
- Structured progression and measurable outcomes
- Inclusive participation across a range of abilities
All programs align with the Royal Life Saving Swim and Survive Framework and the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework.
Programs Available
MAC offers a range of program formats so you can choose what works best for your school.
Our Recommended Program: 8 to 10 Day Intensive School Swimming Program
Our 8 to 10 day intensive program is MAC's strongest school swimming option, giving students daily practice, consistent instruction and faster skill progression. It is the best format for building real swimming ability, stronger water safety knowledge and lasting confidence in the water.
Each intensive program finishes with an Aquatic Fun Session, bringing together inflatables, pool games and supervised water activities. It gives students a memorable reward, reinforces positive experiences in the water and ends the program on a high.
Other Program Options
- Tailored school programs designed around your timetable, curriculum and student needs.
- Specialist and supported learning programs with inclusive teaching approaches.
- Weekly school swimming programs for schools that prefer ongoing lessons.
- Primary and secondary school programs aligned to different age groups and abilities.
- Victorian Water Safety Certificate (VWSC) assessments – available as part of an intensive program or as a standalone one-day session for Grades 3–6.
- Pool and Beyond – combining water safety education with active recreation experiences.
- End of Year Aquatic Fun Days – book early for 2027 and be one of the first schools to experience the exciting new MAC Splash Park.
Supporting Schools
We make school swimming easy to coordinate, with clear communication, flexible planning and dedicated support from initial enquiry through to program delivery. Schools can expect:
- Dedicated school program coordination
- Flexible scheduling and booking options
- Teacher information and preparation resources
- Clear logistics and program timelines
- Fast, responsive support
- Help with planning and documentation
Our goal is simple: outstanding aquatic education that improves safety, builds confidence and creates positive, lasting connections with water, delivered through a partnership your school enjoys working with.
For any questions or support with the process, please contact us at swimlessons@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.
About Learn to Swim Schools Program
With a strong focus on inclusion, safety, and enjoyment, our program ensures that every student feels encouraged, confident, and part of the learning experience.
Our program is led by qualified and experienced swim teachers, with each session tailored to the requirements of your school and its students.
MAC’s indoor, heated pools create the perfect year-round environment for learning, and our team is passionate about making swimming a positive and empowering experience for every child.
Bookings are allocated based on availability, program requirements and scheduling priorities.
If you’re booking sessions for more than one year level (e.g. Year 3 and Year 4), please submit a separate application for each year level. This helps us schedule and allocate instructors more efficiently.
Program fees are based on confirmed student numbers so we can plan appropriate staffing, supervision and class structure for your school.
2027 Learn to Swim - Schools Program Expression of Interest
2027 Expressions of Interest for MAC's Learn to Swim Schools program are currently open and can be submitted below.
School Lessons to 31 December 2026
Schools located within the City of Maribyrnong
Teacher to Student Ratio
|
Fee Per Student
|
|
1 : 1 Ratio
|
$60.00
|
|
1 : 6 Ratio
|
$9.90
|
|
1 : 8 Ratio
|
$7.10
|
|
1: 10 Ratio
|
$6.70
|
Peak Season Levy: $0.20 per student (applies during high-demand periods – see Pricing Notes).
Schools located outside the City of Maribyrnong
Teacher to Student Ratio
|
Fee Per Student
|
|
1 : 1 Ratio
|
$60.00
|
|
1 : 6 Ratio
|
$10.20
|
|
1 : 8 Ratio
|
$7.40
|
|
1: 10 Ratio
|
$6.70
|
School Lessons from 1 January 2027
Schools located within the City of Maribyrnong
Teacher to Student Ratio
|
Fee Per Student
|
|
1 : 1 Ratio
|
$60.00
|
|
1 : 6 Ratio
|
$10.80
|
|
1 : 8 Ratio
|
$8.00
|
|
1: 10 Ratio
|
$6.90
|
Schools located outside the City of Maribyrnong
Teacher to Student Ratio
|
Fee Per Student
|
|
1 : 1 Ratio
|
$60.00
|
|
1 : 6 Ratio
|
$11.11
|
|
1 : 8 Ratio
|
$8.20
|
|
1: 10 Ratio
|
$7.20
|
Lane Hire
Lane Hire Option
|
Pricing
|
|
20m Lane Hire
|
$65.00 per lane + $5.00 entry per person
|
|
50m Lane Hire
|
$120.00 per lane + $5.00 entry per person
|
Pricing Notes
- All pricing is per student, per lesson, unless otherwise stated.
- Swimming and water safety programs are GST exempt.
- “Within City of Maribyrnong” and “Outside City of Maribyrnong” refer to whether the school’s campus is located within the City of Maribyrnong local government area.
- Peak season levies may apply during high-demand periods.
- Program fees are based on confirmed student booking numbers.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2027 Expression of Interest (EOI) period open?
The 2027 School Swimming Program Expression of Interest (EOI) period opens on Monday 22 June 2026.
Bookings will be accepted from Monday 22 June 2026 to Friday 24 July 2026, with schools notified of the outcome by Friday 31 July 2026.
To ensure bookings are allocated fairly, Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are prioritised based on:
- Returning schools requesting similar program dates to those held in 2026.
- Requests for alternative dates from returning schools, subject to availability.
- New school bookings allocated once returning school requests have been processed.
We encourage schools to submit their EOI as early as possible to maximise their opportunity to secure preferred dates and times.
Following the priority allocation period, any remaining availability will continue to be offered throughout the year. Schools are welcome to submit an EOI at any time, and bookings will be confirmed where suitable dates, staffing and pool space are available.
What happens after submitting an EOI?
Once we receive your EOI, we will:
- Review your preferred dates, times and program requirements.
- Assess pool availability and staffing capacity.
- Prepare a proposed booking schedule.
- Send you a booking confirmation and any required documentation.
Please note that submitting an EOI does not guarantee a booking. Your booking is confirmed only once you have received written confirmation from Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre (MAC).
What program lengths are available?
Choose the program that best suits your school. We can tailor all programs to your timetable, student needs and learning goals.
8 to 10 Day Intensive Program (Recommended)
Our most popular program for the best student outcomes.
How long are lessons?
Standard school swimming lessons include 43 minutes of in-water instruction, covering:
- Skill development
- Water safety education
- Survival and rescue activities
- Stroke correction and progression
What are the 2027 program dates?
Term 1
- Tuesday 2 to Thursday 11 February
- Monday 15 February to Thursday 18 February
- Monday 22 February to Friday 5 March
- Tuesday 9 to Friday 19 March
- Monday 22 to Thursday 25 March (Mon–Thu only; Friday 26 March is Good Friday)
Term 2
- Tuesday 13 to Friday 23 April
- Monday 26 April to Friday 7 May
- Monday 10 to Friday 21 May
- Monday 24 May to Friday 4 June
- Tuesday 15 to Friday 25 June
Term 3
- Tuesday 13 to Friday 23 July
- Monday 26 July to Friday 6 August
- Monday 9 to Friday 20 August
- Monday 23 August to Friday 3 September
- Monday 6 to Friday 17 September
Term 4
- Tuesday 5 to Friday 15 October
- Monday 18 to Friday 29 October
- Wednesday 3 to Friday 12 November
- Monday 15 to Friday 26 November
- Monday 29 November to Friday 10 December
- Monday 13 to Thursday 16 December
Programs do not run on public holidays. For short end-of-term periods, single-day bookings are available for VWSC or Fun Days.
What is the cancellation policy?
Schools are asked to provide as much notice as possible for any program cancellations or changes.
If a school cancels a day within a booked program, a default fee of $90.00 per swim teacher booked applies for that day. Programs cancelled with less than 3 months' notice will incur a default fee of $800.00 per program.
Full cancellation and amendment details are included in your booking confirmation.
What qualifications do MAC swim teachers hold?
All MAC swim teachers hold current industry qualifications and certifications, including:
- Swim Teacher Accreditation
- CPR Certification
- Employee Working with Children Check
- Ongoing aquatic industry training
Our experienced team delivers high-quality school swimming and water safety programs for students of all ages and abilities.
Are students assessed during the program?
Yes. Qualified swim teachers assess students throughout the program. Schools may also receive:
- Progress updates
- Achievement outcomes
- MAC swimming certificates
- Victorian Water Safety Certificates (where applicable)
What are MAC's End of Year Fun Days?
MAC's End of Year Fun Days provide schools with a fun, active and well-supervised aquatic excursion to celebrate the end of the school year. Sessions may include:
- Recreational swimming
- Group activities and games
- Water safety challenges
- Aquatic fun-based activities
Book early for 2027 to be one of the first schools to enjoy our exciting new MAC Splash Park as part of your Fun Day.
Fun Days can be tailored to suit different year levels and school needs.
What is MAC's Pool and Beyond Program?
Extend learning beyond the pool.
Pool and Beyond complements your school swimming program with engaging water safety education and active recreation experiences that build students' knowledge, confidence and lifelong participation in aquatic environments.
Programs may include:
- Water safety and survival education.
- In-school water safety sessions that teach essential safety skills without entering the water.
- Team building and group activities.
- Aquatic fitness and recreation.
- Introduction to lifelong participation in aquatic activities.
Programs can be tailored to support your school's curriculum, wellbeing initiatives and learning objectives.
Can programs be customised for our school?
Yes. Programs can be tailored to suit:
- Year level groups
- Student ability levels
- Curriculum outcomes
- Intensive or weekly program formats
- Specialist or additional support needs
We work closely with schools to design a program that reflects your students, timetable and learning goals.
What teacher-to-student ratios do you offer?
MAC offers a range of supervision ratios based on student age, ability and program goals, including:
Our team can help you choose the most suitable ratio for your students.
Can beginners participate?
Absolutely. MAC welcomes all swimming abilities, from beginners to advanced swimmers. Students are grouped by skill level to create a safe, positive learning experience.
Can MAC support students with additional needs?
Yes. We aim to provide inclusive aquatic experiences and will work with schools to support students with additional needs wherever possible.
Please share your requirements during the booking process so we can support your students appropriately.
How do we make a booking enquiry?
To enquire about a school swimming or water safety program, contact the MAC Aquatic team:
Maribyrnong Aquatic Centre
Phone: (03) 9032 4100
Email: swimlessons@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Contact Us
We'd love to talk through what a tailored swimming and water safety program could look like for your school.
Contact our friendly team by phoning 03 9032 4100 or email us at swimlessons@maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.