FAQ's Administration:
Pay by the month memberships
I have a long-term illness that is going to prevent me
using my membership indefinitely. What should I do?
Please forward a medical certificate as soon as possible to the
attention of the Aquarena Membership Administration Team. They will
contact you to discuss options for the future use of your
membership.
How old do I need to be to join Aquarena?
We have a minimum age limit of 16 years. (The exception to this
rule is our child swim memberships). We do have GYMFIT for
children aged between 13-15 years. See reception for further
details.
I am not going to use the aquatic facilities. Can I get
a discount?
Use of the aquatic facilities is complimentary with Gold and
Gold Day memberships. Our prices are competitive with centres,
which do not have aquatic facilities, and hence no further
discounts are available if you intend to use dry areas only. We do
however encourage you to give them a go! People travel from far and
wide to use them.
Can I come and have a look at your
centre?
You are most welcome to come and have a tour of our centre at
any time.
Are there cheaper rates available if I am going to be
using the centre in off-peak hours?
Yes, enjoy cheaper rates for GOLD DAY pay by the month and term
membership options.
The centre can be used during the following times:
Monday to Friday 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Anytime Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays.
Can I use my Aquarena membership at other YMCA
recreation centres?
There are no reciprocal rights with metropolitan Victorian YMCA
centres, nor with interstate or international centres.
Why don't you accept cash for pay by the month
memberships?
We don't accept cash for a couple of reasons. Firstly, with over
2000 pay by the month members, we would have extremely long queues
at reception when monthly payments were due! Secondly, we are able
to keep administration costs lower (and importantly so too
membership fees) by reducing the time spent seeking payment of
overdue fees. Please note that pay by the month memberships can now
be charged to normal cheque or savings accounts so you don't have
to have a credit card to take advantage of this type of membership.
If cash is your preferred method of payment, please consider our 3,
6 or 12 month term membership options.
How do I suspend my membership?
We need to receive your request in writing at least 4 days
before the debit day of the billing period in which you are
suspending (The debit day is always the 1st of each
month). For example, if you want to suspend in December, you need
to let us know by the 27th November. A start and end date of
your suspension is required.
A form is available at reception. We give you a copy so that you
have proof of your suspension. You can also email us
(aquarena@ymca.org.au), use the contact us page on our website ( /contact-us.aspx ), fax or send a
letter to us, but it is your responsibility to ensure that it has
been received at least 4 days before the debit day.
Remember that the minimum suspension time is 14 consecutive days
and the maximum amount of free suspension is 8 weeks each year. You
can suspend for up to 6 months each year- a $10 per month holding
fee is charged after you have used up your allotted 8 weeks of free
suspension.
What is the billing period of the
memberships?
The billing period is from the first day to the last day of each
month (ie calendar months). Monthly fees are charged on the first
day of each month. If the first is a weekend or public holiday,
monthly fees will be charged on the next business day.
(Charges to a credit card may appear on your statement as late
as 4 weeks in the billing period).
I'm not sure how long I want to suspend for. Can I
suspend indefinitely?
You do need to specify the dates of your
suspension but you can extend the length of your suspension
provided you give us the required notice. For example you may have
come into the centre in April to suspend your membership for May
and June. To extend your suspension into July, you need to give us
written notification by 27th June.
Your membership and monthly charges are reinstated automatically
according to the dates you have given us. For example if you have
suspended from 15th April to 15th May, your membership we be
reinstated as of 16th May. Charges are processed on first day of
each month. The charge for the part of the month 16th-28th May
would therefore be processed on the 1st May.
I am pregnant and I don't know how long I will need to
suspend for.
Please forward a medical certificate to the Aquarena Membership
Administration Team. They will contact you to work out your best
option.(For example, the membership may be temporarily cancelled,
or extra suspension time may be granted).
How do I cancel my membership?
Notification of cancellation needs to be received in writing at
least 4 days before the debit day of the next billing period to
stop the next debit from being processed. (The debit day is always
the first day of each month). For example, if you wish to cancel in
December, you need to notify us in writing by 27th November. If you
wish to cancel in June, you need to notify us in writing by
28th May.
A form is available at reception and you receive a copy as
proof of cancellation. Alternatively, you can email
(aquarena@ymca.org.au), fax, use the contact us page from our
website ( /contact-us.aspx) or send
us a letter but it is your responsibility to make sure that we
receive it in time.
I am moving out of the area. Is my membership
transferable to another YMCA?
Your pay by the membership is not transferable to another YMCA
BUT if you take proof of cancellation to another Victorian YMCA
recreation centre within 6 weeks of cancellation at Aquarena, they
will waive the administration fee on their pay by the month
membership options. Please note that monthly rates and services
offered vary from centre to centre.
FIXED TERM MEMBERS:
I am moving out of the area. Can I get a
refund?
Please forward proof that you are relocating to an address
outside the boundaries of the City of Manningham (for example a
utilities bill in your name or rental agreement). A refund will be
calculated for the unused portion of the membership minus a 20%
administration fee. A form is available at reception. Alternatively
you can email, fax or send us your application. Please note that
the refund is calculated from the date that we receive your
application.
I have an illness that will prevent me using my
membership again. What can I do?
You will need to supply a medical certificate to the centre and
apply in writing for a refund. A refund will be calculated for the
unused portion of the membership minus a 20% administration
fee.
How do I suspend my membership?
You need to notify us in writing in advance of you suspension
dates. A form is available at reception, or you can email
(aquarena@ymca.org.au) , use the contact us form on our website: (
/contact-us.aspx fax or send
us a letter.
How much suspension time can I take?
The minimum suspension time is 14 consecutive days. The maximum
suspension time is dependent on the type of membership you have as
follows:
3 month memberships: 14 days free suspension
6 month memberships: 28 days free suspension
12 month memberships: 56 days free suspension
Additional suspension time is available at a cost of $5 per 14
days (or part thereof). Extra suspension time is added after the
payment of the appropriate suspension fee. The maximum total
suspension time for each membership is 6 months.
Please note that suspension time does not accumulate when you renew
your membership.
Is there an administration fee associated with fixed
term memberships?
No, fixed term memberships do not have an administration fee.
Prices are as advertised on our current membership and are payable
at the time of joining.
Merchandise refund/exchange policy
Our refund policy for merchandise:
Our responsibility to you
Please read Aquarena's refund policy carefully
If the merchandise you have purchased is:
• Faulty
• Significantly different to the merchandise sample shown or
described to you
• Unfit for purpose for which it is intended
You are entitled to choose a refund OR repair OR exchange OR
credit.
Please keep your receipt
You will need to show your receipt as proof of purchase when
applying for a refund, repair or exchange
We reserve the right to consider the age and condition of returned
merchandise. This may result in a refund, exchange or credit being
refused.
If you believe the merchandise is faulty, we may need to send it to
the manufacturer to assess whether you are entitled to an exchange,
refund or credit.
Approved refunds will be made by cheque within 21 days from the
date of application.
Change of mind
When you buy, you should choose carefully. Please take advantage
of being able to try on our merchandise. We do not usually refund
for simply changing your mind.
Change of mind refunds will not be given if the merchandise was
purchased more than 7 days ago, has been used, taken out of its
original packaging and/or the original tags have been
removed.
Change of mind refunds are not given for swimwear
FAQ's Aquatic Education:
How long should my child remain in the same
level?
There is no set time your child remains in one level. The
Aquasafe program allows participants to progress at their own rate
and it is important that all key assessment areas are considered
competent before progressing. Therefore it is not uncommon for
participants to remain in the same level for several terms.
When do participants get upgraded?
Assessments are conducted on an ongoing basis, as each child is
ready they progress. The Teacher In Charge (TIC) assesses
participants at the request of the class teacher. If the
participant is considered ready to progress the TIC will discuss
available times with the family and place the participant in the
appropriate class. Due to the nature of the reenrollment period no
class changes can be made throughout this time. Any child deemed
ready to progress will be put on the Request for Change list. A
week is put aside at the end of the reenrollment period to work
through the Request for Change list and families are contacted if a
requested class becomes available for the following term.
What are the benefits of Direct Debit
membership?
Direct Debit membership entitles the member to access the
facilities for recreational swimming at additional times to the
designated lesson at no extra cost. This fantastic benefit allows
participants to practice skills as well as enjoy the facilities
with family and friends. Direct Debit membership also includes
automatic reenrollment from term to term. This process eases the
pressure related to reenrollment for both families and
administration staff with no lump sum payments and the easy change
over from term to term.
Can I have a term off and still retain the same class
time/day the following term?
Due to the popularity of the program no guarantees can be made
your place in the program will be available to you the following
term. Should you decide to have a break from the program you will
need to enroll during the new enrolment period. After reenrollments
and the Request for Change List has been completed, new enrolments
can be taken. To reenroll into the program participants will need
to be reassessed to ensure they are placed in the right level.
Do you have make up classes?
Due to the inconsistent nature of make up classes the Aquarena
program does not offer them. As alternatives to these classes' term
fee members are given group passes and direct debit members receive
entry for recreational swimming at no extra cost. This system
allows participants to practice their skills and enjoy the company
of family and friends.
Can I book my child in advance?
No one is able to be booked into a class without first
enrolling. To determine which level is most suitable for each
individual an assessment is required. As children grow, what they
are capable of may vary over time. There can be no guarantees given
that the class/day/time requested will be available. First priority
is to those currently enrolled in the program.
Can I enroll my child any time?
New enrolments to the program can be taken at the beginning of
each term up until the reenrollment period. Once all reenrollments
and requests for change have been catered for, new enrolments may
be taken. All new enrolments to the program need to be assessed to
determine the appropriate level for the participant's ability. Once
the appropriate level has been determined you can enroll your child
in to the program. No assessments are required for preschool
participants as the preschool program is age based.
Are there lessons every week of the year?
The program dates are based on those of the school terms. There
are no Aquarena classes during the school holidays and there are no
classes on public holidays, regardless of the day on which it
falls.
How do I know how my child is going?
The Teacher in Charge is available to give instant customer
feedback about the program and participants progress. Regular
feedback is available from class teachers, however, if teachers
need to get to following classes please speak to the TIC. Lesson
plans and progressive role sheets are marked to ensure quality and
accurate assessments of progression are made.
How do I change the day/time of the
class?
All requests for a change in time of your class need to be made
through your TIC. The TIC will then check the availability of
classes at your requested time, if the class is available the
change will be made, however, if there is no availability your name
will be placed on the Request for Change list and you will be
contacted as soon as a vacancy becomes available.
Do I have to get in with my child for their
lesson?
Preschool lessons up to and including Tadpole classes require
parent participation. This is a vital component of the aquatic
education experience for all involved as water familiarization and
water safety skills are important for both parent and child. During
these classes teachers will explain how to apply these skills and
techniques to other aquatic environments and situations.
How do I get updates on the program?
Regular updates on the program are made through the distribution
of Splash magazine. Splash is a quarterly publication relating to
the aquatic education program and is made available both on the
Aquarena website and in hard copy. Splash includes latest news,
tips, staff updates and profiles as well as other relevant up to
date information
How can my child be upgraded to a higher
level?
You will be informed by the senior teacher in charge when
your child is ready to progress to the next level. Please
don't hesitate to speak to your teacher at the
end of the lesson or to the Teacher in Charge if you have any
questions about the progress of your child.
Do you offer private lessons?
Due to the high demand for water space and the benefits of
learning in a group, we only offer private lessons to people with
special needs who are unable to participate in a group
lesson.
Do you offer make up lessons?
No, we do not offer make up lessons. Credits are available
when 3 or more consecutive lessons are missed and a medical
certificate is supplied. (Please see our terms and conditions for
full details). Pay by the month participants are able to visit the
centre at any other time throughout the year to practice their
swimming skills and have some fun!
Can I suspend aquatic education?
No, suspension of aquatic education is not available.
However, credits are available when 3 or more consecutive lessons
are missed and a medical certificate is supplied. (Please see our
terms and conditions for full
details).
Why is $54.00 charged each month, no matter how many
lessons are held during the month?
Instead of charging you different rates each month
according to the number of lessons, fees have been spread evenly
across the year, including January. These savings in administrative
costs are then passed back on to you with lower
overall monthly fees. Costs per lesson over the
2013 year (not including the administration fee) average out to be
a maximum of $17.05 per lesson.
How do I re-enrol?
Pay by the month participants are re-enrolled
automatically each term, so you don't have to worry about queuing
up or missing out on your place. A confirmation notice is sent each
term with all of your class details.
Are there any discounts offered?
For the third, 4th and more people in an
immediate family there is a 25% discount off the administration
fee.There is a 30% administration discount off the
administration fee for people with an Australian Health Care card.
Please note that discounts cannot be combined.
Term Dates 2013
FAQ's Aquatic Facilities:
What is the role of the Lifeguard?
Many people mistakenly believe that once they enter an aquatic
facility the responsibility for children's safety is transferred
entirely to the Lifeguard. Aquarena Lifeguards assist with the safe
operation of the facility and ensure compliance with safety rules.
They provide customer service, education and will respond to and
direct emergency situations. They don't replace parental/carer
supervision of children. Aquarena YMCA reminds parents & carers
of guidelines that require ACTIVE supervision of children at all
times.
What is ACTIVE Supervision?
Active supervision means children in your care are being
continually watched by you or a person 16 years or older. Parents
and carers should be ready to provide immediate assistance,
including unexpected entry into the pool, and should ensure they
have appropriate skills to do so.
Can I leave my children in the aquatic area whilst I
attend other activities around the centre (gym, group exercise,
spa/ steam or swim laps)?
Aquarena YMCA adheres to the 'Guidelines for Safe Pool
Operation', administered by Life Saving Victoria. These
guidelines state "Children under 10 years should not be allowed
entry to a facility unless under the ACTIVE supervision of a person
16 years or older." Children under 10 years cannot be actively
supervised whilst you are in the gym, group exercise, spa/steam or
swimming laps.
Can I leave my children in the toddler pool area
unattended?
All toddlers must be accompanied by person 16 years or over in
the fenced toddler pool areas. It is recommended that this person
accompanies the toddler them into the
water.
What lanes are available for casual
swimming?
Signage down the far end (West side) of the 25m pool indicates
the speed and availability of each lane. Signs are marked
appropriately and guidelines are as follows:
Lane reserved signs indicating the time that the lane has been
reserved will be placed over the top of a lane sign 15 min prior to
the lane change.
How do I know in advance how many lap swimming lanes
will be available?
View table on the lap lane availability page of the Aquarena
website. The lanes available for public use are displayed on this
table. A brochure outlining the lanes available for public use is
available in the main foyer. This brochure is updated on a
fortnightly basis.
What is the Lap Swimming Program?
At least 3 lanes at this time are guaranteed for public use for
the purpose of casual lap swimming. One Fast, Medium and Slow lane
will be allocated. Other programs will not be booked over these lap
swimming program times. Lane availability for lap swimming
outside of the lap swimming program times cannot be
guaranteed.
Do you have any equipment for use around the
pool?
Kickboards are available for loan. A small number of dumbbells
are available for patrons wishing to undertake water exercises
however dumbbells are not to be used for play or floatation
devices. Noddles, pull buoys, floaties and other toys are only for
use in aquatic education lessons. Equipment is available for
purchase at reception if required. Some rehabilitation equipment is
available for patrons wishing to undertake water exercise. Requests
must be made to the Lifeguard on duty.
What time does the aquatic area close?
The aquatic area will always close 15 minutes prior to the
centre closing.
9:45pm - Monday - Thursday
7:45pm - Friday, Saturday and Sunday
7:45pm - Most Public Holidays
Why does the aquatic are close 15min prior to centre
close?
The aquatic area closes 15 min prior to centre close to allow
sufficient time for patrons to shower/dress before the centre
closes. No patrons are to remain in the centre after closing
time.
Do you allow children to swim up and down the
ramp?
Yes, but in consideration to other patrons needing to access
this facility. Please supervise and make sure your children make
space for and are not disrupting others. Children must not stand on
the ledge between the ramp and the pool for safety reasons. Running
is also prohibited. Patrons will be required to leave the ramp when
needed for disabled access.
What access is available into the swimming pools for
people with disabilities?
A wheelchair ramp is provided into the 25 meter pool, near the
lifeguard station. A water wheelchair is available. Please ask the
lifeguard on duty. A portable hoist is available for patrons
wishing to gain access to other pools.
What change facilities are available for people with
disabilities?
Shower chairs and benches are available in each disabled change
area and rails are provided around toilets and showers. A
portable hoist is available for patrons to use in the change room
facilities if required. Requests must be made to the Lifeguard on
duty.
What temperatures are the pools?
The pools are heated to the following temps:
25m = 310
Learner / Toddler = 320
SPA = 360
Can you pay for the spa and steam after
entry?
Yes. If you have paid for a swim and then you decide you wish to
go into the spa or steam we charge you the difference between a
swim and a swim/spa/steam.
Link
to casual price list
How old must you be to access the spa and steam room
area?
Patrons must be 16 years of age to access the spa and steam room
area. Patrons are unable to use the
Is it okay to eat food or drink soft drinks etc in the
pool?
In the interests of maintaining a high standard of hygiene and
chemical balance of the water we don't allow food or drink to be
consumed in the water or on the edge of the pool.
Where can I look for lost personal items in the
centre?
Valuable items such as jewellery will be held in a safe box at
reception. Aquatic items such as goggles and swim caps are held in
the lifeguard station. Clothing and other items are placed in the
blue tubs at the deep end of the 25meter pool. A description of
lost personal items will need to be provided to the
lifeguard/reception staff on duty prior to lost property items
being handed over..
Can I borrow lost property items if I have forgotten my
equipment (i.e. goggles, towels)?
Lost property items are not the property of Aquarena and
therefore can not be loaned out to patrons. There are also hygiene
issues with loaning out items such as goggles and towels. Equipment
is available for purchase at reception if required.
Why have the blue floor mats been removed from the wet
changerooms?
The floor mats have been removed primarily for reasons of
hygiene.It is acknowledged that in any public changeroom
environment where many people are walking bare footed there is an
inherent hygiene risk.
By removing the mats we believe we have significantly reduced that
risk.
A Risk Assessment was completed and the following
risks have been identified:
The mats were identified as a moderate hygiene risk.
The mats were identified as a significant trip risk.
The mats were identified as a significant manual handling risk
when being removed for cleaning.
Because of the high quality of slip resistant tile on the
floors, the incidence of slips in the changerooms, even in areas
that were not covered by a mat, has been negligible.
An absence of mats enables the night time contract cleaners to
clean the floor more thoroughly.
Lifeguards have been instructed to place an added emphasis on
the cleanliness of the floor during the day.
In summary, it is now considered to be more hygienic to stand on
the tiled floor than it was standing on the mat.
FAQ's Child Care:
How do I book a place in childcare?
Bookings are essential and can be made after 7.30am in person or
by calling the centre on 9848 1300 according to the guidelines
below:
Members of Aquarena can book 1 week in advance
Casual users can book 6 days in advance
Occasional care places (where a parent leaves the centre) can be
booked 5 days in advance
A second session on a particular day may be booked 4 days in
advance.
Can I book a place for next week as I am dropping my
child off for a session?
Yes you can. Please see childcare staff. However, please note
that bookings are open from 7.30am and therefore the session you
are after may be fully booked for the next week.
How do I cancel a booking?
Cancellations are required before 7.30am of the day of the
booking. They can be made by calling the centre or in person. This
requirement enables us to re-book your place and give parents
enough time to get organised for the session. It also means that
when you call to make a booking after 8am, the wait time to speak
to a customer service officer is minimised because we are only
taking calls that are bookings.
We do appreciate if you can let us know as soon as possible if
you no longer require a booking.
If I wish to cancel a place for today and also book for
the same session next week do I need to make 2 calls?
Yes- we do require cancellations before 8am. If you wish to book
for the same session next week, please call after 8am.
What aged children do you take?
We provide care for children aged 6 weeks to 6 years. Our
licence allows us to care for a small number of primary aged
children under 10 years of age.
What are the session times of
childcare?What is the cost of
childcare?What is occasional care?
Mid week session times are:
9.00am -10.25am
10.30am-11:55pm
12.00pm-1.25pm
Saturday session times are:
9.00am -10.25am
10.30am-11:55pm
Note: Family constitutes 2 or more children from the same
Family (ie siblings). Casual fees& booking arrangements apply
for adults who are caring for children in private care
arrangements. (e.g. babysitting). Please see staff for further
details.
Occasional care allows parents to leave the centre while their
children are cared for in Aquarena childcare (for example shopping,
a hair appointment or just a well-earned break).
What is the cost of occasional care:Do
you change nappies?
Yes we certainly do! Please bring your child into childcare in a
dry, clean nappy. Please let our staff know if you have any special
requirements. We will change your child's nappy if required
during the session.
My child is toilet training at the moment. How will
this be managed in childcare?
Staff are happy to support your toilet training goals. Please
see a staff person so that your child's individual requirements can
be catered for.
Do you feed babies?
Yes- please see the staff in the baby area to let them know your
baby's requirements. (You need to supply food and drink, which are
both labelled).
Can children eat in childcare?
Yes they certainly can! Please supply your child with a
healthy snack, breakfast or lunch. We discourage foods such
as chips, lollies and soft drinks.
To minimise the risk of allergic reactions:
Foods containing nuts or nut products are not allowed to be
eaten in childcare, e.g. peanut butter, nuts, nutella, etc.
A no food sharing policy is followed
Children can drink and eat any time during the
session.
Are your staff qualified?
We are always in compliance with the Department of Human
Services requirements for staff: child ratios and for most sessions
we have more staff rostered than required by Regulations.
For most weekday sessions, we have 3 qualified staff and 2-3
unqualified staff rostered. For most Saturday sessions, we have one
qualified staff and 2 unqualified staff. The number of staff
may be reduced if we have fewer bookings or cancellations
.
There is always a nominated PERSON IN CHARGE each day, who
oversees childcare. This is often the Childcare Team Leader,
Stela Mitea. On Stela's days off it will be another qualified staff
person. Please ask any childcare staff if you wish to know who the
Person In Charge is.
How many children do you care for at one
time?
Our licence allows us to care for up to 29 children at a
time.
If I arrive late, can my child stay
later?
We cannot be in breach of our licence conditions at any time-
therefore we cannot guarantee that we can automatically extend your
child's childcare session. Please see childcare staff when
you arrive to see if this is possible.
Can my child bring there favourite toy?
For safety, we do advise parents to leave toys at home- however
toys of comfort are acceptable.
What should I bring to a childcare
session?Do I need to label my child's
items?
Nappy, wipes and a plastic bag for disposal.
Change of clothes as required.
Nutritious snack.
Sunhat and sunscreen as required.
(SPF 15+ or higher broadspectrum)
Yes, please label all items that belong to your
child.
I have lost something? Do you have it?
Please see or call childcare staff who will look for your
item.
Do I need an enrolment form if I am only using
childcare once?
Yes, by law, we cannot care for a child until we have received a
completed enrolment form signed by the child's parent or
guardian.
How do I get an enrolment form?
Enrolment forms are available from reception, childcare and on-line. We can also send or fax a form
to you.
Can I leave the emergency number blank on the enrolment
form?
No, we do require details of another adult besides the child's
parents in case of an emergency. Please see childcare staff if you
are having trouble completing any part of the form.
Who else can collect my child?
Those people who are listed on the enrolment form as having
authorisation to do so (They can, but don't have to be the
same people as those listed as emergency contacts). We do need at
least one person listed in this area beside the child's parents.
Please note that photo identification may be required before a
child is released.
Can I leave the centre whilst you care for my
child?
This is occasional care, which has a different fee structure
(see above, under Occasional Care.)
Can you tell me if my friend has booked her children
in?
To protect our customers' privacy, we do not give out this
information. Please check directly with your
friend.
Can I have a permanent booking?
We are sorry that we do not offer permanent bookings.
Exception: For a parent who needs childcare because they
are required to participate in their child's aquatic education
lesson we have a limited number of permanent bookings available for
each term. To apply for one of these places, please speak to the
Person In Charge of childcare at least one week before the start of
the term. Cancellations need to be made as per our
cancellation policy. Bookings need to be re-confirmed at least one
week before the start of each term. A members-only childcare
discount pass may be used for these bookings, and each booking may
be for up to one hour.
I am looking after a friend's child today. Can I
include this child in a family pass?
No. A family constitutes 2 or more children from the same Family
(ie siblings). Casual fees& booking arrangements apply for
adults who are caring for children in private care
arrangements. (e.g. babysitting). Please see staff for further
details. Please note that a full enrolment form must by completed
and signed by the child's parent before they can be left at
Aquarena childcare.
My child is sick. Can I bring them to
childcare?
To protect your child, other children and parents and
staff, please keep your child at home if they display
any symptoms referred to on the School
Exclusion Table as displayed.
For example:
diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 24 hours
conjunctivitis
high temperature
rashes
severe cold or flu
contagious diseases
Childcare staff may request that you pick up your child if such
symptoms are apparent during a session.
Does childcare operate on public
holidays?
No, childcare is closed on public holidays and for 2 weeks over
the Christmas/New Year period.
Will you contact me if my child becomes upset during a
session?
Unless otherwise requested, you will only be contacted
when...
your child is distressed or
in the case of injury or illness
This is my child's first session at your childcare
facility and I am nervous!
Please see childcare staff on your first staff and clarify that
this is your first visit. Staff will explain to you childcare
procedures and work to settle your child into their childcare
routine happily and smoothly.
I have a suggestion/concern/question/special request
about childcare.
Please do not hesitate to talk to us. We welcome feedback at any
time, and will do our best to fit in with special requests and
requirements.
Feedback may be made verbally to staff, in writing via our
feedback box located outside the health club, or by email.
I would like to talk to staff about by
child.
If you wish to discuss any aspect of your child's time at
childcare, please plan to arrive well ahead of the session end
time. The focus of staff during childcare sessions is care
and supervision of children. Therefore if the session is very busy,
the team leader may arrange an appointment at a time that is
suitable for you.
Do you plan childcare sessions?
Yes we have a fortnightly plan aimed at meeting developmental
needs of children, which is printed on the noticeboard on the left
hand side of the entrance way of childcare. Please talk to us if
you have any questions about our program.
Do you make observations about children?
Yes, our qualified staff observe and make written records of
individual children and groups of children. These observations are
then used as the basis for planning activities and setting goals
for the children. Please see staff if you would like further
information
FAQ's Health Club
Are health evaluations compulsory?
Health evaluations are compulsory for members who are using
the gymnasium. It is a policy of the centre that all individuals
are given a thorough health and fitness screening before beginning
a gymnasium- based exercise program. All gymnasium participants are
prescribed a program that best meets their individual health and
fitness levels. These sessions, with a fully qualified health
professional, provide invaluable motivation, guidance and
support.
I have never attended a gym before. How will I know
what to do and how to exercise safely?
Upon joining Aquarena, you do not have to have any previous gym
knowledge. We understand that starting an exercise program for the
first time can sometimes be a little intimidating. Therefore as a
new health club member, you are given 3 one-hour appointments with
your own health and fitness consultant who will guide, support and
motivate you through those important early stages.
After an initial health evaluation your health and fitness
consultant will write you an individualised exercise program,
specifically designed to meet your goals. The evaluation is
followed by 2 program inductions to ensure you are comfortable with
your exercises. This process is repeated every 12 weeks to maximize
support, motivation and progression. There is always a health and
fitness consultant on the gym floor to answer any questions or to
assist you with your technique between appointments.
How busy does it get in peak times?
Aquarena is well equipped with cardiovascular machines that it
is rare for all machines to be busy, even during the busiest times.
Time limits on treadmills no longer apply due to the addition of
more equipment in the last few years. The weights area is spacious
enough to accommodate for the numbers during peak times with plenty
of benches, dumbbells, barbells and Swissballs available.
Do I have to be a member to receive personal
training?
Personal training is a one on one workout with one of Aquarena's
highly trained and qualified fitness professionals. Anyone can sign
up for a personal training session to help achieve his or her
personal goals. Personal training can be used to increase
motivation, get you started to a healthier lifestyle, push you to
achieve your sport specific goals or as a tool to break through
your own training plateaus. The personal training team at Aquarena
is renowned for their level of expertise; qualifications and
commitment to helping clients achieve real results. All trainers
have extensive experience working across a wide range of fitness
interests and attend ongoing workshops to stay up to date with all
the latest health & fitness information.
What type of equipment do you have?
In August 2007 the Health Club received a major upgrade of both
cardio and resistance machines, providing members with the latest,
state-of-the-art workout equipment. Our Health Club now
includes:
A total of 53 "Life Fitness" Cardio machines
- 17 Treadmills
- 18 Upright Bikes
- 3 Recumbent Bikes
- 8 Crosstrainers
- 5 Steppers
- 2 Rowers
BB / DB - a full range and multiple sets of dumbbells (1kg -
32kg), fixed and adjustable barbells (5kg - 30kg)
Bench press and squat rack with plates from 1.25kg - 20kg
17 machine single stations (Life Fitness & Hammer
Strength)
2 dual cable systems
Smith machine
Range of benches (preacher curl, flat, incline)
12 Swiss balls (45 - 75 cm)
6 Medicine balls (1 - 6kg)
4 Foam rollers (half and full)
4 Dura discs
4 Thera bands of varying resistance
5 Chin up bars
Stretching mats
What do I need to bring for my workouts?
All you need to bring is a small towel (eg hand towel) and drink
bottle. There is a water station just outside the health club
to fill up your bottle with nice cold
water.
Can I leave my bag in the gym while working
out?
No. While our health club is quite spacious, we cannot
accommodate every member's bags in the gym. For larger bags,
Aquarena provides lockers free of charge and are located near the
dry change rooms. For smaller items, we have pigeon holes in the
health club - medium sized open shelves for jumpers etc, and very
small lockers for keys, phones etc. Please do not bring any
valuables into the Centre as the staff cannot be responsible for
items that go "walking".
What clothes should I wear?
Whatever you are comfortable working out in. Most people
wear shorts or tracksuit pants, with a t-shirt or singlet top, and
maybe a jumper until warmed up. Any type of athletic shoes
are fine, however your shoes need to have a covered toe and heal
(ie, no thongs or sandals).
What are your health club rules / gym
etiquette?
For courtesy, proper hygiene, and safety to all members,
Aquarena requests that each member abide by the following:
Wipe down equipment after use
Carry water bottle and towel at all times
Place bags in lockers rather than in the gym
Restrict time on CV to 15 min during peak times
Return all weights to original position after use
Refrain from adding extra weights to pin loaded equipment
Use weight collars when using barbells
Refrain from resting on equipment between sets (as other members
may wish to use it)
Wear appropriate clothing
Refrain from dropping weights when excising
Use a spotter if possible
I accidentally left my jacket in the gym. Do you
have lost property?
Yes. If you jacket is not where you left it in the gym (it
may be depending on how soon you return for it), all lost property
for the centre is taken to the two large tubs beside the indoor 25m
pool. We store items for 2 months before they are given to
charity.
I have an injury / medical condition. Are all
trainers qualified?
Yes. All the health and fitness consultants at Aquarena
are industry qualified, and most have also completed a degree in
Human Movement. Our staff attend ongoing training sessions to
keep up to date with the latest knowledge and
research.
Is the gym always supervised?
Yes. From open to close, 7 days a week, there is always at
least one health and fitness consultant in the health club, with up
to four consultants during busy periods.
What are the busiest times in the gym? What are
the quietest times?
The gym is usually busiest at night times between 5pm and 7pm on
weekdays. It is also fairly busy at 9am during the week and
on Saturdays. The quietest times tend to be during the
afternoon from 12 - 4pm.
Do you have televisions in the Health
Club?
Yes. We have 5 televisions which display channels 2,7,9,10
and Foxtel's Music Max. To "tune in" to hear the audio from
these channels, bring along a FM radio and you can watch and listen
to your favourite TV program while working out.
Is it a requirement to bring a towel when coming in for
a workout?
For courtesy, proper hygiene, and safety to all members,
Aquarena requests that members bring a towel to each workout.
Towels are available for purchase from reception for those who have
come without.
Can I bring an ipod / radio / disc man to listen to
when training?
Yes, however please take care to ensure you don't leave it
behind.
Is there a time limit on cardio
equipment?
During non-peak times when there is at least one of the same
machines free, there is no time limit and members can spend as long
as they like on the cardio equipment. For example, if a member is
on a cross trainer and there is at least one other cross trainer
free, that member can spend as long as they like on the cross
trainer. Time limits apply on cardio equipment only when all of the
same machines are being used. During these times, as a courtesy to
members waiting, we request that members limit their time to 15
minutes. For members wishing to spend longer than 15 mins, it is
quite acceptable to move onto another machine, and then come back
(eg, spend 15 mins on the treadmill, then 5 mins on the bike until
another treadmill frees up, then a further 15 mins back on the
treadmill).