Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before booking.
General
Where is Swimmable located?
Shop 3 (Above Wizardz), Gardens Centre, Cnr Buitenkant & Mill Streets, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001. There is safe parking within Gardens Shopping Centre. It is the centre's paid parking.
How do I find you inside Gardens Centre?
Via Buitenkant Street: turn right and look for the Swimmable signs in the car park. Via Mill Street: turn left immediately after the boom, the Swimmable sign will be right in front of you.
How long has Swimmable been operating?
Since 2013.
How do I get in touch?
Call or WhatsApp 079 591 4471, email info@swimmable.net, or use the enquiry form on our Contact page. We'll get back to you within 24 hours.
The Pool
What is the pool like?
Our pool is indoors, 8 x 4.5m and 1.2m deep throughout, with a step along one side. It is designed specifically for learning to swim, and being indoors means lessons carry on whatever the weather.
What type of water does the pool use?
We use an ozone filtration system with salt chlorination. The water is hypo-allergenic and carries lower chlorine than a traditional pool, so it is gentler on skin and eyes.
Is the pool heated?
Yes. The pool is held between 32°C and 34°C all year round.
What health & safety standards do you operate to?
European health & safety standards.
Facilities
Is there parking?
Yes. There is safe parking within Gardens Shopping Centre. It is the centre's paid parking, so please allow a few minutes to park before your lesson.
Are there changing rooms?
Yes, spacious, with hot showers, toilets, and baby changing facilities.
Is there somewhere for parents to wait?
Yes, a comfortable waiting room with a coffee shop and free Wi-Fi.
Lessons & Booking
What ages do you teach?
From 3 months to adults. Baby classes run from 3 months to 3 years and are split by age: Beginner Baby 3 months to 1 year, Intermediate Baby 1 to 2 years, Advanced Baby 2 to 3 years. The toddler class is a bridging class for 3 to 4 years. Children's lessons start from 4 years, and adult lessons run in small groups.
What lesson types do you offer?
Baby classes, a toddler bridging class, children's lessons and adult lessons. For babies, toddlers and children you can choose Group, Shared-Private (siblings or friends), Private, or Neurodivergent Private. Adult lessons are small group only.
How much do lessons cost?
Group R220 per child, Shared-Private R315 per child, Private R420 per child, and Neurodivergent Private R380 per child. Fees are worked out as the number of lessons remaining in the term multiplied by the lesson price, plus a once-off registration fee of R250.
When do terms run?
We follow school terms as closely as we can, but we only close for one week after each term so that progress carries through. Term 3 2026 runs 6 July to 20 September, 11 weeks. Term 4 2026 runs 28 September to 20 December, 12 weeks.
Do you offer special discounts?
We run special offers occasionally. Enquire to find out what's currently available.
Are your teachers qualified?
Yes. STA (Swimming Teachers Association) accredited. STA qualifications are adopted in over 20 countries worldwide.
How long is a lesson?
Every lesson is 30 minutes.
How many people are in a class?
Baby classes take a maximum of 8 babies. Toddler, children's and adult classes take a maximum of 4.
What should we bring?
A swim nappy is required unless your child is fully potty trained. A full body costume is preferred. Caps and goggles are encouraged for Advanced Baby classes.
Adults
What times do adult lessons run?
We run morning and evening classes. Exact times vary by season, so please get in touch for the current timetable.
I've never swum before. Can I join?
Absolutely. Our adult classes start from scratch and no experience is needed. Adult lessons are small group only, with a maximum of 4 people per class. We do not offer private adult lessons.
Aqua Sensory
What is Aqua Sensory?
A unique programme combining sensory exploration and early developmental opportunities. Swimmable is an Aqua Sensory Certified Swim School.
Who is Aqua Sensory for?
Children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, developmental delays, or other sensory needs. No formal diagnosis is required. These lessons are booked as Neurodivergent Private lessons, one child with one teacher.
Babies & Toddlers
What age can babies start?
From 3 months old. Baby classes are split by age, not ability: Beginner Baby 3 months to 1 year, Intermediate Baby 1 to 2 years, and Advanced Baby 2 to 3 years. Each baby class takes a maximum of 8 babies.
Do parents go in the water?
For baby classes, yes. A parent or guardian is in the water for every baby class, and that adult does need to be water confident. For toddler classes, no. The toddler class works on separation and independence, so parents watch from the side.
What is the toddler class?
It is a specialised bridging class for ages 3 to 4, for children who have progressed from baby classes. Parents are not in the pool, because the class works on separation and independence. Classes take a maximum of 4 children.