YOUR FIRST VISIT
Robert Gordon’s College
Your guide to arriving, getting ready and enjoying your first lesson.
GET TO KNOW YOUR POOL
Your welcome video is coming soon.
We’re preparing a first-visit video for Robert Gordon’s College. Everything you need to plan your visit is in the guide below.
01 · GETTING HERE
Arriving at your pool.
- Parking is available at Robert Gordon’s College, Schoolhill. The site is outside Aberdeen’s Low Emission Zone.
- Keep to the 5 mph speed limit when entering, moving through and leaving the site.
02 · GETTING READY
Changing & getting poolside.
- Male and female changing rooms and showers are available. Swimmers should shower before entering the pool.
- Wear the overshoes provided by RGC on poolside. If none are available, make sure your shoes are clean before entering.
- Children under 8 should accompany their parent into the changing room appropriate to the parent: fathers use the male changing room and mothers use the female changing room, regardless of the child’s gender.
- Children aged 8 and over must use the changing room appropriate to them. Speak to our team at the pool if you need help with these arrangements.
03 · CHEER THEM ON
Where to watch.
- One parent may spectate per child. Use the poolside benches and be considerate of the limited space.
- Keep noise low so swimmers can hear their teacher.
04 · SAFETY, QUALITY, FUN
A few poolside essentials.
- Arrive on poolside no more than 5 minutes before the lesson starts.
- Children must not enter the water or sit on the pool edge before their lesson. Wait for the teacher to welcome them.
- Photography and video recording of lessons are not permitted unless agreed in advance with your child’s swimming instructor.
- Please do not eat on poolside or in the changing rooms.
- Buggies are not permitted inside the building unless agreed in advance with our leadership team.
- Abusive language and disruptive behaviour are not permitted. No smoking, vaping, alcohol or illegal substances.
- No dogs are allowed on site except guide dogs.
- Put all litter in the bins provided.
A LITTLE REASSURANCE
First-lesson questions.
Can we catch up if we miss a lesson?
Yes. Catch-up lessons are available across all our venues, subject to space. Mark your swimmer absent in the parent portal to receive a catch-up credit, up to five per swimmer per year. Absences can be logged up to seven days ahead. Redeem credits from seven days before to seven days after the absence, with at least 24 hours’ notice to book. Read the full catch-up rules or open your parent portal.
How long does a lesson last?
Swimming lessons last 30 minutes. Your booking confirmation and parent portal show your individual lesson time.
How many swimmers are in a class?
Standard group lessons have a maximum of 6 swimmers per class, including advanced groups. Each standard group has a teacher and an assistant. For private lessons, check your booking confirmation for the format you have chosen.
Do I need to bring floats or armbands?
No. We provide the swimming equipment needed for lessons, including floats and armbands.
What if my child or I have never been in the water?
Tell us about any nerves or support needs before the first lesson. Our teachers adapt their approach to each swimmer and help them build confidence at their own pace.
Are teachers in the water?
Our teachers provide in-water teaching and support, adapting their approach to the swimmer and lesson.
Can I go in the pool with my child?
Parents normally watch from the spectator area during lessons. If your child needs you in the water, discuss this with our team in advance so we can agree a suitable arrangement.
How long will learning to swim take?
Every swimmer progresses at their own pace. Age, confidence, experience and individual learning needs all make a difference.
How can I follow my swimmer’s progress?
Sign in to the parent portal to follow your swimmer’s progress.
YOUR VENUE
Your pool at a glance.
A 23 × 9 metre pool in central Aberdeen, with depths ranging from 0.9 to 2.2 metres. Parking, showers and poolside spectating are available. Our Rookie Lifeguard programme is available exclusively at this venue.
- Pool size
- 23 × 9 m
- Pool depth
- 0.9–2.2 m
PLAN YOUR VISIT
Pool facilities
- Changing
- Male & female changing
- Accessibility
- Limited accessibility
- Pool hoist
- No pool hoist
- Showers
- Shower facilities
- Spectating
- Poolside spectating
- Parking
- Parking available
- Location
- Outside Aberdeen’s Low Emission Zone
- Water temperature
- 29–32°C