Swimming lessons set to cost more

The Newman Aquatic Centre is set to increase its fees for one-on-one swimming lessons.

The Shire of East Pilbara recreation services manager Sharon Walsh said the fee for a private 30-minute one-on-one swimming lesson offered at the Newman Aquatic Centre was $30, but it had been suggested it should be raised to $45 for a 35-minute lesson.

"Due to our limited number of swim teachers, our school is finding it difficult to schedule the high demand for private lessons in comparison to the high demand for group lessons," she said.

"Royal Life Saving Society has suggested the fee charged in Newman should be increased to $45 for a 35-minute private one-on-one swimming lesson."

Ms Walsh said Shire staff believed if an increase in charges associated with one-on-one lessons were introduced, it could cause parents to reconsider enrolling their children in group lessons instead.

"(This would) allow the swim school to be more effective by increasing the volume of children being taught how to swim," she said.

A spokesman for the RLSS said the increase in fees was a reasonable proposal.

"I think it's reasonable to be on par with the other swim schools," he said.

"Newman is lucky to have such a successful swim school and from what I hear it's a drain on their resources.

"I don't think (the increase) will have a negative effect on numbers. The group lessons have small numbers anyway so it's good in terms of the quality of tuition."

Swimming fees:

·Port Hedland: $46.50 for 30 minutes

·South Hedland: $46.50 for 30 minutes

·Tom Price: $15 for 20 minutes

·Derby $38 for 30 minutes

·Kununurra $30 for 30 minutes

All fees regardless of age of participant