Quick answer: do lessons run in the rain?
Light rain: usually yes. Heavy rain with lightning: no. Meteorological Service Singapore publishes the Lightning Risk Alert; pool operators (ActiveSG for public complexes, MCSTs for condos) close the pool when strikes are detected within roughly an 8 km radius, and re-open only at least 30 minutes after the last detected strike. Coaches typically switch to dryland drills during the alert; if the pool stays closed, lessons are rescheduled at no cost.
The lightning alert system, plain English
MSS uses a lightning-detection network and issues a risk alert when activity is within range of a given area. The 8 km radius is a working threshold most Singapore pool operators apply; the 30-minute restart-after-last-strike is the standard reset. Pool closures are conservative; even a single distant strike triggers a hold.
Light rain vs heavy rain: how coaches decide
Coaches check the radar and the lightning alert before leaving home. Light rain with no thunder, no lightning alert: lessons go ahead, since the pool is the wettest place either way, and rain doesn't affect water quality on the timescale of a lesson. Heavy rain or visible thunderstorm cells nearby, but no alert yet: judgement call, usually proceed with watch-and-stop discipline. Active lightning alert: pool closes, no exceptions.
Dryland drills (what your child does during a hold)
Dryland is not filler. Coaches use the time to drill stroke mechanics on the deck: kick sets on the wall, body-position practice on a bench, breathing patterns with arm movement, simulated turns. For nervous learners it can also be a confidence break. The lesson doesn't get a refund, but it doesn't get wasted either.
Swim Select's make-up lesson policy
If the pool closes for the duration of the lesson and dryland isn't feasible, the lesson is rescheduled at no cost, typically within the next 14 days, subject to coach and pool availability. We confirm rescheduling over WhatsApp the same day.
Monsoon-window planning (Nov–Jan, May–Jun)
The inter-monsoon windows in Singapore (roughly Nov–Jan and May–Jun) see the highest weather-cancellation rates. If your child is starting a programme during these months, plan for 1–2 weather make-ups per term. Pick a coach who carries make-up flexibility in their schedule. Our coach selection guide includes the questions to ask, and the condo lessons guide explains how shelter at your specific pool affects cancellation risk.
What to bring on a rainy day
- Towel + extra dry clothes (changing rooms can get crowded during holds).
- Waterproof bag for wet kit on the way home.
- Snack: holds can extend a 45-minute lesson to 90 minutes door-to-door.
- The myENV or Weather@SG app on your phone to check the lightning alert before leaving.