Swim Frequently Asked Questions
As much as we would like there to be, there is no simple answer to this question. Every child is different and they learn at their own pace. For this reason, we keep our student-to-instructor ratio low.
Each child in the beginner class receives personal attention and can progress based on their own abilities. Perhaps the best analogy is learning to play piano. Would you be satisfied if your child only learned to play “chopsticks”? If so, the progress will be very fast.
If you want your child to remain enthusiastic and learn to play popular and then classical compositions, the learning process will take longer. We encourage you to view swimming instruction as a valuable exercise, and body conditioning process, and allow your child to progress to the advanced swimmer level.
We believe that children should not be just a “number” sitting on the side of the pool with eight or ten others. Our staff will get to know your child and their personal abilities. We schedule only 4 students per instructor in the beginner class and only 5 students per instructor in the advanced class. Our swimmers spend class time in the water learning, not out of the water waiting for their turn.
Swim goggles help to speed up the learning process. They make the swimming experience more comfortable and enjoyable. Without goggles, it may require many more lessons before a child will place their face in the water. They also help to eliminate eye irritation which can be caused by chlorine and pool chemicals. It helps to build confidence and children actually take pride in having their own sporting equipment. Please consult our swim staff before purchasing goggles for your child. They must seal properly and be easy to remove, replace, and adjust.
A beginner is a child (or adult) who does not put their face in the water and swim forward. They may be frightened of the water, or simply have not had the opportunity to swim before.
A semi-advanced student will take breaths while swimming forward 10 feet or more.
Advanced students will swim the length of the pool and need only stroke development or refinement.
Children who are younger than 3 generally do not have the muscle development and motor skills necessary to make the expected progress in the Beginner group class. In addition, separation from parents sometimes causes a child to feel anxious. Our Baby and Me course enable parents and children to work (and play) together in the water. It’s the ideal way to get them started in swimming and to prepare them for the Beginner class.
We understand that family vacations and activities may arise and be conflicting with the swim schedule you’ve set. To keep classes running smoothly we do NOT offer make-up classes. If more than one class will be missed in a month, it is recommended that the month be taken off from lessons and picked back up at the beginning of the following month. Any time spent off Auto Enroll and out of class will make an account inactive and, therefore, drop the student from the class. The spot CANNOT be guaranteed after an account becomes inactive.
We have very small classes with four students per instructor so that each child receives personal attention. In addition, most children benefit from seeing other children swim! If the instructor feels that your child is not making the expected progress, or has special needs, they will suggest private lessons as an alternative.
Our classes are grouped by age and skill level. Under the age of 18, classes will be grouped within 4 years of age difference.
We offer “Try Swim” where we place the student in a group environment to see how they interact. If they will take directions, stay where they are asked to stay, and observe safety rules for themselves and others, we can accept them in a group class. If they do not pay attention, cry in the group setting, or act in an unsafe manner, we will suggest Private Lessons We do not charge a fee for this evaluation.
“Swimmer’s Ear” is an external ear infection that is common in children and adults. Nothing can put an end to the fun in the water as quickly as pain in the ears. The bacterium most commonly associated with this infection is found everywhere including soil, water, plants, and many common surfaces. It is described as being “ubiquitous” which means “everywhere at once”. The key to preventing the infection is to understand what causes the loss of the ear’s natural defense. We have gathered information and summarized it in an article on our Downloads page.
BABY & ME – Six – 35 months This is a fun and safe class in a warm water environment for caregivers and children. This class introduces the baby to kicking, bubble-blowing, and submerging underwater. Babies, who are already submerging, enjoy special, bonding time with caregivers. Through songs and games, little ones learn floating, and eight to ten-count underwater breath control.
AQUABABIES – 2-year-olds
“A special class for 2-year-olds” who have completed the Baby & Me curriculum AND demonstrate breath control, strength, and independence in the water. Admission to this class is by referral from Baby & Me teachers only. Its goal is to increase swimming distance to 7 feet and begin the process of obtaining an independent breath in the water. Parents stay on deck throughout this course.
AQUATIKES I – 3-year-olds
A program designed specifically for three-year-olds with little or no water experience. Themes and games enhance the learning-to-swim experience. The goal of this class is to swim seven feet with Reach and Pull and gain comfort in the water.
AQUATIKES II & III – 3 year olds
This class is for three-year-olds who already swim seven feet. Again, themes and games entertain these children while they learn to swim the width of the pool (25 feet) and get an independent breath.
PRESCHOOL BEGINNERS -Ages 4-5
The class is perfectly suitable for preschoolers who do not yet know how to swim. It is full of games and themes to make the lessons more entertaining and easier to learn swimming ten feet.
ADVANCED PRESCHOOL BEGINNERS – Ages 4-5
This class is for 4 and 5-year-olds who already swim ten feet. The goal of this class is to swim 20ft, get a breath, then to the destination.
BEGINNERS I – Ages 6+
A great class for six-year-olds and older kids who cannot swim. They learn how to swim the width of the pool, which is 25 feet, using stroke effectively and relaxed.
BEGINNERS II – Ages 4+
A class for children who already swim 25 feet. The goal of this class is to teach the student to swim about 50 feet (the length of our pool) getting independent breaths.
BEGINNERS III -Ages 4+
A class for children who already swim the length of the pool. The goal of this class is to teach the swimmer to perform rollover breathing while swimming the length of our pool. Standing dives are an added skill.
INTERMEDIATE I – Ages 5+
In this class, we aim for teaching participants to use freestyle strokes to swim 80 feet. They will also learn how to dive in and swim the length of the pool.
INTERMEDIATE II – Ages 6+
A class for children who are already efficiently swimming 80 feet (2 lengths of the pool). At the end of this class, students should be swimming both freestyles with bilateral breathing and elementary backstroke 80 feet and be able to tread for 2 minutes.
ADVANCED I – Ages 7+
This class is suitable for children who know how to swim freestyle with bilateral breathing as well as elementary backstroke. During this course, we hope to achieve 80-feet competitive free breaststroke and backstroke.
ADVANCED II – Ages 8+
A class for children who are currently performing competitively free, back, and breaststroke. The goal for this class is to swim the competitive butterfly stroke 80 feet (two lengths of the pool.)
JR. OLYMPIAN – Ages 5-17
A class for children to obtain mastery of all four competitive strokes and introduction to snorkeling and water safety skills.
OLYMPIANS
Olympians are our most elite swimmers. Each member of our Olympian group has completed an 800 M Freestyle and a 400 M Individual Medley demonstrating exact technique and seamless endurance. We are proud of all our swimmers, especially so with the Olympians. They continue to swim with us for fun and exercise.
SCUBA RANGERS
This is a SCUBA program for children ages 8 – 12 with monthly activities.