Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I should put my child in swim lessons?
Swim lessons have a wonderful impact on children of all ages. They provide safety skills in and near water, which are extremely important at a young age, regardless of how much or little time you may spend around water. They decrease the risk of drowning by a significant amount and create an environment for learning how to be safe.
What should I bring to my child’s lesson?
If possible, children not potty trained should wear a swim diaper. Children do not need goggles, as we will complete a good amount of swimming without goggles. However, if your child is three years or older and is comfortable in the water, goggles are encouraged to be used throughout the lesson. Every child should have a towel after their lesson to get dry and warm!
What should my child eat before and after the lesson?
Try to avoid feeding your children 30 minutes to an hour before lessons. Specifically, foods like yogurt, milk, apple sauce, or juice should be avoided for children ages 6 months to 2 years. Breastfed babies can have a smaller feed about an hour before lessons and will probably need a larger feed after lessons!
Is it normal for children to swallow water during lessons?
It is normal for some water to be swallowed during swim lessons. Part of the learning process is understanding when and how to hold your breath and blowing bubbles. Our instructors want to avoid children swallowing large amounts of water, as keeping them safe is our number one priority. We are trained to understand the health and wellness of children and when too much water has been swallowed.
What age is best for children to learn to swim?
Enrolling in swim lessons as early as 6 months can help children become comfortable and safe in the water. However, any age is a good age! The sooner you can get your child into lessons, the better!
Will my child cry or be upset during lessons?
It is common for some of our children to be upset during lessons. It could be because they are not being held by their parents, the water is a little colder than they are used to, or they are trying new things that can be challenging. It is normal for our little ones to cry and be upset. While our instructors try their best to make each child happy, they are comfortable with crying, and despite the crying, children are typically extremely productive in the water!
What does a lesson typically look like?
Lessons vary depending on age and experience in the water. Our goal is for every child to float on their back until rescue or swim back to the wall while rolling to their back to take breaths. We also want all children to be able to kick up from the bottom of the pool to reach the surface. We incorporate toys and positive reinforcement to encourage children to have a wonderful experience in the water!