Registration Form

 
FAQs

1. Why do we start children at 3 years of age?
    
2. What should I do with my child who is under 3 years of age?
    
3. How long will it take for my child to learn to swim?
    
4. Do you throw them in the water or teach in a forced manner?
    
5. What if my child cries at lessons?  should I stop?
    
6. Parents always ask but I don't want my child to have a bad experience.
    
7. Why did my child progress so quickly and now is not learning anything new?
    
8. What should I look for in a swimming program?
    
9. Why swim year round?  We only swim or use our pool in the summer.

1. Why do we start children at 3 years of age?
   Ideally, the best age to enroll a child in formal swimming lessons is between 3-4 years of age.  We teach in a non-parent participation lesson.  Generally, a child is not mature enough to be in this type learning environment until they willingly go to someone that they don't know, can listen and follow directions, and have the large motor skill development necessary to comprehend and acquire skills to be an independent swimmer.
    
2. What should I do with my child who is under 3 years of age?
   Have fun, and be safe!  Children under 3 years of age should be socializing, playing and enjoying the water with adult supervision and, if necessary, a floating device.  This will prepare them for a great swimming lesson experience when they are age appropriate and ready to be in a structured formal lesson environment.
    
3. How long will it take for my child to learn to swim?
   Each student is an individual. The learning rate depends on comfort level, large motor skill, attitude (both student and parent) and practice time.   Swimming is a confidence sport, the more time spent in the water, the better.
    
4. Do you throw them in the water or teach in a forced manner?
   Absolutely not! However, learning to swim is about going under the water. This skill should be presented as a positive fun experience, not something to fear. The instructor's job is to positively teach in a manner where he or she maturely controls any issues while teaching the skill.  We want each student to understand the how's and why's of each skill.
    
5. What if my child cries at lessons?  Should I stop?
   Not necessarily. Children cry for different reasons, but this doesn't mean the child gets his/her way.  The teacher will address the issue of crying and come up with a positive solution, so the child can conquer fears, anger, or stubbornness. Delaying or avoiding swimming lessons can make an imagined problem only bigger.  But by giving the child limited choices, the child learns, listens, and trust with the teacher being in control.
   
   Examples:
   Would you like to get in the pool by yourself or with my (teacher) help?
   OR
   Would yo like to practice putting your face in the water using the ring or a toy?
   
   The teacher needs to be firm but kind and in control of the situation.
    
6. Parents always ask but I don't want my child to have a bad experience.
   And neither do we. But there is a fine line and balance between love and discipline. As a parent you should have a clear goal of why you want your child to take swimming lessons, and uphold that decision.  The bottom line is usually and foremost water safety.  Parents must understand that the issue of crying is usually very short lived and quickly resolved.  The foundation for success is providing a positive, non-intimidating environment and warm, loving, mature, experienced teachers.
    
7. Why did my child progress so quickly and now is not learning anything new?
   Children naturally plateau. Once they have accomplished a skill, they want to do it again and again.  Why not?  The child feels secure, confident, and proud of their accomplishments.  Each skill is acquired and linked to a balance between large motor skill, confidence, and motivation.  One should not be pushed before the other but kept in balance throughout the learning process.
    
8. What should I look for in a swimming program?
   Number one and utmost is a teaching philosophy that you agree with.  It is a good idea to observe classes before participating.  It is also a good idea to choose a swim school or instructor who has liability insurance, lots of experience, warm water, and especially people who recommend them.  Word of mouth and happy, skilled swimmers is a school's best form of advertisement.
    
9. Why swim year round?  We only swim or use our pool in the summer
   We love our unique opportunity to offer lessons year round.  We are sold on our learning process.  We believe that consistent exposure to instruction offers students the greatest long term benefit.  Simple continual steps build great technique.  Swimming is about confidence.  Children lose their confidence to do the skill when they are out of the water for long periods of time.  Children who attend year round swimming lessons become more confident and efficient in the water.  Winter lessons are great fun!  What could feel better on a cold, rainy day than to exercise in a warm indoor pool?
   
   Join us under the dome October through April!