Question 1

Will my child cry and if so, why?

Accepted Answer

Emotions are real, honest, and an unavoidable part of learning water safety. Crying, screaming, or even biting can happen—but we get through it. It’s not easy, but the life-saving skills your child is learning make it worth it.
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These lessons teach your child remarkable skills that could one day save their life. Think of it like car seats—many children, including our own, have hated being buckled in at some point. Yet we persist through their tears because we know it’s about their safety.

We want to reassure you: there is no pain involved in these lessons, and your child will not grow to hate water. Their emotions stem from the unfamiliarity of the pool, the instructor, and the new skills they’re learning. Once they master a skill, the tears typically fade, replaced by smiles and a lifelong love of the water begins.

It’s a process, but it’s one worth enduring. Hang in there and remember you can do this, just as your child can. And together, you’ll succeed.

Question 2

What do I bring to my child’s daily lesson?

Accepted Answer

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Please plan to bring two clean towels to each lesson.  The only required item for your child, besides these towels, is to wear a reusable and washable swim pant. This swim pant should have no snaps and elastic at the waist and leg holes. Here is a link to some approved items on Amazon.(https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/LX6Y6ZTIJ8RK?ref_=wl_share)

While bathing suits are adorable and fun, they are not required.  As for swim shirts or rash guards, while they can be worn, they often make children feel colder in the water. For this reason, it is recommended to leave them off during lessons whenever possible.

Forgot something? Don't worry - the instructor you choose will have all required items on hand just in case!

Question 3

Why is there a restricted foods list during my child’s swim session?

Accepted Answer

One major reason certain foods lead to discomfort during exercise is their difficulty in digestion. Many of these foods take longer to break down and move through the digestive tract, especially when not fully chewed. When exercise begins, undigested food can lead to gas buildup, stomach distention, and pressure.

This combination often results in burps that bring undigested food or liquid back up. Such occurrences can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, particularly for children, who may feel upset or surprised when their partially digested snack resurfaces. Choosing easily digestible foods before physical activity can help reduce these issues.

We understand that restricting your child from eating certain foods they love and are used to can be challenging. However, the benefits are significant: your child will have a smoother experience during their lesson. This not only helps their skills progress more effectively but also eliminates tummy aches as a potential reason for distress or crying during lessons.

Yes, it’s hard—but it’s worth it. By sticking to this guideline, you’re setting your child up for success and ensuring a more positive experience for both of you. You can do it, and you’ll be glad you did!

FOODS TO AVOID ENTIRELY (in all forms).  These foods cause intestinal gas which can result in a distended stomach, therefore during the entire duration of swim lessons (including weekends), do not give your child:
 • Apples
 • Pineapples
 • Papayas
 • Passion fruit
 • Peaches
 • Spinach
 • Honey
 • Celery

Question 4

No sunscreen! What?

Accepted Answer

With the number of children participating in lessons each day, it can be a challenge to manage the use of sunscreen products and maintain clean water. Sunscreen often leaves oils and residues that can affect water quality, making it more difficult to keep the pool clean and safe for everyone.

It’s also important to note that sunscreen requires time to fully absorb into the skin to be effective. Since our in-water lesson time is less than 10 minutes, there may not be enough time for sunscreen to properly set before swimming. Fortunately, all independent instructors' pool locations provide ample shade to minimize your child’s sun exposure during lessons.

Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated in helping us keep the pool water clean and available for the daily lessons of so many children. Thank you for contributing to a safe and healthy environment for all participants.

Question 5

Why does my instructor press on my child’s foot?

Accepted Answer

During your child’s lesson you may notice your instructor stopping to hold your child and gently pressing on their heel. This is a technique used to monitor for something called temperature fatigue, which occurs when a child's core body temperature begins to drop. Importantly, temperature fatigue happens before they show signs of being physically tired.

By observing how their skin reacts to a light press—turning white and then refilling to pink—we can assess their core temperature and determine how tired their body is becoming. This allows us to safely manage the duration of their lesson, as each child reaches this point differently.

When a child's core temperature drops, their ability to learn effectively diminishes. To ensure all learning takes place at optimal energy levels, we carefully monitor for these signs and will end the lesson when necessary. For small bodies, an 8–10 minute cardio workout in water requires significant effort! The goal is to ensure your child remains safe, comfortable, and ready to achieve their best skills in every lesson.

Question 6

Why lay my child on their left side after lessons?

Accepted Answer

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After your child’s lesson, we kindly ask that you lay your child on their left side on a towel. This position helps them reacclimate, release any trapped air with a gentle burp, and rest for a minute or two before getting up to get dressed. If your child is reluctant to lay down despite your best efforts, sitting quietly in your lap is an effective alternative. Once your child has rested for a few minutes, they can get dressed and be ready for their next activity. This brief rest period ensures they transition smoothly and comfortably from their lesson.

Question 7

Why a Clothing Lesson?

Accepted Answer

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Safety Fact: 87% of children who drown are fully clothed.

Goal: To help your child feel confident and competent using their swim skills in situations where they might accidentally enter the water fully clothed.

The clothing lesson is an essential step in your child's swim plan, emphasizing the importance of water safety under real-life conditions.

Question 8

What if my instructor says my child needs extra lessons?

Accepted Answer

Session lengths are designed based on the needs of the average child. However, it’s important to note that every child progresses at their own pace. Some may master their skill set sooner, while others may benefit from extra days or even an additional week of lessons. The goal is to ensure your child achieves the desired level of water safety.

We kindly ask for your understanding and support when it comes to your instructor's recommendations for your child’s progression. This may look different from what other students are doing, as every child learns and develops skills in their own way. Rest assured, your instructor is committed to advancing your child’s learning and mastery of skills in the way that best suits their needs.

Question 9

Will lessons be cancelled?

Accepted Answer

While rare, weather cancellations can happen. If lessons need to be canceled, your instructor will notify you. We occasionally swim in the rain—after all, we’re already wet! However, there are times when safety or practicality requires a cancellation. If a lesson is cancelled for any reason, we will typically schedule a make-up session on a Friday.  Please understand that due to the sensory-motor learning process on which this program is based, it takes a lot to cancel lessons. Rest assured, we carefully consider every decision to ensure your child’s health and safety.

Question 10

What if something comes up and we are unable to make it to a swim lesson?

Accepted Answer

Regular daily attendance is essential for your child to successfully complete and retain their skills.

Please note that all lessons are paid in full and are non-refundable, even if you miss a lesson.

Make-up lessons may be offered in the following situations only:
 • If your instructor cancels a lesson.
 • If a sick notice for your child is received at least 24 hours in advance.

Question 11

I am unable to bring my child to every swim lesson, can another caregiver bring them in my place?

Accepted Answer

YES! If you, as the parent or guardian, cannot attend every lesson due to work, appointments, or other commitments, another parent, family member, nanny or trusted friend can assist by bringing your child to class. Sessions are designed to maximize education and build muscle memory in a short period of time. For this reason, you are welcome to have those you trust help in order to make your child’s attendance a priority.

We highly recommend that the primary parent(s) attend these key lessons:
1. The First Lesson – To get an understanding of the program.
2. Clothing Lesson– To observe how your child practices water safety in real-life scenarios.
3. Parent Lesson – You’ll join us in the pool to learn how to practice your child’s newly learned skills at home.

Your involvement helps reinforce the skills your child learns and ensures their long-term success in water safety.

Question 12

Will I be in the water during lessons with my child?

Accepted Answer

In Week 4 of your session, your instructor will invite you to join one or two special Parent Lesson Days, which is your chance to get in the pool with your child! During these lessons, your instructor will guide you on how to swim safely and effectively together, building on your child's new water-safe skill.
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While participation isn’t required, these days are incredibly valuable for learning a new, fun way to enjoy the water as a family. We may have your children for a few weeks, but you have them for a lifetime in and around water and we want to help you create the best, safest experiences together.

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