FAQ's
Q) What kinds of supplies or equipment are used in swim lessons? What is required?
Of course, you’ll want to be sure your swimmer has a well-fitted swimsuit and a towel, along with anything you typically bring along for swimming. Here are some specific notes on other items:
Goggles
We use goggles for several reasons. Swimmers are able to open their eyes and see. They are not learning “blind”. They are able to focus on the skills and not have water dripping in their eyes.
Ear Plugs
If you don’t have an ear mould, a putty plug is available at a pharmacy. To help them stay in, you can purchase a headband or a swim cap at a swim shop or sporting goods store. Some swimmers are just sensitive to water going in the ears, especially during skills done on the back. Ear plugs will often help with that.
Swimming Costume
by wearing a swim suit, you reduce the risk of contaminating the pool with waterborne illness and contaminants. It also saves the skin from rashes that could happen due to friction in water.
Nose Plugs
We prefer to teach swimmer how to keep the water out of their nose without the use of these. With a few tips, it is easy to do. In some instances, swimmers will wear nose plugs.
Sun Screen
Since you will be swimming, be sure to protect your swimmers with a quality water-resistant sunscreen. Note that water-resistant means that the SPF will stay effective even after you are in the water for 40 minutes. Some products can even last for 80 minutes.
Sunscreen Toxicity
“Does Sunscreen Go Toxic in Swimming Pools?” the answer is, “Yes”.
But there is a solution to the problem of the toxicity of sunscreen in swimming pools. Just follow the proper swimming pool protocol below:
- Bathe before going into the water.
2. Wait 30 minutes after applying sunscreen before entering the pool. Ideally, apply it 30 minutes before getting in the water.
Q) How long will it take for my child to learn how to swim?
Every swimmer learns at a different rate. It will depend on:
- The level of fear
- The ability to trust the instructor
- The child’s individual personality. Some people have a cautious personality and others jump into everything without a thought!
- The amount of time the family goes swimming together.
- The way the body and coordination have matured. Some can just get it and others need to practice over and over and over again.
- Our advice is to be patient with your swimmer and offer lots of praise and encouragement.
Q) I have asked my child if he wants to take swim lessons, and he/she says “no”, what should I do?
Unlike other sports, swimming is a lifesaving skill. Tennis, football or karate are sports or activities that parents may want to give their child a choice in doing, but never learning how to swim. Once again, it is a lifesaving skill. A positive "you're going to learn to swim" is the correct approach with a child.
Q) What if my child cries or is afraid?
Our instructors are trained to deal with the most fearful swimmer. We often have special instructors for the younger swim lesson classes. We have many toys, and games, specially created for fearful swimmers. If you need help getting your child into the pool, ask our staff for assistance; we will gladly get your child into the water and swimming happily in no time!
Q) Should my child eat before a swim lesson?
Please do not feed your child or give him/her milk or juice one hour before his or her swim lesson. In case your child is frightened or cannot hold his or her breath, eating 3 hours prior is preferred. In case your child is nervous it may cause him/her to swallow air and sometimes water which may cause a student to throw up.
Q) I’m new to the swim lesson program, how do I know what level to put my child in?
All children will be evaluated the first day of class. If a child needs to be moved to a new level the Head instructor will move the child to the appropriate level.
Q) What if my child or I do not like swimming lessons?
Swimming, like many activities, generates anxiety in some. This anxiety may be most evident on the first day of lessons. As each week progresses, the anxiety should be less and less evident. Time, familiarity and consistency ease the anxiety. You can help your child through this period by bringing them to open swim time. The opportunity to use the pool on "their terms" often helps. Play is a terrific teaching aid. Stick with it, Mom & Dad, this is a skill for life that you are giving your child.
Q) I feel like my child is learning/progressing too slowly. What should I do?
It is very important that you speak with your child’s instructor and/or the Aquatics Coordinator immediately if you are not happy with the pace of your child’s swimming lessons. Plateaus are common, especially when a child faces a hurdle that is especially difficult for them. Our trainers are sensitive to these issues and are trained to motivate and guide swimmers though these peaks and valleys. As a parent, keeping the line of communication with your child’s teacher open is crucial to overcoming these plateaus.
Q) Can Covid19 spread in Pools?
There is no evidence that the new coronavirus can be spread to people through swimming pools, hot tubs, spas or water-play areas according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. However, it is important to limit close contact with people outside of your home when visiting public pools.
Proper operation and maintenance of these places including disinfection with chlorine and Ozone should inactivate the virus in the water.
Q) How are you making sure your employees are clean are ready to work?
We follow all the infection control practices such as regular hand washing, coughing and sneezing etiquettes, and proper tissue usage and disposal. We encourage employees to frequently wash hands and sanitized throughout the day. Employees are encouraged to take a leave if they feel unwell.
Q) How are you making sure that your facility is safe?
We frequently sanitize the entire facility which includes high touch areas like restrooms, changing rooms, locker rooms keypads, counters etc
Learning to swim takes time, practice, and patience, but the rewards are tremendous!