Frequently Asked Questions
Will my child get in the water?
YES!! They will get in the water on day one and they will go under the water on the first day. Instructors are trained with the proper way to submerge people of all ages. Even the little babies go underwater the first day. They may not like it, but you will see them go from hating it, to tolerating it, to enjoying it. Almost all kids go through those 3 stages, some faster than others.
How do you determine what level my child should be in before I sign up?
Most of the time we can do an assessment over the phone, but you can drop by the pool any evening as soon as our last class ends to do a 5 minute $5 evaluation. No need to call in advance, just check the schedule to see what time we end that night and be standing poolside as we wrap up and ask one of the instructors to do an evaluation.
Is the cost for classes $50 per day or $50 for the week and is there a registration fee?
$50 for the week. So you get a total of 5 hours of class for $50 and there is no separate registration fee.
How many weeks do you think it will take for my child to advance to the next level?
That is very difficult to answer because it is so individualized on each child. It is like asking how long will it take for your child to learn to read, or to potty train. While they may not be ready to move up to the next level, hopefully you will see progress during the week. The instructor can tell you specifically what they have to master to advance and you can also see the expectations by visiting the class descriptions link. On average it may be 3 weeks per level.
Is it necessary for my child to complete all 6 levels, or at what point is my child considered "able to swim"?
Of course I am going to say yes, but that would be like asking is it necessary for your child to stay in school until receiving their doctorate!!! Realistically, I would say they should complete through level 3 if you simply want to have good, safe swimmers. The upper levels focus on the various strokes, and while knowing these will be extremely beneficial to aid them in any water emergency because it will give them more tools in their toolbox to use, the various strokes are really only necessary if they ever plan to lifeguard, teach lessons, or swim competitively. Who knows, they may work for me someday!
Do parents have to get in the water with the children?
With Water Babies, it is optional for parents to get in. Though, if they do get in, it will benefit the child if they become an active part of the learning process. All other classes, level 1 and higher, parents are not allowed to get in.
If my child breaks his arm on Saturday and we are scheduled to take classes that Monday, can I get a refund or just switch him to another week?
No, the only exception to that would be if there is a waiting list for that class and we are able to secure a replacement for him within minutes. See class policies.
My child has tubes in her ears. Can she still take lessons?
You would need to consult your pediatrician.
Is there a multi-child discount?
If you have priced around swimming lessons and compared the amount of total time compared to the cost, you will find I have the most competitive rates around. Therefore, the discount is already included for the first child, so the answer to this question is no, but it never hurts to ask!!!
If we have to miss class one day out of the week can we make it up or switch that day to a different time?
No, there are no make-up days and you could not come at a different time for that day because it would then overload that class.
What can I do to prevent ear infections?
Water does tend to get in the ears during swimming. Children do not usually know how to "bounce" the water out of the ears. It is recommended that after everytime, after swimming, as a preventitive measure you put a few drops of a solution made up of 50% rubbing alcohol and 50% white vinegar in each ear. However, once infection sets in DO NOT do this as it will cause a burning sensation.
If my child is the only one in the class crying and carrying on, should I pull her out of the class?
No, number one because you have already paid your money and number two because the instructors are use to this. Believe me, you are not the ONLY one though it may seem like it in your class. In every level 1 we typically get 1-2 cryers in each class. It is best for the parents to trust the instructor to handle the situation and for you to encourage the kids when you discuss it. If you are ever hesitant, PLEASE discuss it with your instructor or with Jennifer Hill.
Which is more beneficial, privates or group lessons?
It really depends on the person and the goals that are set. For the most part, I would say the group lessons. First, because they are more economical, but also because they get the interaction with others who are learning. In this setting, peer pressure and the natural competition of it can be a positive aspect.
I am a new mother with an infant. What can I do now to help get him ready for swimming?
Whether you are a new mother or an old mother, I want everyone to pay attention and tell any new young mom's you may know. DO NOT shield your baby's face when bathing. From that first bath when they are only a few days old on, don't be afraid to pour a small cupful of water over their head and allow it to run down their face. They may scream, but it will not hurt them. If you begin by counting 1,2,3 they will learn what 3 means and this will help them when they come for swimming. My daughter screamed for the first 18 months of her life during bath time, then all of a sudden she gave it up and was fine with it. My son, loved the water on his face from his first bath at 3 days old. Don't be afraid to take babies in the shower with you also. The sensation of the misting or even the full rain on their faces is great for them to get use to also.
How deep is the pool and will my child be able to touch?
The shallow end is 31 inches from the floor to the water level. You may want to measure your child to see where 31 inches falls on them to see how much "comfort level clearance" they might have. The "shallow end" area that the level 2 class uses is 4 ft deep and the deep end of the pool is 10 feet deep.
If it is storming at my house in McDonough are you still having class?
Because of the crazy pop-up thunderstorms we experience often, especially in the evening hours, you have to use the rule of thumb that if someone has not contacted you that means class is not cancelled. Often times it will be storming on one side of town and bright and sunny on the other. Also, if the radar looks like the storm will pass and we will be able to salvage most of the class we may decide to wait it out. You will not be able to call to see if class is on or not because we will be in the pool. If class does have to be cancelled, it will be made up at the instructors discretion on either Saturday or Sunday.