FAQs

What is the best age to start swim lessons?    

We recommend 6 months as the optimum age to start. Babies at this age have a real affinity for water.  These parented programs are designed to introduce young children to water, build water confidence, and teach water safety to parents and guardians. By 3 years of age, children who have had regular and consistent exposure are generally ready for un-parented small group class.

How often should we attend?

We recommend a minimum of once per week until your child is comfortable going underwater. Year round lessons allow your child to retain his/her confidence and the skills appropriate for his/her age group.  We run 4 - 6 sessions per year.

Is taking a break recommended?

Short breaks are always a great idea but the longer the break the higher the chance of skills being lost, especially for younger children who have not yet achieved skill mastery. The younger the child, the shorter the break should be.

How long does it take to complete a level?

A session is 8 - 10 classes and each class is 30-60 minutes long, depending on the level. Although, this is the recommended time frame to complete a level, it is not always possible to do so. Often participants can make incredible progress, yet do not complete all level criteria. We ask that both parents and participants use the level system more as a guideline of progress rather than focusing on passing or failing. It is not uncommon for participants to remain in a level more than once as they work toward skill and stroke mastery.

Should students be taught bilateral breathing?

Yes, bilateral breathing should be taught as early as possible as it will balance out your stroke and create symmetry in your back musculature. The problem with breathing to one side only is that it can make your stroke lopsided. Breathing bilaterally will help your stroke overall.  The earlier it is introduced, the easier it will be.  We introduce bilateral breathing in our pre-school programs.

Should goggles be used when swimming?

Goggles help keep chlorinated water out of the eyes. When buying swim goggles, you should consider: fit & quality.  There are a wide range of styles and sizes of goggles and it is important to select the model that suits you best. Properly fitting goggles fit snugly on the head. The eyepiece has a silicon edge, designed to provide a watertight seal around each eye. We carry a wide range of goggles for re-sale and can help you select the right style and fit on-site.