About Lessons
when are lessons?
All students attend lessons 4 days per week, Monday thru Thursday unless otherwise noted. Weather make-ups are usually held on Fridays when needed. Your child will be assigned a 10-minute private lesson during the times you indicate your availability.
what is the lesson format?
All students receive private 10-minute lessons, 4 days per week. New students usually need about 6 weeks (24 lessons) to master the full swim-float-swim sequence. Consistent attendance is key, so please be sure you can commit to the full program before you sign up for lessons.
What is the price?
Please see the Pricing page for current pricing.
WHAT DO CHILDREN LEARN IN LESSONS?
Babies will learn to hold their breath under water, roll onto their back, and float until picked up.
Children 12-18 months and older will learn to swim with their face in the water, roll over to breathe, and then flip over to continue to swim. This means children can learn to swim-float-swim across a pool.
Children 12-18 months and older will learn to swim with their face in the water, roll over to breathe, and then flip over to continue to swim. This means children can learn to swim-float-swim across a pool.
WHAT DOES “SWIM-FLOAT-SWIM” MEAN and why do you teach it?
This is the best way for young children to swim. They kick with their face in the water (swim), roll onto their back (float) when they need a breath, and then roll over and swim again. Young children do not have the strength and coordination to tread water or lift their head to breathe repeatedly. They tire very quickly trying to do so, and also develop habits counter-productive to learning the freestyle later on, which is the most efficient swimming stroke. Swim-float-swim is the safest and most efficient swim method for young kids, and also gives them the proper body position and concept of rotation to learn the freestyle and backstroke when they are older.
ARE THESE "ISR" OR "SURVIVAL SWIM" LESSONS?
Some people refer to this type of lesson as a "survival swim lesson" because kids learn how to roll over and float on their backs or swim to the side if they fall in the water. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under age 5, so learning how to survive a water accident is my #1 priority, but learning how to have fun in the water is priority #2! I try to incorporate fun into my lessons as much as possible. Once children are about 12-18 months old, they can learn to swim-float-swim around the pool, and that is fun!
"ISR" is a company that also conducts this type of lesson (a brand name, like "Kleenex"). I am part of the Infant Aquatics Network, which is separate from ISR, but we teach the same skills and use similar methods.
"ISR" is a company that also conducts this type of lesson (a brand name, like "Kleenex"). I am part of the Infant Aquatics Network, which is separate from ISR, but we teach the same skills and use similar methods.
DO YOU TEACH "REAL" SWImming or STROKES?
People sometimes ask when their child will learn to "really" swim. If your child is able to make it from point A to point B independently and can take a breath when they need to, then they ARE "really" swimming. So in my view, YES, I do teach kids "real" swimming using the swim-float-swim method, but no, I do not focus on stroke instruction. I will teach your child to swim using their kicks (legs are their biggest, strongest muscles), but most will not use their arms in the traditional freestyle fashion, as doing so requires more coordination than most kids under age 5 have. However, if your child seems ready to advance their skills, I will introduce some basic freestyle and backstroke concepts to them during their lessons. If your child is ready for more, I am happy to provide recommendations for a true strokes instructor,
WHY ARE LESSONS ONLY 10 MINUTES LONG?
Young children have a limited attention span, and learning a new skill like swimming can be tiring! While 10 minutes sounds brief, a private 10-minute lesson gives a child more instruction and practice than they would get in a typical 30-minute group lesson with 3-5 kids. For young kids, it's also safer to limit the amount of time they are in the water to be sure they do not get too tired, too cold, or swallow too much pool water (as many are prone to drink it!).
WHY DO WE NEED TO COME TO LESSONS 4 TIMES PER WEEK?
For the same reason children go to school several days per week… frequent repetition is required for effective learning. By coming 4 days per week, we are able to build on what your child learns each day. This program is designed to teach your child to swim in a matter of weeks. Infrequent practice means it could take months or years to learn to swim.
DO YOU TEACH KIDS OLDER THAN 6?
Kids older than 6 are usually ready for true stroke instruction, which is not my specialty, but I can recommend teachers who are if you have this need.
DO YOU OFFER GROUP LESSONS?
No. Lessons are private so that full attention can be devoted to your child, and lessons can be paced just for them.
WILL YOU COME TEACH AT MY POOL?
Lessons are held at a central location, as it would take too much time for me to travel from pool to pool, especially for this type of lesson which is brief. If you would be willing to host lessons at your pool, please let me know. This would mean allowing other children to have lessons in your pool, about 4 hours a day, 4 days per week for 6-9 weeks.
When to Start and What to Expect
At what age can my child begin lessons?
About 6 months old. Once your baby can sit unassisted and roll over both ways on land, they can also learn to roll over and float in the water.
WHY SHOULD I START SWIM LESSONS AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE?
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under age 5, and swim lessons have been proven to reduce the risk of drowning. Drownings happen fast, in as little as 30-60 seconds! The vast majority of kids who drown were missing for less than 5 minutes. Have you ever been distracted or stepped away from your child for 30-60 seconds? If you have a pool at home, or spend time around pools or lakes (vacation homes, friends’ or relatives’ houses, etc.), you should enroll your child as soon as possible. Babies as young as 6 months old can learn survival skills in the water. Also, starting your children at a young age allows them to learn proper swimming form and technique without having to overcome bad habits that could be caused by relying on puddle jumpers or floaties. Kids who start later can take longer to learn and have a more difficult time.
How long will it take my child to learn to swim?
It usually takes about 6 weeks (24 lessons) for kids to master the full swim-float-swim sequence, though every child is different. Some kids need a few extra lessons.
WILL MY CHILD CRY DURING LESSONS?
Swimming is not an easy skill, and can be emotionally-laden for kids (and adults!) because not everyone is naturally comfortable in the water. Many young children are also going through separation anxiety and the typical tantrums of the "terrible twos/threes." For these reasons, tears are pretty normal at first. Most kids calm down and start to enjoy it after the first few lessons. I do everything I can to make lessons fun and keep kids happy while teaching the skills they need to learn, but even kids who cry during lessons will still learn to swim. Afterall, that's what you're paying me for, and not all tears can be avoided. Think of all the other things your child may cry about throughout the day (car seats, naps, bedtime, separating from you at school, etc.), but that they still must do. If your child cries, keep the long-term goal in mind. Crying is temporary, but a child who knows how to swim is safer around water, and can enjoy the water for a lifetime. If you stick with it, your child WILL eventually learn to love it. One of my own children is proof! He initially hated the water and SCREAMED at every lesson (so I can relate!), but he eventually learned to love swimming and became very skilled at a young age.
ARE BABIES/KIDS THROWN INTO THE WATER?
No! This is a common misconception, but is not at all how lessons are conducted. Children are taught skills gradually, starting with how to hold their breath in the water, how to kick, how to float, and how to roll over. Once kids have learned all of these skills and put them together (usually after about 20-24 lessons), we simulate a fall-in by gently placing them in the water to test their skills and confirm they have mastered them. Kids are NEVER thrown into the water.
DO PARENTS GET IN THE POOL DURING LESSONS?
Generally not, but parents may get in the pool during the first lesson if they think it would help their child adjust more easily to the teacher and environment. Parents are sometimes asked to come into the pool at a later lesson if I think it will help your child in some way, and parents are always asked to get in with us before finishing lessons, so i can show you how to practice with your child after lessons.
Registration and Other Policies
how do i sign up?
Go to the Sign Up page to fill out a Registration Request Form. Once I receive this form, I will get back to you about an available time slot. You will then need to submit your deposit and sign the waiver to reserve your spot. You will later be invoiced for the balance of your lessons. You must be paid in full prior to your first lesson. Please see the Policies page for more information.
should i sign up for 6 weeks or 3 weeks?
Six weeks are required if this is your child's first year of lessons. Six weeks are also recommended if last year was your child's first year of lessons, unless your child was independently utilizing swim-float-swim away from swim lessons. Three weeks are usually sufficient if your child has had 2 years of lessons and/or was confidently utilizing swim-float-swim away from lessons last year. If you aren't sure, email me ahead of time to ask. Please note that the 6-week and 3-week sessions have different dates, so this could affect your availability. If you have questions based on your child's previous experience, please contact me.
WHAT IF MY CHILD NEEDS OR WANTS MORE LESSONS THAN WE ORIGINALLY PAID FOR?
If your child needs more lessons that we originally anticipated, or you would like to sign up for more to let your child continue to practice, you can pay for additional lessons one week at a time. The cost is $100 per week. Additional lessons are subject to availability. You are not guaranteed to be able to keep your same time slot after you have completed your original set of lessons.
WHY DO YOU REQUIRE LESSONS TO BE PAID IN FULL BEFORE BEGINNING?
There are many more people wanting lessons than I am able to provide, so you are reserving a spot that's in high demand. Requiring payment up-front ensures that those who sign up are committed to the program. It also encourages people to stick with lessons even if the first week or two are hard. Kids need time to adjust to the instructor and the lessons. Swimming is also complex skill that takes time for kids to learn. If you give your child time to complete the process, you will see amazing results, and kids who master the skills become happy swimmers. That's our goal, but it requires a commitment to see the process through to the end.
CAN WE START LESSONS ON A DIFFERENT DAY OR WEEK THAN YOUR SESSION START DATE?
I only have access to the pool for a certain number of weeks, so everyone needs to start on or very near the session start date to ensure we can complete all their lessons. If you will miss just the first day or two, this will probably work, but these would be absences that are not made-up. Please contact me if you have specific questions before signing up.
What if we are going to be out of town and miss a week of lessons? Can I still sign my child up?
You can miss a week of lessons, but most children need the full session to master the skills, so you may not see the results you are hoping for. Also, you are paying for your time slot regardless of attendance, so you will not get an extra week of free lessons to make up for your absence. My schedule may or may not be able to accommodate additional lessons if your child should need them, so please talk to me about your specific situation before signing up. Consistent attendance is critical to success.
Why do I have to use your required swim diaper?
If feces gets in the pool, according to health department standards I am required to end your lesson, shock the pool and cancel other lessons for at least an hour. This is obviously a great disruption to everyone. The swim diaper provided is the most effective way to prevent pool contamination and keep everyone happy and healthy! Most accidents happen with babies or with children who are newly potty trained, which is why everyone is required to wear the swim diaper until being accident-free for 3 months. Disposable swim diapers are not effective at containing feces, and thus do not meet the health department's safety standards.
Why should my child not eat for 2 hours before lessons?
For one thing, swimming is vigorous exercise for young kids, and doing so on a full tummy is not very comfortable. Secondly, kids who are learning to hold their breath in the water tend to swallow air and therefore need to burp. If they have a stomach full of food, they will often throw up food with the burp, which is again, very unpleasant. It could also contaminate the pool and cause us to have to end the lesson and cancel those after your child. It takes about 2 hours to fully digest food, so please keep your child’s meal or snack-time in mind when you schedule lessons. Your child may eat as soon as lessons are over.
Do you offer make-up lessons if we miss a lesson?
Make-up lessons are not offered for conflicts on your part, nor are refunds offered for missed classes. When you enroll your student in lessons, you are reserving a spot for your child that is in high demand, and you are agreeing to pay for this spot, regardless of your child's attendance. If your child is ill, I will do my best to find a time to make up the missed lessons, but this cannot be guaranteed. If lessons are cancelled due to weather, make-up lessons will be provided.
Safety Recommendations
why should i say NO to PUDDLE JUMPERS OR FLOATIES?
Drowning is the leading cause of death for kids under age 5, and the numbers are actually on the rise. I fear that the recent surge in the use of "puddle jumpers" is to blame in many of these cases. These were not popular when my children were young, just 10 years ago.
Flotation devices like puddle jumpers give children a false sense of confidence. While I don't want kids to fear the water, I'd rather they have a healthy respect for it, than a false sense of confidence. Children who wear puddle jumpers learn to LOVE being in the water, despite having NO skills to survive in the water, and that is a dangerous combination. Despite what they may tell you, young children do not have the cognitive development to completely understand that the puddle jumper is what is keeping them afloat, and they do not fully understand what will happen if they jump in without it. There are COUNTLESS stories of young kids getting in the water or falling in without their puddle jumper on (some even figuring out how to take it off on their own), and unfortunately, many of these children do not survive or have lifelong impairments as a result.
You may think it won't happen to you because you are a loving, attentive parent. Most parents are, actually. But drowning can happen in as little as 30 seconds, and it is very easy to get distracted or lose track of your child for a brief moment. Maybe you are helping another child, changing a diaper, looking for something in your bag, or reading a quick email. It really does happen that fast, and it is silent. Moreover, nearly 70% of drownings happen when kids were not expected to be near the water at all (i.e. not while everyone is swimming at the pool), and nearly all were last seen less than 5 minutes earlier. If you've ever caught your child in some sort of mischief, like marker or makeup all over their body or your wall, you've lost track of them for long enough for them to drown.
Secondly, puddle jumpers teach bad habits that are hard to overcome in lessons. They teach kids to kick in a bicycle motion and create a muscle memory of "swimming" vertically with your head out of water. This posture causes them to tire very quickly and impedes forward movement. These bad habits are very difficult to overcome in a few weeks of lessons. Not only that, but these "bad habits" are what your child will revert to in an emergency, and this posture is known by lifeguards as the "drowning position," as that is what it leads to.
Flotation devices like puddle jumpers give children a false sense of confidence. While I don't want kids to fear the water, I'd rather they have a healthy respect for it, than a false sense of confidence. Children who wear puddle jumpers learn to LOVE being in the water, despite having NO skills to survive in the water, and that is a dangerous combination. Despite what they may tell you, young children do not have the cognitive development to completely understand that the puddle jumper is what is keeping them afloat, and they do not fully understand what will happen if they jump in without it. There are COUNTLESS stories of young kids getting in the water or falling in without their puddle jumper on (some even figuring out how to take it off on their own), and unfortunately, many of these children do not survive or have lifelong impairments as a result.
You may think it won't happen to you because you are a loving, attentive parent. Most parents are, actually. But drowning can happen in as little as 30 seconds, and it is very easy to get distracted or lose track of your child for a brief moment. Maybe you are helping another child, changing a diaper, looking for something in your bag, or reading a quick email. It really does happen that fast, and it is silent. Moreover, nearly 70% of drownings happen when kids were not expected to be near the water at all (i.e. not while everyone is swimming at the pool), and nearly all were last seen less than 5 minutes earlier. If you've ever caught your child in some sort of mischief, like marker or makeup all over their body or your wall, you've lost track of them for long enough for them to drown.
Secondly, puddle jumpers teach bad habits that are hard to overcome in lessons. They teach kids to kick in a bicycle motion and create a muscle memory of "swimming" vertically with your head out of water. This posture causes them to tire very quickly and impedes forward movement. These bad habits are very difficult to overcome in a few weeks of lessons. Not only that, but these "bad habits" are what your child will revert to in an emergency, and this posture is known by lifeguards as the "drowning position," as that is what it leads to.
IF I SHOULDN'T USE PUDDLE JUMPERS, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
- If you have a pool at home, get a child-proof pool fence. If a fence is not possible, invest in a pool alarm. You can also get a pool alarm that your child wears, which can be helpful if you're at a friend of family member's house. These alarms will go off if they are submerged in water. Keep doors locked at all times. You may need to install a lock that is out of your child’s reach.
- Enroll your child in swim lessons early so they can learn some swim skills that you can practice together.
- Get in the pool with your kids. If they can't swim yet, hold them in the water, let them splash, practice putting their face in, hold onto you or the side of the pool and practice kicking, or jump in to you (let them go under and then pick them up so they learn what happens when they jump in, and they start to get comfortable going under water). Your days of sitting by the pool chatting with friends or reading a book will come when they are older. For now, get in with your kids, and encourage your friends to do the same! This used to be the norm, and I hope it will be again.
- If you can't handle your kids at the pool (maybe you have more than one who are not strong swimmers) or you just don't want to get in, then stick to splash pads and baby pools until they are better swimmers. You'll have plenty of days to spend at the pool when they are older, and it will be more enjoyable and less stressful!
- When in groups, always designate an adult to be the pool watcher. It is easy to get distracted while chatting with other adults.
- Before leaving your child at the house of a friend, babysitter, or relative, find out if they have a pool, and if so, what safety measures they have in place. If there aren't sufficient safety measures in place, don't leave your child there.
- Teach your child what to do if another child falls in. Kids should get help from an adult and NEVER jump in to save another child.
Other Information
what are your covid-19 precautions?
what training do you have?
I am a certified instructor with Infant Aquatics®. I am also certified in Infant, Child & Adult CPR & First Aid. All Infant Aquatics® instructors have received at least 6 weeks of training with at least 100 hours of in-water instruction, in addition to academic work to learn physiology, safety, child behaviorism, development and psychology. We are also given opportunities for ongoing learning and support through an annual conference and communication with our master instructor, and a network of nearly 100 instructors worldwide. Infant Aquatics® was founded in the 2000 by a group of instructors who had been teaching these techniques since the 1980’s. They formed Infant Aquatics® to formally train other swim instructors to use the same techniques, and to create an international network of instructors.