Everything You Need to Know About Our Swim Lessons!
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General Questions About Swim Lessons With PoolSkool USA
How many children are in a class?
Class sizes are limited to 6 children in a class.
How long is each class?
A class with 3-6 children is 30 minutes. If there are only 1-2 children enrolled in a class, we will not cancel your class, but rather will reduce the time to a 20 minute class. The reason for this, is that with just 1-2 children in class, we get through skills very quickly and the children do not get many breaks.
Do you offer private lessons?
No, we do not. We really feel that children learn better and faster in a group. We are a results oriented swim program, so we pride ourselves on quick results. In a group, they get to watch each other, learn from one another and are more motivated to try new skills sooner. Often children want to impress their peers much more than a grown up. And having other kids in your class, makes learning to swim, much more fun!
Will my child learn to swim in your classes?
Absolutely! We are a results oriented swim program. We have a specific curriculum and routine that we use to teach children how to swim. That’s why we can tell you exactly what your child will learn by the end of each of our parts. We have taught thousands of children to swim with our program and our instructors are highly trained in both our curriculum and child behavior.
Do I need to stay during my child’s lesson?
Yes. You may not leave the pool deck during your child’s lesson. This is for several reasons, including: your child’s comfort, we may ask for your assistance during class (such as to take your child to the bathroom), and for liability. For extra safety, we want as many eyes on the pool as possible during classes.
What is your rate for retention of skills? Do children typically retain their skills from summer to summer?
Yes, they do! If you get them through all 3 parts, they will retain their skills. Will they be a little rusty next summer? Maybe. But it will take us just a few lessons to get them back on track and to begin teaching new skills.
Can my child wear goggles?
It depends on what class they are in. We do not let children in the younger classes wear goggles. This is for safety reasons. We need to get them comfortable with water in their face and eyes. The reality is, that if they ever fall in the pool unexpectedly, most likely they will not be wearing goggles, so we need to prepare them in case that were to happen. Therefore, children in Infant, Toddler, Basic or Survival may not wear goggles. Children in Breathing and Stroke, may wear goggles if they choose, but they are not required.
What is my role during swim lessons?
If your child is in the Infant Skool, then you will be in the water with your child learning as they learn. If your child is in Toddler 2 or higher, then you will be on the pool deck watching. We will ask you not to talk to your child during class, as we want them to pay attention to their teacher. We will ask you to sit in a chair with the other parents and not approach the edge of the pool. We want the teacher focused on the class and not distracted by you while he/she has kids in the pool. However, how you can help, is to praise, praise, praise your child!! At the end of class, tell them how great they did and how proud you are of them. Continue to encourage them even when they have a rough day. You are invaluable to your child’s learning process in terms of praising your child and reinforcing skills you want them to repeat. Reward effort as well as accomplishment. Children will copy parental attitudes. What you say, do, and your facial expressions will influence your child greatly. Be positive and ignore or minimize negative reactions. Parents of upper-level students can emphasize hard work, perseverance, and goal setting.
Any tips for preventing ear infections?
There are two possible types of ear infections. The first, known mainly as swimmer’s ear, is an inflammation of the outer ear canal. If water remains in the ear canal for many hours, conditions may be conducive to the growth of bacteria. The ear is typically sore to the touch. You can protect your child against outer ear infections by using over-the-counter drops after swimming to dry the ear canal. The second type of ear infection occurs in the middle ear. This is caused when the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ears to the throat, become blocked. This stops fluid from draining from the middle ear. This fluid is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria or viruses to grow into an ear infection. There is no correlation between swimming and a middle ear infection.
My child is not potty trained. What do they wear during swim lessons?
If your child is under the age of 3, whether they are potty trained or not, they will be required to wear a reusable swim diaper. Once they are over 3, and have been potty trained for at least 4 months, then they do not need to wear a swim diaper. The swim diaper must be a reusable swim diaper. We do not allow disposable swim diapers such as Little Swimmers or Pampers Splashers as they do not hold #2 very well. The reusable swim diaper should be snug and have elastic around the legs and waist. They are easy to find on Amazon, Target or Walmart. No disposable swim diaper underneath as this does not allow it to secure tightly around the legs and waist.
Registration Questions
I am unsure about committing to all 3 parts, what should I do?
We highly recommend that you sign up for all 3 parts. Learning to swim is a commitment. We always tell parents, just commit and get it over with! We want your child’s skills to stick. If you do not get them through all 3 parts, it is possible that they will need to repeat the same classes again next summer. Plus, you live in Florida, learning to swim is not an option. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children.
We are going on vacation in the middle of the summer and I can’t figure out how to get all 3 classes in. What should I do?
Our schedules are staggered. Often it is still possible to get in all 3 parts. You may do Part 1 at pool A, and then switch to pool B when you return. If you are having a hard time finding schedules, feel free to call our office for help. 352-394-3040.
I completed the level finder, but I am still not sure what class to enroll in. What should I do?
Call our office! 352-394-3040. We are happy to help you and can chat through it with you to help you pick the perfect class for your child.
What if we are going to miss a couple classes? Will my child still get through their swimming goals?
Yes! If you just miss a couple classes, they will be fine. Once they come back, we will begin getting them back on track. But, try not to miss too many classes or miss unless you absolutely have to because consistency is key to their success in learning how to swim.
If I only sign up for part 1, can I sign up for the other parts later on?
Maybe… our classes fill up quickly. If you only register for Part 1, we are not holding your spot for the other classes. It is possible that the class could fill up and you won’t be able to get in. We do always recommend that you sign up for all 3 parts at the initial registration.
I would rather register on the phone instead of online, can I do that?
Of course! We would love to help you! Just give us a call at 352-394-3040. If you miss us, just leave us a message or shoot us a text and we will get back to you right away!
Fear & Anxiety
What if my child is apprehensive about swim lessons?
That’s ok! Our teachers are highly trained and know lots of tricks to help your child feel comfortable. Remember, drowning is the leading cause of death for children under the age of 5 in the state of Florida, so they need to learn to swim for safety. We always tell parents, swim lessons are much different than any other sport or activity. If your child never learns to kick a soccer ball or hates ballet, it’s ok. They can choose another activity that they like better. But, with swim lessons, if they don’t know how to swim and save themselves if they were to fall in, it could be life or death. Our advice is to just praise your child along the way, always be positive and stick with it!
What if my child cries and hates swim lessons?
Unfortunately, crying in the first few classes or when learning a new skill is not abnormal. Sometimes children are afraid, or don’t like to get their face wet or float on their back, or are just tired or hungry. We do a specific routine with the kids each day. As they become comfortable with the routine and begin to figure out what is coming next, they will start to relax and all of the crying will go away and they will be loving their swim lessons!
What if my child doesn’t want to participate in class or do a particular skill?
We will not let your child sit on the side of the pool and do nothing. We feel that if you signed your child up for swimming lessons, it is because you want them to learn to swim. We may give them some reasonable options for how they can do the skill or may alter the skill to a degree, but they will still have a turn. However, we will never ask your child to do a skill that they are not capable of doing.
What if my child is crying and I feel they are disrupting the class, should I remove them from class?
No. Please do not ever pull your child out of class early. If you do this, you have taught them that if they cry and carry on, mommy or daddy will take me out. This will delay and prolong the process of getting them comfortable in the pool and creating a happy swim environment. Just leave them in class and let the teacher handle it. The teacher will let you know if he/she needs your help.
I'm Already In Swim Lessons Now & I Have Questions
Should I practice outside of swim lessons?
This is a tricky one…. If you are in an infant-parent class, then yes! Practice as much as you can. Whether it is in a pool, bathtub or even on land. If your child is older and we have not taught you what to do in the water, take them to the pool when you can and swim as much as you can, but do not force them to do skills. And definitely do not practice floating on the back or rolling over until they are proficient and can do it on their own. If you practice these skills you can delay the time that it takes for us to teach them.
My child is not loving swim lessons, can we cancel?
Although, we do not recommend that you cancel, yes, you can. However, we do not do refunds. You can get a credit for future use. You will need to call our office to discuss the details of this. However, we are going to encourage you to hang in there. Typically when we talk to parents who are considering quitting, they often say, “You don’t understand, my child is never like this. I don’t think they are ready.” But, we do understand. We have seen thousands of children go through this same process and have coached countless parents along the way. Often when parents are on the verge of quitting a breakthrough is right around the corner. When they hang in there, they are so happy they did! And their child is too!
My child just completed their 3 parts of the Skool. Should they continue to the next Skool this summer or wait for next summer?
Most of the time we will tell you yes! If there is momentum, keep that going. Plus, sometimes we can get kids through skills quicker when the momentum is already there. However, there are instances when they have maxed out skills for their age and we will tell you to hold off until they are bigger. Just keep them in the water and let’s do more next summer. But, always feel free to call our office for help and guidance. 352-394-3040.
My child is sick. What should we do?
If your child has a fever and you wouldn’t sent them to school or other activities, then don’t send them to swimming lessons. Just take the class off and come back when they are better. Once they return we will begin catching them up and getting them back on track.
What if I think my child is too advanced for the class they are in?
Talk to your teacher or call our office. We will help to assess your child and see if they are in fact in the correct class or not.
I just found out my class is with a different teacher. I’m not sure how my child will do…
Your child is going to do great! All of our teachers teach the exact same curriculum and even have some of the same jokes. They use the same verbiage and were all trained the same way. Plus all of our teachers are highly requested!
It is raining. Will we have swim class today?
Maybe. Hopefully. As you know the weather in Florida is very unpredictable. It can be storming one minute and beautiful the next. Since our locations are so spread out, only your teacher knows if you will have class or not. If we know in advance that class is cancelled we will make every effort to reach you either through email, phone call, text or the parent portal. If you have not heard from us, please go to the pool. We will make every effort to get in, even if it is just for part of the class. If class is cancelled we will begin making up time during the next class time. If class is not cancelled and you just didn’t show up, then there is no make-up time. So, please come to class. We do swim in the rain. Just not thunder, lightning or heavy downpours.
