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  • Are you a certified Survival Swim Instructor
    YES! Darcey Smith - owner and lead instructor for Swimmin Safe - is certified through PediaSwim as a Survival Swim Instructor.
  • How old does my swimmer need to be to start lessons?
    We recommend swimmers be crawling/walking before enrolling in lessons. Swimmers may begin lessons earlier with instructor approval.
  • What ages do you teach?
    We offer lessons for all ages! We want to make everyone in your family water safe. If you have specific needs or questions about lessons please fill out our contact us form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
  • How long are lessons?
    Basic and Maintenance lessons are all 1:1 10 minute lessons. Our lesson structure focuses on mastering survival swim skills, not just basic water acclimation. You will see that our lesson time is not spent playing games but building strong swim skills from the beginning. While 10 minutes may seem like a short time frame, 10 minutes allows the instructor to offer an indiviualized lesson of solid instruction while maintaining your swimmers attention span. 10 minutes also allows us to end instruction with a swimmer feeling positive about accomplishments and not have fatigue. Short, consistent lessons are key in allowing your swimmer to retain and master their skills in weeks, not months of lessons. Stroke development lessons are 2:1 20 minute lessons.
  • What will the first week of lessons look like?
    Contrary to some information regarding survival swim lessons, we will not be "throwing" your child in the water during the first few lessons. Any videos you may have seen are generally videos of children who have completed on average a minimum of 16-24 lessons of basic skills training. Our focus during week one is teaching your swimmer basic breath control, how to find the wall, and introducing proper swimming positions (facedown with forward movement through the water). Our goal is safe, confident swimmers who are able to problem solve in the water.
  • How long will my child need to take lessons?
    Every child progresses at a different rate. New swimmers, 3 years and younger, in our Basic Lesson program are required to complete a minimum of 3 consecutive weeks of lessons. (4-5 lessons per week) Once a swimmer has mastered their Basic Skills (they are able to complete a full clothescheck out consisting of floating on their back unassisted) they are able to enter our Maintenance Lesson program. Generally swimmers age 3 years and younger require 16-24 Basic Lessons to master their skills. Swimmers age 4 years and older, lesson frequency will vary from swimmer to swimmer based on experience.
  • But what if my swimmer cries?
    Swimmers may cry during their first lessons. Swimmers may continue to cry after several lessons. Children need an opportunity to build trust with their instructor. As a parent you set the tone for your child during lessons, and they absolutely know that crying pulls at your heart strings. Imagine if every time you buckled your child in their carseat and they cried your response was "Ok sweetie, nevermind you don't have to be buckled in" or if they cry when you drop them off for pre-school and your response is "ok nevermind you don't ever have to go to school" Be their biggest cheerleader! Tell them how amazing they are and how proud you are of them. Remeber, you want them to be safe and have a respect for the water. You are truly giving them skills to help safe their life.
  • How do I enroll?
    You can contact us by filling out the form on our INQUIRY page to inquire about any openings in upcoming sessions. A member of our team will contact you to enroll your swimmer(s) in an upcoming session.
  • Is there a registration fee?
    Yes, there is a one time enrollment fee of $25 for one swimmer or $40 enrollement fee for family. If swimmers are out of lessons for more than 12 months there will be a new enrollment fee assessed.
  • Do you offer make-up lessons?
    We do not offer make-up lessons. Due to the fact that our sessions are scheduled on a rotating basis at different locations we are not able to extend the days offered within a session. If you are not able to make a lesson and contact us at least 24 hours in advance if we have an open spot within the same week we will try to re-scedule the lesson for you, but we cannot guarantee it. If lessons are cancelled by Swimmin Safe due to weather, facility, or instructor conflicts we will re-schedule your lessons or credit the lesson in a future session.
  • Do you offer refunds?
    Deposits for Basic Lessons are non-refundable. Weekly lesson fees may be rolled to the following week if there are openings available. Weekly lesson fees may not be transferred more than a week later than the original scheduled lesson dates. Weekly lesson fees are non-refundable. If you or your family are quarantined during lessons please contact us to make lesson arrangements.
  • What do we need to bring to lessons?
    A bathing suit and a towel is all that you will need for lessons. Parents are not in the water with their swimmer. If your swimmer is not potty-trained they are required to wear a swim diaper. We prefer a reusable swim diaper for our swimmers due to the fact that they provide a better seal around the waist and legs than a dispoable diaper.
  • Can I take photos or videos?
    You are more than welcome to take photos and videos of your swimmer during lessons. Please be respectful of other swimmers and only take photos and videos of your individual swimmer.
  • Are we allowed to stay during lessons?
    Yes, you are always welcome to stay and watch during lessons. Please keep in mind that if your swimmer is still trying to develop trust and a relationship with their instructor it may be best if you are not in your child's direct line of sight.
  • Would you be able to come to us for swim lessons?
    If you live outside of our teaching area and would like to bring Swimmin Safe lessons to your community please fill out our INQUIRY form and we will be in touch.
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