Program Rules

1. Consistency

All new swimmers enrolled in the Survival Program MUST do a minimum of 2 days a week. 3-5 is recommended for quickest and best results. The more often the child is in the water, the quicker we create a daily routine and they build comfort. 1 week is a long time to a child that only has 50 -100 of them in their whole life!!

2. 1 Instructor

All new swimmers MUST stick with 1 instructor. Children need routine to be comfortable. For most infants and toddlers we are one of the first new people they will come in contact with and form a relationship. This is difficult in the beginning (stranger/danger). On the other side less substitute teachers yields quicker results as we can pick up every class where we left off.

3. Punctuality

Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled lesson time. Late arrivals may result in shortened lesson time to maintain the schedule for other students.

4. Swim Attire

Potty Trained swimmers just need a bathing suit, while children still using diapers or training are REQUIRED to wear a disposable swim diaper AND a reusable swim diaper underneath their bathing suit to prevent accidents in the water. Your child CAN NOT swim without these.

5. Food & Meals

Do not feed your child for at least 2 hours before lessons. Swimming on a full stomach can cause discomfort and increase the risk of vomiting in the pool.

The best foods are applesauce, bananas, and yogurt smoothies. These digest quickly and don't sit in the stomach. NO BREADS, these are sponges. NO PROTEINS or FRUITS WITH SKINS. These digest very slowly and are a mess to clean up.

6. Health Requirements

Children with fever, contagious illness, diarrhea, or open wounds should not attend lessons. Please notify us immediately if your child is sick. We will work to reschedule the lesson.

7. Rest & Sleep

Ensure your child is well-rested before lessons. Tired children have difficulty focusing and learning. Try to schedule lessons around nap times.

8. Parent Observation

Parents are always welcome to watch lessons. There is seating nearby for every location. Please sit on the chairs or benches. Do not sit poolside, you are a distraction to your young child and they need to focus on the lesson and instructor and not the separation from mom/dad. While it is fantastic to cheer on your child, for young children dealing with new activities and new people their emotional control (if they have any!) is hanging by a thread. The sound of your voice can be a huge distraction and make a child more upset. Parents DO NOT get in the water.

9. Cancellations

Please provide 24-hour notice for cancellations. Lessons cancelled with proper notice will be rescheduled based on availability. Same-day cancellations may be charged the full lesson fee.

10. Practice & Retention

Daily consecutive lessons are essential for rapid skill acquisition. Missing lessons can slow progress. If you must take a break from lessons, please discuss with your instructor.

11. Pool Safety at Home

IMPORTANT: Swimming lessons are NOT a substitute for supervision. Even after completing our program, children must ALWAYS be supervised around water. Install proper barriers and safety equipment at home pools.

12. Behavior Expectations

Children must follow instructor directions for their safety. Parents/guardians must remain on premises during lessons. Disruptive behavior by family members may result in lesson termination.