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 Swim Lessons Frequently Asked Questions . . .
Questions are linked to the answers . . .
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Teaching children to swim is important for both health and safety. Swimming provides exercise for large muscle groups helping children gain strength and coordination. Preschool and school age children need to learn to swim as well as to learn safety concepts and skills for in and around the water. American Red Cross swim lessons provide an excellent curriculum for teaching both the swimming skills and the safety concepts and skills.
- 75% of drowning victims are ages 12 to 25 months old.
- 65% of drowning victims drown in the family pool.
- 33% of drowning victims drown in a neighbors’ or relatives’ pool.
- For every child that drowns, 4 are hospitalized for near drowning.
- 77% of drowning victims were missing less than 5 minutes.
There is no one answer that is right for all children. Children who are exposed to the water at an early age, as early as 6 months old, generally accept the water more readily than those that begin as older children. Water adjustment skills such as breath control and floating must be developed before learning to swim. Actual swimming skills require strength and coordination that begins developing around the age of three or four.
What are the main objectives of Parent and Child swim lessons?
This is a water orientation program designed to teach you how to work safely and effectively with your infant or young child and to teach you basic water safety and self-help skills. The program emphasizes water adjustment, preparatory activities for swimming, fun and enjoyment for you and your child.
Can my child be “drown-proofed”?
No person is really “drownproofed”. Although children may propel themselves through the water after a few classes, they cannot be expected to save themselves if they accidentally fall into the water. Many programs make claims that "drownproofing" indeed can be accomplished but it cannot. Be wary of programs that make this claim. The only certainty of preventing a drowning is to watch your child around the water.
What will we gain from Parent and Child classes?
Both you and your child have the potential to benefit from this program. The benefits of water adjustment classes for infants include:
- Encourage motor development by providing exercise that increases strength and coordination. Warm water and gentle exercise stimulates a baby’s appetite on swimming days and improves sleep as well.
- Encourage cognitive development. As babies learn how to get around in the water on their own, their independence blossoms. Researchers have stated that this independence increases their self-confidence and their interest in learning which lasts throughout their life and promotes success in future challenges both in and out of the water. Children that have successful experiences develop greater self-confidence.
- Studies have shown that taking part in swim lessons at an early age provides the child an advantage in cognitive development as evidenced by better performance in school.
- Encourage social and emotional development.
- Offer new challenges, environments, classmates and teachers.
- Enhance the parent and child relationship. Psychologists say that swimming provides babies a lot of skin-to-skin contact with their parents, deepening the bond between parent and child. Some parents have said that this lesson time is the only opportunity they have to spend thirty pleasurable, uninterrupted minutes with their child.
- Develop self-image and confidence. This in turn increases independence which in turn increases the pleasure of achievement and affects the development of intelligence favorably.
- Provide fun and enjoyment in the water.
How long will it take my child to learn to swim?
Children vary widely when it comes to learning a skill. In general, each child’s readiness is influenced by physical development, previous experiences, home environment, parental attitudes and individual preferences. For most skills, there are simple prerequisites and lead-ups that can prepare the child to perform the more complex skills. For example, before a child is ready to put their entire face in the water they may need to practice blowing bubbles and getting their face wet.
Red Cross swim lessons provide the opportunity for a swimmer to learn all the strokes providing a solid basis for the sport of competitive swimming. Each child is unique and learning to swim depends on several factors such as previous experiences in the water, eagerness to learn, level of fear, age and motor skill development, and the frequency of lessons. Taking swim lessons on a consistent schedule provides the child with less of an opportunity to forget the skills and regress in their abilities. It is normal for a child’s learning to resemble a series of spikes and plateaus. Be patient and have realistic goals for your children and celebrate the milestones achieved as your child makes his or her way through the journey of learning how to swim.
It is completely normal for a child to cry during the first swim lesson(s). He or she is in a strange environment in the care of an unfamiliar instructor. Our teachers are trained to deal with even the most fearful swimmer in part by acknowledging the child’s fear, and then help the child to conquer the fear. We have many toys, songs and games especially created for fearful swimmers. If you need help getting your child into the pool, ask our staff for assistance; we will gladly get your child in the water and swimming happily in no time!
As a parent, the best thing you can do for your child is to keep bringing your child to swim class. Continuing to do so sends the message to your child that you, as the child’s primary caregiver, approve and trust in this new activity, which in turn, helps your child to better adjust and overcome your child’s fear. Delaying or avoiding swim lessons may serve to reinforce your child’s fear, and create a situation that is more difficult to overcome.
The next best thing is to praise them for their participation in class. We are going to tell them how brave and what a big boy or girl they are, but we are certain that these compliments will have a greater impact coming from you!
What level should my child sign up for?
Parent and Child swim lesson levels are determined by age.
- Parent and Child 1 (ages 6-24 months and parent or guardian)
Enjoy being in the water with your child and build swimming readiness by emphasizing fun in the water for children ages 6 to 24 months old accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Parent and Child 2: (ages 2 to 5 years old and parent or guardian)
Enjoy being in the water with your child and build swimming readiness by emphasizing fun in the water for children ages 2 to 5 years old accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Registration tip: Students, ages 3 to 5, that can demonstrate basic aquatic skills and are comfortable without a parent in the class may register for Preschool swim lessons.
Preschool and School age swim lessons are determined by ability.
- Preschool Levels 1 through 3 for three to five year-olds are offered in a group format with four students per instructor for eight 30-minute lessons. The skills taught in these levels are the same skills taught in Levels 1 through 3 in the school age program but the teaching techniques are adapted to the characteristics of preschoolers.
- Levels 1 through 6 for school-age children are offered in a group format with five students per instructor for eight 45-minute lessons. These levels are also offered in a semi-private format with two students per instructor or in a private format. Semi-private and private lessons consist of eight 30-minute lessons. Group lessons with only one or two students registered will be 30 minutes in length.
The requirements for the American Red Cross swim lesson levels are:
Preschool Level 1/Level 1 - Introduction to Water Skills
Purpose: Helps students feel comfortable in the water.
Level 1 participants learn to:
- Enter and exit the water safely
- Submerge mouth, nose and eyes
- Exhale underwater through mouth and nose
- Open eyes underwater, pick up submerged object
- Float on front and back with support
- Roll from front to back, back to front with support
- Explore arm and hand movements with support
- Swim on front and back using arm and leg actions with support
- Follow basic water safety rules
- Use a life jacket
Comparisons to other swim lesson programs:
- Preschool Level 1 = YMCA Pike
- Level 1 = YMCA Polliwog
- Preschool Level 1 = Family Swim School Tadfin
- Preschool Level 1 = Foss Little 1
- Level 1 = Foss Middle 1
- Preschool Level 1 = Wise Swim School Mini Dolphins 1
Preschool Level 2/Level 2 - Fundamental Aquatic Skills
Purpose: Gives students success with fundamental skills.
Level 2 participants learn to:
- Enter the water by stepping or jumping from the side
- Exit the water safely using ladder or side
- Submerge entire head
- Open eyes underwater, pick up a submerged object
- Float on front and back
- Perform front and back glide
- Roll from front to back, back to front
- Swim on side
- Swim on front and back using combined strokes
- Tread water using arm and leg motions
- Swim while wearing a life jacket
Comparisons to other swim lesson programs:
- Preschool Level 2 = YMCA Eel, Ray
- Level 2 = YMCA Guppy
- Preschool Level 2 = Family Swim School Jellyfin
- Preschool Level 2 = Foss Little 2 Beginner and Little 2 Advanced
- Level 2 = Foss Middle 2
- Preschool Level 2 = Wise Swim School Mini Dolphins 2
- Level 2 = Wise Swim School Junior Dolphins 1
Preschool Level s/Level 3 - Stroke Development
Purpose: Builds on the skills in Level 2 through additional guided practice.
Level 3 participants learn to:
- Jump into deep water from the side
- Dive from a kneeling position
- Submerge and retrieve an object
- Bob with the head fully submerged
- Change from horizontal to vertical position on front and back
- Use rotary breathing in horizontal position
- Front and back glide
- Survival float
- Front and back crawl
- Butterfly—kick and body motion
- HELP and Huddle position with lifejackets
- Reaching assist
- Check-Call-Care for an emergency
Comparisons to other swim lesson programs:
- Preschool Level 3 = YMCA Starfish
- Level 3 = YMCA Minnow
- Preschool Level 3 = Family Swim School Starfin
- Level 3 = Family Swim School Swordfin
- Preschool Level 3 = Foss Little 3
- Level 3 = Foss Middle 3
- Preschool Level 3 = Wise Swim School Mini Dolphins 3
- Level 3 = Wise Swim School Junior Dolphins 2 or Super Dolphins 1
Level 4 - Stroke Improvement
Purpose: Develops confidence in the skills learned and improves other aquatic skills. Level 4 - Part 1 skills include the front crawl and back crawl and the kicks for the remainder of the strokes. Level 4 - Part 2 completes the work on all Level 4 requirements.
Level 4 participants learn to:
- Perform shallow dive or dive from stride position
- Swim underwater
- Tread water using sculling arm motions and kick
- Feet-first surface dive
- Open turns on front and back using any stroke
- Front and back crawl
- Breaststroke
- Butterfly
- Elementary backstroke
- Swim on side using scissors-like kick
- Use safe diving rules
- Perform compact jump into water from a height while wearing a life jacket
- Throwing assist
- Care for a conscious choking victim
Comparisons to other swim lesson programs:
- Level 4 = YMCA Fish
- Level 4 = Family Swim School Kingfin
- Level 4 = Foss Big 1
- Level 4 = Wise Swim School Junior Dolphins 3, Super Dolphins 2 or Super Dolphins 3
Level 5 - Stroke Refinement
Purpose: Provides further coordination and refinement of strokes.
Level 5 participants learn to:
- Tread water with two different kicks
- Survival swimming
- Standing dive
- Shallow dive, glide two body lengths and begin any front stroke
- Tuck and pike surface dives
- Front flip turn
- Backstroke flip turn
- Front and back crawl
- Butterfly
- Breaststroke
- Elementary backstroke
- Sidestroke
- Rescue breathing
Comparisons to other swim lesson programs:
- Level 5 = YMCA Flying Fish
- Level 5 = Family Swim School Superfin
- Level 5 = Foss Big 2
- Level 5 = Wise Swim School Racing Dolphins 1
Level 6 - Swimming and Skill Proficiency: Personal Water Safety
Purpose: Refines the strokes so students swim them with ease, efficiency, power and smoothness over greater distances.
Level 6 participants learn to:
- Tread water with two different kicks
- Survival swimming
- Rescue breathing
- Tuck and pike surface dives
- Float and tread water for an extended period of time
- Swim while clothed
- Front flip turn
- Backstroke flip turn
- Front and back crawl
- Butterfly
- Breaststroke
- Elementary backstroke
- Sidestroke
Comparisons to other swim lesson programs:
- Level 6 = YMCA Shark
- Level 6 = Family Swim School Steelfin
- Level 6 = Foss Big 3
- Level 6 = Wise Swim School Racing Dolphins 2
Comparison to Other Swim Lesson Programs
Although the content of the swim lesson programs are not identical the following comparisons will provide the best transition to the Red Cross Learn to Swim program.
American Red Cross |
YMCA |
Family Swim School |
Foss Swim School |
Wise Swim School |
Preschool Level 1 |
Pike |
Tadfin |
Little 1 |
Mini Dolphins 1 |
Level 1 |
Polliwog |
|
Middle 1 |
|
Preschool Level 2 |
Eel, Ray |
Jellyfin |
Little 2 Beginner
Little 2 Advanced |
Mini Dolphins 2 |
Level 2 |
Guppy |
|
Middle 2 |
Junior Dolphins 1 |
Preschool Level 3 |
Starfish |
Starfin |
Little 3 |
Mini Dolphins 3 |
Level 3 |
Minnow |
Swordfin |
Middle 3 |
Junior Dolphins 2
Super Dolphins 1 |
Level 4 |
Fish |
Kingfin |
Big 1 |
Junior Dolphins 3
Super Dolphins 2
Super Dolphins 3 |
Level 5
Or REVolution Swimming |
Flying Fish |
Superfin |
Big 2 |
Racing Dolphins 1 |
Level 6
Or REVolution Swimming |
Shark |
Steelfin |
Big 3 |
Racing Dolphins 2 |
Why group lessons? Aren’t private lessons better for my child?
Group lessons are an effective and fun way for most children to learn to swim. Group lessons work well for children who are ready to learn in a small group setting and are motivated by group interactions. The small group format is beneficial because of the social interaction it allows, as well as the opportunities it provides for students to learn from watching each other. When children see one of their peers try something new they tend to become inspired to perform the task themselves.
While semi-private and private lessons may be good in the short term to boost a child who is stuck on a learning plateau, these classes may not be as enjoyable for the child as they lack the student interactions that occur in a group class. Parents must take into account their child’s temperament and learning style when making this decision as some children may need the closer attention of the instructor to keep them focused on the tasks.
How is my child doing in class? How do I know what level to register for next?
If you are concerned about your child’s performance, talk to the instructor. They are happy to give you feedback about your child’s abilities in the class as well as what he or she may need to work on. Please remember to talk to the instructor before or after lessons so as not to interrupt the class.
Progress reports are issued at the middle and end of each session. If your child has accomplished the required skills, your instructor will designate this on his report card. Do not expect your child to advance levels every session. Our levels span a wide variety of skills that are typically not learned in just 4 or even 8 weeks.
What is the recommended age for children in a public pool to be required to have adult supervision when swimming?
There is no recommended standard. Each aquatic facility sets there own policy on when a child can swim without adult supervision. The Red Cross recommends that parents watch children around any water, no matter how well the child can swim and no matter how shallow the water.
What water toys are safe?
While water toys are fun accessories to bring to the beach or pool, the only truly safe water accessory is a personal flotation device (PFD) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (check for the Coast Guard stamp). Kids and adults who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable toys for safety should wear US Coast Guard-approved PFD whenever they are in or around the water. Each person should have the appropriate PFD for his or her weight, which is found clearly marked in the Coast Guard stamp. Other flotation devices may provide a false sense of security and should not be relied upon for safety. It’s vital that parents and caregivers know the difference between toys and proper safety gear.
No matter what a child is wearing and no matter what flotation items are at hand, he or she should never be left unattended in or around the water. Parents should always practice “reach supervision” with any child up through the age of four. This means that the parent needs to be within arm’s length of the child at all times.
Despite what mom always told you, there is no specific time you must wait before heading back into the water. Instead the rule of thumb is to use common sense about swimming and eating. Before beginning any strenuous activity after eating, including swimming, you should feel comfortable, not sluggish or tired.
Going back in before your body has properly digested your meal—and the emphasis here is on “your” since this is an individual variable—could make you susceptible to cramping or exhaustion, both of which interfere with your ability to swim and stay safe in the water.
Also make sure that you stay well hydrated while having fun in the summer sun. Dehydration is dangerous and can lead to cramps and/or fatigue. Drink lots of water and avoid alcoholic and/or caffeinated beverages.
District 196 offers adult swim lessons in a variety of formats. Lessons are offered in the evenings in a group format. Semi-private (two people per instructor) or private lessons can be arranged also. Adult swim lessons for women only are also offered on a regular basis. Adult Swim Training is another option for those that want to improve their strokes for competitive events such as triathlons or for those that just want to swim laps more efficiently
While your home pool or local waterfront may meet the top standards for water safety, you must also prepare for the unexpected by taking first aid and CPR training.
Can I be on the deck to observe my child’s swim lessons?
For safety reasons and to limit distractions we do not allow parents on the deck. Parents are welcome to observe from the pool balcony.
What locker room facilities are available?
We have locker rooms with lockers and showers. Please supply your own lock if you wish to leave items in the locker room during the lessons. We are not responsible for lost or stolen items. Boys and girls over the age of 5 must go to the proper locker rooms for showers and changing. Being a school facility we do not have family locker rooms. If you need special arrangements please talk to the manager to request the use of a restroom facility for assisting your child with dressing.
What if my child is sick?
If your child has a fever, or any stomach or digestion problems, they are too sick for swim class. If they have a runny nose or a cough, swimming can actually be good for them. In fact, the warm water can help clear their sinuses and make them feel better!
My child has asthma, can he swim?
This decision needs to be made according to the recommendation of your doctor. If your child has asthma, please let the instructor know and bring the inhaler to all swim lessons.
My son can’t swim, what happens if he drinks some swimming pool water?
The swimming pool water is chlorinated water but not sterile water so students are encouraged to not drink the water. Some diseases such as giardia and cryptosporidium can occasionally be transmitted in the water.
Do you offer make-ups or credits for missed classes?
We do not offer refunds, credits, or make-ups for missed classes. We will have a qualified instructor waiting for your child each week. If your child is unable to attend, we look forward to seeing your child at the next scheduled lesson. Consistency is one of the keys to our program. We ask that you do your best to regularly bring your child to swim lessons.
If we cancel a class due to severe weather or pool maintenance issues, we will attempt to provide a make-up class.
Can I change my child’s class to a different day and/or time?
Transfers may be done prior to the start of the class and early in the session. We consider it important to have consistency with the same instructor for a full session so we are reluctant to transfer students after the start of a session of swim lessons. When a student becomes comfortable with an instructor, the student becomes more receptive to learning new techniques. For this reason, we strive to keep consistency in our staff and their schedules. Your child will likely develop a bond with his or her instructor.
What is your cancellation policy?
- Cancellations at least five working days prior to the first class will receive program credit less a $10 processing fee.
- Cancellations fewer than five working days prior to the start and up to the mid-point will receive program credit for half the class cost less a $10 processing fee. No refunds or credits issued after the mid-point of the class.
- Refunds for Red Cross courses will be subject to a processing fee; $25 for WSI, LGI, Lifeguarding, $10 for all others.
- Program credit may be used for any family member.
- Transfers may not be done online. Call 651-683-6879 for assistance with transfers.
- Make-up classes are not available when participants are unable to attend their scheduled class(es).
- We reserve the right to adjust the length of classes, combine classes or cancel classes with low enrollment.
- We reserve the right to reschedule classes that are canceled for issues out of our control such as severe weather or pool maintenance issues.
How do I know if classes are canceled for bad weather?
If District 196 schools are closed for the day, all daytime and after-school Community Education activities are canceled. A decision about Community Education evening activities will be made by mid-afternoon. For information: visit www.district196.org; call the information line at 651-423-7777 or tune in to WCCO TV/Radio.
May I register for classes on line?
Yes, with MasterCard or VISA at http://ce.district196.org/perficio/online/default.aspx
What should I bring to swim class?
- Swimsuit
- Towel
- Toiletries
- Swim cap or something to keep long hair or bangs out of children’s eyes.
- A fitted reusable swim diaper or a disposable swim diaper is required for all children that are not toilet-trained.
- A positive attitude
Does my child need ear plugs, nose clips or goggles?
Ear plugs and nose clips should not be worn unless medically required by your doctor. To be prepared for an accidental fall in the water, your child needs to get used to the feel of water in the ears and eyes and learn to keep water out of the nose. Once comfortable opening the eyes under water, the instructor will allow the use of goggles. If you wish to bring your own goggles, be sure to write your child’s name on them in permanent marker and come with them adjusted for proper fit.
What about ear drops?
Children who swim regularly sometimes get water trapped in the ear which can lead to an infection called "swimmer's ear". Follow your doctor's instructions.
Will my child have the same teacher for every class?
Our instructors keep the same schedules every week. This aids the learning process for your child. From time to time our instructors do become ill or have personal issues arise that cause them to miss class. We work hard to schedule substitute instructors on those occasions. When possible, we ask the instructors to leave notes on each class so the substitute will know what your child is working on as well as any quirky extras that your child may be familiar and comfortable with. Please give your child's substitute a chance. You may be surprised at his or her slightly different techniques and their ability to help your child overcome obstacles that had previously been a cause for struggle. We cannot issue refunds or credits in the event that your child refuses to swim with a substitute instructor.
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I'm signed up, but I don't know what to do on my first day of class.
On the first day all parents and children will meet on the pool deck for introductions and a brief explanation of policies. In order to make the best use of our pool time the full list of policies will be available on a handout. Instructors will be introduced and students will be directed to their instructors.
The following guidelines are designed to help provide a positive experience for your child:
- Parents are responsible for their children until the instructor starts the class and immediately after the class is finished. Please keep your children away from the water until the class is scheduled to begin.
- Parents are encouraged to attend a brief first-day orientation. Please go with your child to his/her class. Once class has begun, parents are to observe the lessons from the balcony.
- Introduce yourself to your child’s instructor and check frequently with the instructor regarding your child’s progress.
- If your child has any special needs, discuss them with the instructor and manager. It is helpful if you can offer suggestions as to how we can best serve the needs of your child.
- If you have any questions or concerns, please discuss them with the instructor and/or the manager as soon as possible. We would like to address problems as soon as they occur.
- Children over the age of five are not allowed in the opposite gender locker room. If your child (opposite gender) is older than 5 and you wish to assist him/her, please ask the manager about arrangements to use a restroom for changing purposes.
- For safety reasons, please enter and exit the locker rooms from the pool deck. All other access doors to the locker rooms will be locked.
- Level classes will run 45 minutes. Classes with only one or two participants will run for 30 minutes.
- Please ensure that your children take a shower and use the bathroom before their lesson.
- For safety reasons: Hand-held hair dryers are prohibited. Please remove jewelry.
- All tobacco and/or alcohol products are prohibited on school grounds.
- Class make-up policy: We are unable to provide make-up lessons for people who have to miss because of schedule conflicts. If a lesson is cancelled due to severe weather we will attempt to provide a make-up lesson whenever possible. Call the Aquatics Information Line (651-683-6875) when the weather is questionable.
- Reference our catalog for refund information or call our office at 651-683-6879.
What is the size of the pool?
6 lanes in width
25 yards in length
How warm is the pool water?
The pools are kept at 84 degrees with the exception of the pools that are used for the high school swim teams. These pools are kept at 81 degrees during the high school swim seasons.
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Fees and Schedules
