frequently asked questions
DO YOU OFFER SWIM LESSONS IN THE EVENINGS OR WEEKENDS?
Our lessons usually take place during the week due to the availability of our instructors. With that said, we do our best to accommodate our students' schedules and will find a time that works best for our students and instructors.
DO YOUR LESSONS APPLY FOR ALL AGES?
Yes! We offer lessons that range from ages 12 months to adults.
We teach the basics of swimming for our new swimmers, as well as stroke development for our more advanced swimmers that just want more guidance and growth. When you sign up for lessons, we will discuss your swim goals for the session and tailor your instructor and lessons to achieving those goals.
IS IT NORMAL FOR MY CHILD TO CRY DURING LESSONS?
Absolutely! They are trying something new and that can be scary. We mix in games and toys with our teaching methods to lessen the scary factor, while still teaching the swim basics. Floating is usually a scary concept for our younger students, but we make sure to work in 5 second segments to build comfortability until they can master the skill themselves. We are also big believers of positive reinforcement, and each instructor is trained to be uplifting and supportive of each student.
HOW LONG DO LESSONS LAST?
Most lessons last 20 minutes, but longer lessons are available upon request or based on the age and needs of the student.
DO YOU DO GROUP LESSONS?
After teaching a variety of lessons, we have found that our one-on-one method works best for retention.
If you have multiple children you would like to sign up together, we will always make sure their lessons are back-to-back.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE AN INSTRUCTOR FOR MY CHILD'S LESSON?
We put a lot of thought, time, and consideration into each student's needs and learning styles. Each of our instructors goes through an extensive hiring process where we focus on their backgrounds, teaching styles, and specialties. Our instructors have a shadowing process they complete as well as monitored lessons before becoming an Anchor Aquatics SSC instructor. This process gives us a clear picture of where they specialize, age ranges they excel with, and teaching techniques they use.
Once we know their strengths, we do our best to pair each student with an instructor that will bring out the best in each swimmer.
WHEN DO YOU RECOMMEND STARTING FOR AN INFANT?
We recommend parents getting in the water with their children as early as 4-6 months to help familiarize them with the water.
Lessons are recommended to start around 12-16 months old.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE LESSON?
We recommend bringing a towel, goggles if your child has a pair they like, and hair ties for longer hair.
Before the lesson, we recommend applying sunscreen 15-20 minutes beforehand,
making sure bladders are empty, and hair tied up and out of their face.
If you do not have goggles, we always carry extra in our swim bags along with the toys we use during lessons.
WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING MY CHILD'S LESSON?
Sit back and enjoy a little break. We always love parent's that encourage their kids, especially when they accomplish one of their swim goals. It's always good to listen to the cue words our instructors use, to be able to help reinforce them between lessons.
HAVE YOU EVER TAUGHT A CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS OR MEDICAL ISSUES?
Yes, but each child's needs are unique, and our priority is the safety of each child.
We consult with parents about the needs of each swimmer and assess if we are a good fit for each student.
DO YOU TEACH YEAR ROUND?
Yes, if you have access to a heated pool.
DO YOU HELP KIDS WHO HAVE A FEAR OF WATER?
Yes! We take a very gentle and purposeful approach with a child that is dealing with a fear of water.
Our goal is to develop their skills and confidence in the water while showing them that water can be fun when you know you are safe.
HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK SHOULD WE DO LESSONS?
At least once a week, but repetition helps! If you want your child swimming in a shorter amount of time,
we suggest doing 2-3 lessons a week.
WHAT IS YOUR DIAPER POLICY?
We teach kids with swim diapers or liners.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFICATIONS OF YOUR INSTRUCTORS?
All of our instructors have been certified through the World Wide Swim School.
They have passed background checks, CPR or Lifeguard Certification, as well as a history of swim.
All of our instructors have a history of swimming competitively or a background in education.