Lessons FAQ
How long will it take for my child to swim?
It is impossible to determine how long a child will take to learn to swim. Some factors which will affect the learning process are age, physical development of the child, playtime in the pool, frequency of lessons, and parental style/approach to swimming. Many two year olds can swim around the pool breathing independently after 2-3 months with two lessons per week. Each child learns at his or her own pace, thus it is impossible to determine how long it will take the child to swim across the pool independently.
When should I start my child in formal swimming lessons?
We recommend that children be exposed to swimming in a Baby and Me class as early as 6 months of age. This is particularly important for the child who is around a pool or body of water. Formal swim lessons can start as soon as the child can walk confidently. Swimming lessons prior to age four significantly reduces the chance of drowning. (American Medical Association Archives of Pediatric Medicine 2009).
What should my child wear to swim lessons?
Children under three (and older if not fully potty-trained) must wear a disposable swim diaper AND a plastic-lined swimsuit/diaper. The plastic-lined diaper is provided with the registration fee. Girls or boys with hair that is long enough to impede breathing or drip excessively in the face must wear a bathing cap. Don’t forget a big fluffy towel (or two).
Does my child need goggles?
We discourage goggles during the learning process so children don’t get used to them. Remember, when children accidentally fall in a pool they are very seldom wearing goggles. Instructors have goggles to use whenever necessary.
What if my child is scared or cries during the lesson?
Our teachers are trained to work with even the most fearful or nervous swimmers. Reassure your child and stay calm and then let the instructor work with your child. Some children experience separation anxiety or fear of a new place which both will diminish with time. Fear of the water is common with older children. Over the years we have developed many strategies to work through and overcome a student’s fears and anxiety. We recommend that you do not pull your child out of the pool during a lesson or stop lessons altogether. This can be detrimental because it allows the fear to be reinforced without giving the lessons a chance to work and the instructor the opportunity to alleviate the student’s fears. Your child’s safety is our top priority. Please be patient and allow the instructors and staff to do what we do best – teaching every child to learn to swim and love to swim!
What if my child is sick – should I bring him/her to the swim lesson?
It depends upon the level of illness. However, if your child is showing flu-like symptoms, has a fever, or any stomach or digestion problems, we request that they do not attend swim lessons.
If I miss, can I get a make-up lesson?
Yes. If you have private lessons, you are eligible for free make-up lessons. To get your make-up lesson, you must cancel your regularly schduled lesson in advance. Make-ups are not available for "no show" lessons. Your make-ups expire once you are no longer taking swim lessons, so be sure you have all your make-up lessons caught up before you stop or take a break from lessons. Make-up lessons can only be scheduled three days in advance. We do not provide make-up lessons for group lessons or swim team.
What is the water temperature?
Our indoor pool is kept between 86 and 88 and our outdoor pool is 90 degrees. By keeping the temperature warm, the child does not have to “get used to” the water, but can begin learning right away.
How do I sign-up? When can I start?
You can enroll in swimming lessons at the Daland Swim School office. There is some paperwork that needs to be completed in person. Tuition is paid at the time of enrollment, so bring a check, cash, VISA or Mastercard. You may start any time. Our office is open seven days-a-week, so come by and find an available lesson time that is convenient for you.
What is the minimum number of lessons that I must commit to?
For learn-to-swim students, expect to commit to lessons for two months. For once per week students, that is approximately eight lessons. We believe that it is important to commit to the process and allow time for the Daland teaching progression to work.
Can I change my day or time?
Just give us a call. During the current month, the office staff will help you move from your regular lesson time to another more convenient lesson time that is appropriate for the student. Your previous time will then be available to other customers.
If you want to keep your regular spot, but just change for a particular day, we can do that if you are enrolled in private lessons (not groups). Call the office and cancel your regular time (before it starts) and then work with the office to find you a free make-up lesson.
We can also help if you need to move your regular spot in an upcoming month, but the best strategy is to call the swim school office and find out the best way to do it given your specific circumstances.
When will my child be drown-proofed or “water safe”??
At Daland Swim School we believe that there is no such thing as “drown-proofed” or “water safe.” We teach students swimming skills and love and respect for the water. No one is ever completely water safe. Close, attentive supervision by an adult who knows how to swim (and perhaps CPR as well) is always recommended when children are in the water.
Daland supports the Swim For Life Foundation and follows the Safer-3 for drowning prevention. 1. Safer kids: give them swim lessons. 2. Safer water: fence your pool, lock your gate. 3. Safer response: know what to do in an emergency, learn CPR.
When will my child be ready for a group lesson?
A student is ready for a group lesson when she is at least three and can jump in the pool and swim across happily, taking breaths.
Do you teach children with special needs?
Yes. Often, children with special needs exhibit an incredible joy while swimming and it can be instrumental in their development. If your child has special needs, please communicate with the office staff and the instructor about their individual needs. The more information the instructor has, the more effectively the swim lesson will be.
What do the lessons cost?
Our fees are as low as $104 per month for once-a-week group lessons. The cost is more for private lessons and can vary slightly according to day and instructor. Each student pays an annual registration fee that covers their enrollments for the full calendar year. Please call the office for more detailed information.
What can I do to make my child comfortable in the water?
The bathtub is a great place to enjoy water play and to help a child become more comfortable with the water. Many skills can be practiced in a bathtub. Don’t be afraid to pour water over your child’s head and face. We also encourage the parent to take their child in a pool as often as possible. Exposure to swimming and having fun in the pool is the best way to mitigate or eliminate any fear of water or swimming.
Do you teach adults?
Absolutely. We believe that all adults should know how to swim comfortably across the pool. It is particularly important for parents, to help insure the safety of their children. We have instructors who are trained to help swimming adults perfect their strokes and prepare students for competition in open water and triathlon.