Frequently Asked Questions

Survival Swim is a specialized approach to swimming instruction that focuses on teaching essential water survival skills, particularly for infants, toddlers, and young children. The primary goal of Survival Swim is to equip children with the ability to independently float and breathe in the water, enhancing their chances of self-rescue in case of accidental submersion.

Key components of Survival Swim typically include:

Floatation Skills: Children are taught to assume a specific floating position on their backs, allowing them to stay afloat and conserve energy. Floating on the back is considered a crucial survival skill, as it enables a child to breathe while awaiting assistance.

Breath Control: Survival Swim emphasizes teaching children how to control their breath and float on their backs to prevent drowning. This skill is particularly important for young children who may find themselves in the water unexpectedly.

Water Safety Awareness: In addition to practical skills, Survival Swim often includes instruction on water safety awareness. This may involve educating children about potential dangers around water and promoting a healthy respect for aquatic environments.

Gradual Skill Progression: Survival Swim programs typically follow a structured progression, introducing skills gradually and building upon them as children become more proficient. This approach allows for a systematic development of water survival abilities.

Individualized Instruction: Survival Swim often involves individualized or small group instruction to ensure that each child receives personalized attention. This enables instructors to tailor the lessons to the specific needs and abilities of each child.

Survival Swim is not a traditional swimming lesson in the sense of stroke development or competitive swimming. Instead, it prioritizes fundamental survival skills that can be crucial in emergencies.

The recommended age for starting Survival Swim lessons can vary among swim schools and instructors, but it is generally advisable to begin these lessons when children are infants or toddlers. Our Survival Swim program is designed to cater to children as young as ten months old.

Starting at a young age allows children to develop water survival skills early on, and it is believed that infants can learn to float on their backs and acquire basic water safety skills through gentle and age-appropriate instruction.

While 10-minute lessons may appear brief, it's important to understand that each session is a private one-on-one experience, ensuring your child receives the full attention of their instructor. This approach is intentional and grounded in several reasons:

Firstly, research supports the idea that young children learn most effectively through repetition and consistency. Shorter, more frequent lessons have been shown to enhance retention, providing an optimal learning structure.

Secondly, acknowledging the limited attention spans of most children, breaking down the lessons into shorter durations allows us to capitalize on their peak attentive periods. This strategic approach ensures that each moment of the lesson is impactful and engaging.

Thirdly, the 10-minute duration helps mitigate the risks associated with physical fatigue promoting a safer and more comfortable learning environment.

In essence, the seemingly brief duration of each lesson is purposeful, designed to maximize learning effectiveness while prioritizing the safety and well-being of your child throughout their Survival Swim experience.

The duration of Survival Swim lessons lasts 10 minutes per session. The shorter duration is often recommended for younger children or infants due to their attention spans and the intensity of the lessons.

In Survival Swim lessons, the instructor-to-child ratio is typically one-on-one, regardless of whether the lessons are for an individual student or a group class. This personalized approach allows the instructor to focus specifically on the needs and progress of each child, ensuring that they receive individualized attention and guidance.

Reasonable notice is needed for cancellations to receive approved makeup classes. If the instructor arrives without advanced notice of cancellation the course will not be made up.

MAKEUP CLASSES are given only for the following reasons: Sick days with reasonable notice when the pool is not functional with reasonable notice (pool green, pump broken, heater broken, etc.). Extreme weather (heavy rain, lightning, temperatures under 70 degrees). Vacation days with reasonable notice. Class canceled on behalf of Aqua Fit, LLC for any other reason

Makeup classes must be scheduled within 1 year after completion of the initial program agreed upon. These classes will expire if not used within this period. 

Survival Swim programs emphasize the importance of regular and consistent lessons to strengthen skills and facilitate the learning process. In our program, classes are scheduled from Monday to Friday, providing structured instruction over a consecutive six-week period.

We do not offer a trial lesson or assessment as part of our Survival Swim program. This decision is based on the recognition that a short trial period is insufficient for accurately assessing the effectiveness of the program. The nature of Survival Swim involves a gradual progression of skills, and a brief trial may not provide a genuine representation of a child's abilities or demonstrate the program's objectives adequately. We prioritize the comprehensive and progressive learning experience that our full program offers for the optimal development of essential water survival skills.

We are pleased to offer a variety of swimming programs designed to cater to different needs and skill levels. Please refer to our services page. 

The duration of each swimming lesson can vary based on the specific program. Our classes are designed with flexibility to accommodate different needs and skill levels. The duration typically ranges anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes per lesson, depending on the program.

Shorter durations may be suitable for certain programs, especially those catering to younger children or individuals with specific goals, while longer sessions may be scheduled for programs that require more in-depth instruction or skill refinement.

For precise information on the duration of lessons for a particular program, we recommend checking the details on our services page. 

Certainly! In our Survival Swim program, classes are scheduled on a one-on-one basis, providing an intimate and focused learning environment. We also value the importance of parent involvement and observation.

On Fridays, we host "Fun Friday," a special session where parents have the opportunity to join us. During Fun Friday, our instructors demonstrate effective ways to practice with the child over the weekend, allowing parents to actively participate in their child's learning journey. It's a great chance for parents to witness their little one's progress, showcasing any new skills acquired throughout the week.

Moreover, Fun Friday serves as a relaxed and enjoyable session, offering a positive end to the week. It's especially beneficial if the child has been a bit fussy during the week, as it provides them with a fun and exciting experience to look forward to. This interactive approach enhances the parent-child connection and contributes to a supportive and engaging learning atmosphere.

There are no additional costs or hidden fees associated with the registration for our Survival Swim program. We believe in transparency and ensuring that families can confidently plan for their participation in the program without unexpected expenses. The registration fee covers all necessary elements for your child's participation, and there are no supplementary charges beyond the standard lesson fees. If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out to our team, and we'll be happy to assist you.

Our swim school operates with a unique approach to refunds as we prioritize the goal of bringing peace and reducing anxiety associated with accidental drowning. We do not have a standard refund policy in place. Instead, we commit to ensuring that families receive the value they expect from our Survival Swim program.

If, at any point during the course, you feel that you are not getting the expected benefits from the classes, we have a specific process in place. In such cases, you will be charged for the classes taught up to that point. The remaining amount will be refunded.

We recognize that each family's situation is unique, and if you have concerns or reasons for considering withdrawal from the program, we encourage open communication. There is always an option to discuss the circumstances, and together we can explore potential alternatives or adjustments to better meet your needs.

Our priority is to work collaboratively with you to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience for your family throughout the Survival Swim program. If you have any questions or concerns about the refund process or your experience in the program, our team is available to assist and address any inquiries you may have.

It's not uncommon for babies or young children to cry during Survival Swim lessons, especially in the initial sessions. Crying is a natural response to a new and potentially challenging environment. Our instructors are trained to handle such situations with sensitivity and expertise.

Here's how we typically address a crying baby during Survival Swim lessons:

Assessment of Comfort Level: Our instructors will assess the baby's comfort level in the water and work to create a positive and reassuring atmosphere.

Gradual Introduction: We understand that it may take time for a baby to acclimate to the water and the lesson environment. Instructors will take a gradual approach, introducing activities at a pace that the baby can adapt to comfortably.

Parental Involvement: Parental involvement is encouraged during our Survival Swim lessons, as your presence can have a calming effect on your baby and contribute to a positive learning experience. However, we also understand that each child is unique, and their comfort levels may vary.

In some cases, if a child is highly attached to the parent or caretaker, it may be beneficial for the parent to watch from a distance initially. This approach allows the baby and the instructor to build rapport without the immediate presence of the parent. Sometimes, a child may associate crying with the likelihood of being "rescued" by the parent, making it effective for the parent to observe from a distance. This can help the child develop trust with the instructor and become more accustomed to the lesson environment.

Building Trust: Trust is a crucial element in Survival Swim. Our instructors aim to build trust with the baby by maintaining a gentle and supportive approach throughout the lesson.

Observation and Adjustment: Instructors continuously observe the baby's reactions and adjust the lesson accordingly. If necessary, the lesson plan may be modified to ensure that the baby is at ease.

Encouragement and Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement and encouragement are key components of our teaching approach. Instructors use praise and positive interactions to create a more enjoyable experience for the baby.

It's important to note that crying is a common initial reaction, and with consistent exposure and positive reinforcement, many babies gradually become more comfortable in the water. Our priority is to create a safe, supportive, and enjoyable learning environment for both the child and the parent. If you have specific concerns or questions, our instructors are always available to discuss and address them to ensure a positive experience for your baby during Survival Swim lessons.

Participation in swim lessons can have a positive impact on reducing the risk of drowning incidents, but it's essential to understand that no intervention can eliminate all risks.

Here's how swim lessons may reduce the risk of the different types of drownings:

Wet Drowning: Swim lessons that focus on water survival skills, including floating and proper breathing techniques, can significantly reduce the risk of wet drowning. Learning how to stay afloat and reach the water's surface is fundamental in preventing this type of drowning.

Dry Drowning: Swim lessons may enhance a child's ability to remain calm and handle potential situations that could lead to dry drowning. While specific techniques taught in lessons may contribute to water safety, dry drowning is more related to the body's physiological response. Swift and appropriate rescue and monitoring after any water exposure is crucial.

Secondary Drowning: Swim lessons that emphasize water safety and awareness may reduce the risk of secondary drowning. Teaching children to avoid ingesting water and promoting safe water practices can help prevent the entry of water into the lungs.

Silent Drowning: Swim lessons play a crucial role in reducing the risk of silent drowning by imparting essential swimming skills and water safety awareness. Children who have received swim lessons are generally better equipped to handle themselves in the water, reducing the likelihood of silent drowning incidents.

While swim lessons contribute positively to water safety, it's important to supplement lessons with vigilant supervision, safe practices, and an understanding of the unique risks associated with each type of drowning. Additionally, ongoing reinforcement of learned skills is essential to maintaining a child's proficiency in the water.