How do I know what level is appropriate for my child(ren)?
Please review the descriptions found HERE to determine which class may be appropriate for your child. Rather than using a formatted lesson plan, we teach to each individual child, so students may be working on different skills within a given level. Classes do have age minimums (noted on the class level description page). However, no age maximums are in place for any of our levels.
What happens if my child is sick or misses a class?
Swim Beyond's lesson policies can be reviewed on our policies page.
What should we bring to our child’s first class?
A swimsuit, towel, a swim diaper for any child not COMPLETELY potty trained, and goggles. We do have goggles and nose clips for borrowing.
Do you offer private lessons or group lessons?
Swim Beyond offers mostly group and semi-private lessons as we find that the majority of children do best in group settings. Private lessons are offered on an as needed basis. If you think your child should be in private lessons specifically, you are welcome to reach out to either Lainie or Coach Mandi to discuss your student's needs.
Are your instructors CPR and Red Cross certified, etc?
All lead instructors are trained by Swim Beyond LLC, certified in Lifeguarding, CPR, & first aid and have a minimum of 2 years of teaching experience. Many of our instructors have additional coaching and teaching certifications as well.
What if my child has separation anxiety?
In general, it is perfectly fine for parents to stay in the pool area to watch lessons. However, if a child is clinging to his/her parent, is crying a lot, or is otherwise having an especially difficult time separating from a parent, it is almost always better if that person disappears from the child's sight. When that is necessary, the child often does cry. Our instructors are trained to tell the student that their mom/dad will be back in just a little bit and then distract, distract, distract! Instructors will ask about favorite colors, what a student had for breakfast, if they have any pets, etc..... while walking around the pool and holding them. If the child does not at least start to calm down- they don't have to be perfectly happy, but we should see crying lessen and muscles begin to relax- then we will find a way to signal the parent to return. If we do ask a parent to leave- generally with a look and nod of the head, we ask that you stay nearby, but out of the child's sight. With a very nervous child, the objective of the first lesson or two is really just building a relationship of trust between the child and instructor.
NOTE: It is not uncommon for us to have to pry a child from their parents for the first few lessons. It is imperative that the parent remains upbeat, nonchalant, and reassuring as they help pass their child to the instructor. Typically, after 2-3 lessons the problem resolves itself.
How large are your classes/what is your student/instructor ratio?
- Private lessons have a 1:1 student/teacher ratio
- Semi-private lessons have a 2:1 student/teacher ratio
- Level 2/3 & 3/4 group lessons have a maximum of ratio of 4:1 student/teacher ratio for levels
- Level 4/5 group lessons have a 5:1 student/teacher ratio
- Level 5/6 & beyond have a student/teacher ratio of 5:1
- Adult learn to swim lessons are taught as private or semi-private lessons depending on demand
Do you offer any discounts or scholarships?
Multiple student discounts for children in the same family are automatically calculated upon checkout! We also offer financial aid through Swim Beyond the Boundaries, our nonprofit. For more details about financial assistance, please click HERE.
Can my children (different ages and capabilities) be in the same class?
If your children work well together and are somewhat similar levels, we should be able to accommodate them within the same class. However, we often offer several different levels at the same time or back-to-back so that families with multiple children can more easily find lessons to fit their schedule.
Do you have a swim diaper policy?
Any students not COMPLETELY potty trained must wear a plastic liner and a swim diaper. An accidental fecal release into the pool requires the pool to be shut down immediately and can cause pools to lose money and patrons to be without a pool for a day or two, so we require strict adherence to this policy.
Is there a locker room or changing room onsite?
Locker rooms and changing facilities are available at all locations.
Can I request a specific instructor for my child?
We do not accept requests for specific instructors. However, we do our best to keep students with the same instructor(s) within a given session.
