Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can I enroll my child?
They can begin as early as 8 months old. If your child is not walking yet, he/she will learn the rollback-to-float technique. Infants in this age group are taught the survival skills of rotating from a face down to a face up position; then independently maintain a floating posture to rest and breathe until help arrives. When fully skilled, children have the ability to remain in this posture for an extended period of time without becoming exhausted because they are floating naturally. Lessons are conducted one-on-one with an instructor, 4 days per week (Monday through Thursday). Each lesson is approximately 8-10 minutes in length. All lessons have a performance based exit, not a time based exit. When your instructor observes the beginning stages of physical fatigue, the lesson is concluded for that day. Students generally master the rollback-to-float skill in approximately 4 to 5 weeks. Students are required to attend all lessons at their same scheduled time. Each child is different so the lessons are tailored to your child’s progress and abilities. Parents, guardians, or caretakers can observe lessons from the pool deck. Please contact your instructor for pricing information. Fees vary from state to state and are set by each individual instructor.
What skills will my child learn?
From 13 months to 8 years old, once your child has been walking for 6 weeks, he/she will learn the swim-float-swim sequence. They will learn to propel themselves through the water, independently, in a head-down position for approximately 3 to 5 seconds. When they feel the need to breathe, they will be trained to roll to their back in a floating position, float independently for 3 to 5 seconds, then flip over and swim for another 3 to 5 seconds. They can continue this sequence several times until they are able to reach safety. Our instructors will teach the basic skills, and with some reinforcement at home, your child will have all the needed confidence to potentially save themselves from an aquatic accident. It is a motor skill that will improve with consistent repetition and practice. You may notice that your child will learn some skills quickly, but then be hesitant to learn other new skills. This is perfectly normal for children. The initial primary focus of lessons is the rotation from face-down to face-up, which will provide even the youngest “swimmers” a lifesaving skill while they are becoming developmentally ready for other swimming behaviors.
How long does it take to obtain these skills?
The average child takes approximately 28 to 32 lessons to successfully obtain the swim-float-swim sequence. This is roughly 7 to 8 weeks of uninterrupted instruction (Monday-Thursday with no absences or rain days). Every child is different so lessons are tailored to their individual needs; therefore, an exact timeline is difficult to predict. Each child progresses differently due to the different stages of development, personality, and coordination. We take a gentle and loving approach while expecting them to complete reasonable tasks that help them build upon and improve their skills daily. Each lesson is approximately 8-10 minutes in length. All lessons have a performance based exit, not a time based exit. When your instructor observes the beginning stages of physical fatigue, the lesson is concluded for that day. Each child is different so the lessons are tailored to your child’s progress and abilities. Parents, guardians, or caretakers can observe lessons from the pool deck. Please contact your instructor for pricing information. Fees vary from state to state and are set by each individual instructor.
When can my child learn swim strokes?
From ages 6 to 10 years old. For most young children, swimming is a recreational sport. Children just want to swim for fun. If your child is at least 6 years old and has mastered the swim-float-swim sequence for at least 3 years, we will schedule them for stroke lessons. This requires maximum effort/dedication on your child’s part because if a grown child does not want to learn, it is virtually impossible to teach them. Younger children and babies can be physically manipulated to learn skills, bigger kids cannot. Your child will first be assessed by a swimsprout instructor to ensure he/she is eager and ready to learn. They will learn the basic freestyle stroke, proper kicking for a streamline swim, and focus on improved breathing techniques. Lessons are 20 minutes long, twice per week. Please contact your instructor for pricing information. Fees vary from state to state and are set by each individual instructor.
Do you teach adults?
Yes. Lessons are usually offered twice per year; during in the spring and fall. Adult lessons are offered at the end of each day, when the young children are out of the pool.
What is the cost of lessons?
Please contact your instructor for pricing information. Fees vary from state to state and are set by each individual instructor.
The registration fee is $100 for each new student, or $40 for returning students. These fees are used to cover medical reviews and insurance requirements. Each new student will also receive a swimsprout t-shirt and bag upon registering.
Stroke Development
The cost for two 20-minute sessions a week & the registration fee for stroke development lessons - price may vary per instructor.
Adult Lessons
The cost for two 1-hour sessions a week - price may vary per instructor.
How can non-verbal children learn?
Through trial and error and muscle memory; just like when they learn to walk. Swimming and floating are taught with motor skills. Children do not learn through verbal instruction until age of 5.
Will my child cry during lessons?
Yes, most likely. Crying is a form of communication for non-verbal children.There are different reasons for crying and different degrees of crying. In the beginning, a child experiences a level of anxiety with a new instructor, but generally, the child learns to trust their instructor very quickly. Crying shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Our instructors are trained to focus on the various degrees of crying and will address them and discuss any concerns you might have.
Will lessons make my child fearful of the water?
No. Your child will learn respect for the water.
What if my child has a medical condition?
If you believe your child has any medical condition that might reasonably affect his/her safe participation in lessons, please explain the condition in your enrollment form and have your child’s physician provide a written clearance to swim before lessons begin.
Can my child swim with ear tubes?
Yes, but they will need to be cleared by an ENT if tubes were installed within 45 days of enrollment. A written release must be submitted to swimsprout at least one week prior to the start of lessons.
Does my child need plugs while swimming?
If your child has ear tubes, please make sure to consult your child’s physician for their recommendation before your child’s first lesson.
What if my child has special needs?
If you believe your child may have a special need that may affect lessons, please call to schedule an appointment
to meet prior to scheduling lessons. Children that have been accepted into the program have had Autism, Down Syndrome,
Mild cases of Cerebral Palsy and Hypotonia. There will be a very detailed screening and clearances from any and all specialists that
treat your children may required prior to the start of lessons.