Diver Dan's Swim School
Frequently Asked Questions
 

How quickly will my child learn how to swim?
No two children are alike. Each child progresses at a different pace, has a different personality and is at a different stage of development and coordination. Some will be swimming in their first few lessons, some 5, 6 or 7 lessons and others that have a fear of water may take more. Whatever the case, we teach each student with a gentle and encouraging approach and recognize the fact that each child is unique.


How many lessons will it take my child to swim?
It depends on what you might consider swimming. Some consider just making it to the side of the pool learning to swim. At Diver Dan’s, water safety is our first priority. Our immediate goal is that every child can consistently jump in and return to the wall unassisted. The learning curve for young children fluctuates.

Twenty to thirty lessons typically will provide a suitable foundation with reference to breath control, treading water, swimming mobility, and safety awareness. Like dance or music, swimming is a process that must be nurtured and developed over time.


Why do I feel that my child is doing the same skill over and over again?
Repetition and Practice, Practice, Practice! It seems silly and even downright boring for us as adults to work with or see our children doing the same skills over and over again; but remember practicing a skill helps reduce the fear of the unknown. Practice makes perfect and repetition makes it instinct.


Why did my child progress so quickly and now is not learning anything new?
One day your child may make great improvements, but the next day may seem to have regressed. This is perfectly normal for kids. Children naturally plateau. Once they have accomplished a skill, they want to do it again and again. Why not? The child feels secure, confident, and proud of their accomplishments. Each skill is acquired and linked to a balance between large motor skill, confidence, and motivation. One should not be pushed before the other but kept in balance throughout the learning process.


Will my child have the same instructor for every lesson?
We understand that having the same instructor for each lesson will help make your child more comfortable and aid learning.  We will make every effort to have the same instructor for each lesson; however with our flexible scheduling program we cannot always guarantee that.  We are very diligent and conscientious with our individual student evaluations and lesson planning.  Please be assured that your child’s instructors will know the aquatic history of your child and the proper teaching level each and every lesson.


If my child does not get the same Instructor every lesson, how do they know what level my child is at and what he/she is working on?
Our Instructors maintain a student record file of lessons for each swimmer.  From these training records we are able to customize a lesson plan for every student, every day.  From these record files your instructor knows exactly what level your child is at and what swim skills need to be worked on.


Can I get a copy of my child’s Student Record File?
Absolutely!  Just ask your Instructor and we will be happy to make you a copy.


Why does Diver Dan’s start formal lessons at 3 years of age?
Ideally, the best age to enroll a child in formal swimming lessons is right around 3 years of age. Since we teach in a non-parent participation lesson, generally children learn better when they willingly go to someone unfamiliar, can listen and follow directions, and have the large motor skill development necessary to comprehend and acquire skills to be an independent swimmer.


What should I do with my child who is under 3 years of age?
We offer a “Nemo Classes” class to children 1.5 to 3 years old. This private only class is designed to have your child develop proper habits when they are age appropriate and ready to be in a structured formal lesson environment. The lessons are also only 15 minutes in length to accommodate their shorter attention spans and minimize their small bodies to exposure in the water (heat loss).


What if my child has a medical condition or special needs?
If you believe that your child has any form of medical condition or special needs which might reasonably affect his or her participation in swim lessons, please advise the office staff during the registration process.  A medical clearance may be required by his/her pediatrician.


What if my child is not feeling well?
If your child has a cold, but is eating well and acting as normal, you may bring him or her to class. Please do not bring a child who has a fever, is not eating, or shows signs of bacterial infection.


Does my child need ear plugs or ear drops?
Only if recommend by his/her pediatrician.


What if my child cries at lessons? Should I stop?
Not necessarily.  There are different degrees of crying.  A certain amount of crying is OK from time to time and is to be expected from most beginners. If your child begins to cry or gets upset, it may be best to observe the class from a point out of sight of your child. It may be difficult at first, but they will soon adjust.  The teacher will address the issue of crying and come up with a positive solution, so the child can conquer fears, anger, or stubbornness.  Delaying or avoiding swimming lessons can make an imagined problem only bigger.  By giving the child limited choices, the child learns, listens, and trusts the teacher being in control.


Do you offer a make-up lessons?
Yes. Each student enrolled in a set of ten lessons is permitted to change, cancel or transfer two (2) of your ten scheduled swimming lessons without a penalty. Make-up lessons must be completed within 6 months of date on registration form.


How do I change or cancel a lesson?
Please call the store or come in person to cancel or change a lesson. A 7 day notice is required for individual lesson cancellations or individual lesson changes. Any lesson that is not cancelled or changed with a 7-day notice, or a no call, no show lesson will forfeit a make-up lesson. Sorry, No Exceptions.


Can I change my child’s lessons to a different day and/or time?
To change or cancel your swimming lessons or make changes to days and/or times on your swimming lessons, a 7 day cancellation notice is required. If less than a 7 day notice, only 50% tuition will be refunded. Once lessons have been started, no refunds can be made.


What temperatures is your pool kept at?
Our pool heater is set to 89 degrees year round. During summer time the temperature may rise over 90 degrees (due to our solar heater), and may drop below 85 in winter months (due to the influence of outside air temperature).


What should I bring to swim class?
All you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel and goggles.  Most students come ready to go with their swimsuits under their clothes.

Your child needs to have his or her own pair of goggles so we don’t spend valuable teaching time trying to find the right size goggle and adjusting them each time your child swims.  Be sure to write your child’s name on their personal goggles with a permanent marker.  If your child has long hair we ask that you tie it back in a ponytail or have your child wear a swim cap, so that it does not interfere with your child’s swimming. For your convenience, we have both goggles and caps available for sale in our store.

Your child will also need an appropriate swimsuit.  Please no cut-offs or underwear.  If your child gets cold they are welcome to wear a wetsuit.  For you convenience we sell both 2mm shorty and 3mm full suits in the store.  For young children who are not potty-trained we require use of a swim diaper.


Do you allow floatation aids, i.e. “water wings” or floating swim suits?
Floatation aids are not allowed for two main reasons. First, they hinder learning as your child learns to depend on them instead of learning proper swimming skills. Second, improperly fitting aids can actually be dangerous as they can slip off of your child leaving them unable to maintain buoyancy.


What do we do on the first day of our lessons?
Most students come ready to go with their swimsuits under their clothes. We recommend that you arrive 5-10 minutes early on the first day. This allows for the swimmer to adjust to the new surroundings. Please wait at the deck area until the instructor calls your name.


Are there showers for my child to use?
Diver Dan’s has a rinse station in the pool area to use to rinse off before and after your lesson.  These rinse stations are for rinsing only - not for showering.  Please help us conserve water and limit the use to four minutes or less.  Do not linger in the rinse station to warm up.  You child will warm up much more quickly if they dry off and put on clothing.


What causes fear of the water?
Some of the more common causes of early fear of the water have to do with the way parents relate to their children in and around water.

These causes include:
• Being forced into water activities before being properly prepared.
• Being reared by parents who are afraid of the water and have either knowingly or unknowingly communicated this fear to their children.
• Being reared in an environment that prohibited childhood water play, whether as a result of lack of opportunity or parental actions.
• Being involved in or witnessing a traumatic water accident.

Fear of the water is acquired over time.  The older a child is when first beginning a learn-to-swim program, the more challenging his or her fear will likely be to overcome.  Remember, learning to swim is a life-saving skill – the best day to start lessons, is TODAY!
 

Are your instructors trained in CPR and First Aid?
Our instructors are certified in CPR and First Aid for adults and children through Emergency First Response (EFR), a internationally recognized training organization.  Our instructors are also trained in the use of Oxygen First Aid for Aquatic Emergencies through Diver Alert Network (D.A.N.), an internationally recognized nonprofit based at Duke University Medical Center.