Everything You Need to Know
If you’ve got a question about Swim to Jen you should be able to find your answer here. Whether you have a question about one of my classes or are curious about my unique training approach, I always try to be as transparent as possible. If you can’t find what you are looking for below, please get in touch and I will do my best to answer swiftly.
What do I need to bring to class?
All you need is a positive attitude, a towel and a waterproof or swim diaper if your child is working on potty training.
What age can my child start classes?
18 months and older. Swimmers younger than 18 months usually do not have the arm strength to hang onto the side of the pool and walk with their hands. This skill is the first step towards pool safety. Babies younger than 18 months can swim, but not necessarily get themselves out of the pool and save themselves.
How long is a session?
The session is 7 days long. One 10 - 15 minute class a day - at the same time every day.
How long are classes?
Classes are 15 minutes long per child, give or take 5 minutes. It's the consistency of the daily experience which teaches them and the physical and psychological progress of each day that determines when the lesson is over. Under NO circumstances should you be concerned about # of minutes or days, but more importantly, the quality of instruction and final results!!
How many children are in a class?
The first two or three days your child will have their session one on one with me. As the week progresses your child may be in the water with additional children. It’s important to create a social environment for the kids. They have fun, bond with each other and learn from each other. On the last day or two when parents get in the pool, there are often more than 3 kids (with parents) in the pool when everyone is having fun swimming with their child.
Will my child learn to swim?
Without a question...YES! Beginners will be swimming in 2 or 3 days. DO NOT compare your child's ability with any other child in any area of education, least of all swimming.
What level of swimming can I expect in 7 days?
Some kids are leaping off the edge and swimming the length of the pool, but all children will at least swim back and forth from parent to parent, know how to get to the edge of the pool and know how to swim to the stairs or walk with their hands to the stairs from the side of the pool. In the very rare circumstance that your child is not able to achieve these goals by the end of a session, I will make an arrangement where they can keep coming to class for free until they are able. My job is not finished until they are swimmers.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the pool is heated during spring sessions.
Do you use floaties or goggles?
No goggles or floaties. Floaties force the body in an upright position which is known as “the drowning position”. A person sinks quicker and cannot indefinitely stay afloat in this position. Floaties create a false sense of security and encourage the fear of getting the face wet which is the main stumbling block that stops kids from swimming. Furthermore, if they fall in without floaties, they sink straight to the bottom because they have no experience of what their body feels like in water. Goggles undermine genuine confidence and become a prop that kids think they need to swim and that is not what they should be thinking about if they fall into a pool unexpectedly, without an adult. If your child is swimming laps for long periods of time in highly chlorinated pools, then goggles are a good idea.
Is it recommended to have siblings in the same class?
Siblings almost always swim together and it works great, but honestly as soon as the kids are swimming it doesn’t matter at all. They just want to swim with anyone.
Can I bring a siblings to the lessons?
Absolutely.
What if my child cries as he/she does not want to swim?
I would say that 7 out of 10 children have some sort of hesitation and cry on the first couple of days. It’s a new experience, a new teacher and it’s a normal reaction. Once they get to know me, realize that they are safe and start to make progress, a switch goes off and the joy and pride in their accomplishments over ride any hesitation they had.
How much does it cost?
The cost for the 7 day session is $525 per child due on day 3 in cash, check or venmo (@swimtojen). $50 Deposit is due at the time of sign up via venmo.
Do parents get in the pool?
Parents are recommended to come in the pool on the last two days. First, the swimmers need to develop a relationship with the water independent of the parents. It’s their skill. If there is an accident when the parents aren’t around, the swimmer's reaction needs to be - get out of the pool and then get Mom and Dad - not call for Mom and Dad. Once they are swimming, parents come in and learn to continue the instruction that we have discovered in class and also the children learn that they can swim with anyone - not just with Coach Jen. They develop a trust with me (with swimming) that needs to be transferred to the parent. But mostly, they love to show Mom and Dad their new skill and it’s wonderful to swim with your child for the first time.
Do you teach in the rain?
Class is not cancelled for weather. If there is lightening we will wait till the storm passes and continue. Consistency is the most essential ingredient and it’s important to show your child that you are serious about having them learn how to swim.
What if my child is sick?
Runny nose, whiny, a bit lethargic, absolutely not, you should make it to swimming class. It’s better to come to class and do a short class than to break the consistency. Only if your child has a fever above 100.2 or has an illness still in the contagious phase should you miss a class.
Can we do make up classes?
Because of the tight schedule, make up classes are not possible except in the case of a bona fide emergency. Remember consistency is what makes them learn.
What can I do to help if my child is not that enthusiastic about swim lessons?
Your attitude is contagious. The first step is to be clear and positive in your mind that your child is going to learn to swim and it’s going to be great. Sometimes it’s hard to remember how strong and capable our children are at accepting the inevitable. Keep it simple, tell them that they are going to learn how to swim, there may be some challenges but it’s going to be fun. Then sit back and watch your child amaze you!
Still have a question about my services? Contact me now and I’ll get back to you as quick as I can.