Frequently Asked Questions

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What forms are required?
Click here to download the Release of Liability form. (PDF ~1.3MB)

What the Deal with Non-Disposable Diapers?
Beginning Jan 1st 2011, disposable diapers will not be allowed to be worn during swim lessons. There will be non-disposable swim diapers for sale on location for your convenience

Why is warm water important?
We keep our pool at 92 degrees year round because it allows our students to swim in a relaxed environment. A cold pool usually results in cold, shivering students. Who, in turn, will not be relaxed when it’s time to swim. A warm and relaxed environment creates a comfortable and fluid swimmer.

What’s the best age to start?
Our philosophy is "The sooner the better, and it’s never too late". The majority of students who start at a very young age will master the water and be able to navigate pools on their own before they turn two. Ages two, three and four are fine ages to start, although sometimes children at this age experience more anxiety and emotional obstacles. As a child grows and becomes a teenager or an adult, they will often find that it is more of a struggle to learn to swim because of the mental hurdles they must overcome. However, an open mind and commitment can often lead to great success.

How do you ensure that babies and small children don’t drink or choke on the water?
Babies are born with a "swimmer’s reflex." This reflex stays strong for the first six months of an infants life. This means children involuntarily hold their breath when submerged in water as the environment mimics their surroundings in the womb. In addition, our instructors use a method of teaching in which repetitive motions and verbal cues are used so that students are expecting the submersion. Swimming truly becomes natural and effortless for students, at any age, to learn comfortably.

What will my child learn in a session?
Progression varies according to several factors. Within a session of eight to twelve swim classes most children will learn to float comfortably with their eyes open. Some students will progress more rapidly depending on each individual. It is best to keep in mind that, like any athletic pursuit, swim lessons are a commitment if you want the skill to be truly engrained. Our goal is to help children and adults progress each and every lesson and make the most of their time in the pool with us. We want our students to leave our program with superb skills and a love of water.

How many lessons should we take?
Swimming is a skill in which the more time and proper exposure you can acquire, the better off the swimmer will be. If you want your child to swim safely, in a relaxed manner with adequate technique, several sessions of eight to twelve classes should be expected. Most of our customers notice that after each class, their child progresses significantly, since they want such progression and mastery to continue, they proceed with back-to-back sessions. If fun and overall comfort in the water are your goals, then fewer sessions will be needed.

What if my child doesn’t like water on his/her face?
Keep in mind that our instructors have a lot of experience with children (and adults) who do not like water on their faces. Ultimately, this is the greatest factor with learning how to swim. How can we overcome this obstacle? The more frequent exposure the better, followed by positive reinforcement and a lot of praise. We also request the help of parents in encouraging children to get their faces wet during bath time. Handing a child a dry towel or reaching to wipe their wet face will only prolong and enforce their phobia. If you act like a wet face is no big deal, they will come to learn that a wet face is no big deal.

Why are three lessons per week recommended?
Three classes per week is what we recommend as a minimum when in the beginning stages of learning to swim. Implementing a third day is a great way to prevent the student form sliding backward from week to week. Swimming 3 times per week (or more) is the best way to get maximum results. Two lessons per week is a good way to maintain what the student has learned as well as to progress throughout the off season so that by the beginning of a new year they are more prepared than those who only swim in the summer.

What happens if I miss a class?
Please be sure that when you schedule your swim lessons that you can make it to the lessons. Once you have booked the lessons there are no refunds. The time slot is yours whether you show up or not. Dolphin Swim School guarantees that lessons booked will be available as scheduled. If not the lessons will be rescheduled at no additional cost. Dolphin Swim School cannot guarantee the same instructor for every lesson due to the nature of employees but will strive to do so.

How do I reschedule a missed class?
Class may be rescheduled if the start date is more than 2 weeks out. If within two weeks of the start date, rescheduling may be done if the original dates can be sold to another customer.

How do I make up a missed class?
If it becomes necessary to miss a lesson you must call or email the office prior to the class and be put on the Make-up Call List. If you don’t call or email prior to the lesson and get put on the list, no makeup will be given and class is forfeited. Once on the list, the swim staff will call you to schedule the makeup from the makeup list as time slots become available. This will normally be done on the first few days of the next 2-week session. In the event that one sibling enrolled in a class with other siblings is unable to come to class, the class becomes a private class and the make-up is forfeit. Only one make-up is permitted per 2-week session. Classes may not be rescheduled or made-up more than once.