1. Where is your pool?
We are located at 459 Harvard Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93111.
From the Freeway, take Patterson Ave., turn toward the mountains. Make a left on University and a right on Harvard.
2. Is the water warm?
Yes, we keep the pool in the 90s. Children learn better when they are relaxed, and our instructors are happier when they are not cold. We want your child to be able to get right in and make the most of their lesson.
3. How old does my child have to be to take lessons?
We teach children from ages 2-12. For children less than two we recommend our Wee Swim class. For more info go to the Wee Swim page. Some two year olds are not ready for private lessons. Each child is different. Two year olds may fit better in the Wee Swim class. Call Carol for more information if you have a two year old.
4. Does my two year old need a swim diaper?
Any child who is not potty trained must wear a swim diaper.
5. Do we need a cap and goggles?
No and no. If your child’s hair is long, they may wear a swim cap, or put it in a hair band so it stays out of their face while they are learning to breathe. We do at least part of every lesson without goggles. If your child fell in a pool, they would probably not be wearing goggles, and they need to get used to the feel of water in their face and eyes. Some children are very sensitive to water in their face, and if it becomes distracting we may have them use goggles for part of the lesson. We have a large assortment and can find goggles to fit.
6. My child is used to wearing floaties in the pool. Can we bring those?
Absolutely not. Your child will be learning to swim without any flotation devices. While flotation devices may be a real help when you are in the water with your child, they do give your child a false sense of their abilities.
7. How long do the lessons last?
Each lesson is 30 minutes. We’ve tried shorter and longer lessons and we think this is the perfect length of time. Small children have short attention spans and we have to constantly keep changing the activities. The last ten minutes is spent reviewing and really reinforcing the important elements of the lesson.
8. Can we split a lesson between our two children?
No, we think 30 minutes is the perfect length of time for a lesson. We do usually have three instructors in the water at a time, and we will try to schedule your children at the same time if you wish.
9. May I stay and watch the lesson?
Of course! We love to have parents watch. We have a nice lawn and patio area where you may sit and watch. We also have an area where your other children may play if you need to bring them along. There may be occasions when the instructor feels your presence is a distraction. If they ask you to leave, please feel free to watch the lesson from inside where your child cannot see you.
10. My child has special needs. Can you accommodate us?
This depends on the circumstances. We have many children with special needs and we will do our best to provide your child with a great experience. Please discuss the circumstances with us when you sign up for the lessons. Our instructors can adjust their teaching styles to fit your child’s needs.
11. How do we pay for the lessons?
You may pay by credit card or check. All families must have a credit card on file with us. If you pay in full by check before the end of the month there will be no balance and your card will not be charged. All balances are charged to your card on the last day of each month.
12. If we need to cancel, can we make up the lesson?
Our cancellation policy is 48 hours notice. If you give us 48 hours notice, you will not be charge for the lesson. We will be happy to reschedule it for you if you wish. If you cancel with 24-48 hours notice you will be charged half price for the lesson. If you cancel with less than 24 hours notice, you will be charged in full for the lesson
13. How long will it take my child to learn to swim?
Each child learns at his or her own pace. We will work with your child’s strengths to get them swimming as quickly as possible. We have two year olds who swim independently, but many children don’t learn to swim until they are five or six. The sooner you start, the sooner they will be water safe.