Waterloo Swim School-Swim Lessons in Austin Texas

HEALTH QUESTIONS
Should my child eat before a swim lesson?
How are ear infections prevented?
What if my child is sick?

REGISTRATION QUESTIONS
Do you “guarantee instructors”?
Do you offer private lessons?
I already know I will be missing classes for the session, can I just be charged for the classes I will attend?
How do I contact my child’s instructor? Who do I talk with about my concerns?
What if my child is sick, we go on vacation or have to miss a class for any reason?  Do we get make up classes?

GENERAL
How young do you offer lessons?
Waterloo Swim School classes begin for infants 6 months and older.  For children 6 months to 3 years of age, these classes are offered as Waterloo Babies classes.  A parent or guardian needs to be in the water with the child throughout the lesson.  In addition to a fun class, the adult will learn skills and activities that can be used outside the class for further enjoyment in the pool.

What should I bring to swim class?
We provide most of the equipment required for swimming class, including fins and learning toys. All you need to bring is a swimsuit and towel. If you wish to bring your own goggles, be sure to write your child’s name on them in permanent marker.  For those with long hair, we recommend use of a swim cap as it helps to keep their hair from being a distraction during class.

Children not potty trained and all children under 3 years of age must wear a snug fitting, reusable swim diaper.  Disposable swim diapers are not permitted.  If needed, swim diapers are available for sale at Waterloo Swim School.

What if my child cries or is afraid?
Our instructors are trained to deal with even the most fearful swimmer.  We incorporate many toys, songs and games created for anxious swimmers.   If you need help getting your child into the pool, our Deck Manager will be there to assist you.

Swimming, like many activities, generates anxiety in some children.  This apprehension or fear may be most evident on the first day of lessons.  As each week progresses, your child’s anxiety should be less evident.  Time, familiarity and consistency offer reassurance to the child.

Should parents be visible during the child’s lesson?
We encourage parents to watch their child’s lesson.  However there are times where it may be best for a parent to be “out of sight” while the child develops trust with their instructor.  Our Deck Manager will work with you if you or the swim instructor believes this to be an issue.

When will my child be drown-proofed?
Waterloo Swim School believes there is no such thing as “drown-proofing”.  We teach our students how to love and respect the water.  No matter your age or ability, no one should ever swim alone.

Will my child be able to swim by the end of the session?
All children learn at their own pace and while it is our goal for a child to obtain new skills in each level, we cannot guarantee he or she will be able to swim on their own.

How long will it take my child to learn to swim?
There is no way to determine exactly how long it will take to “learn to swim”.  Likewise this is dependent upon your definition of “learn to swim”.  Some are looking for basic water safety while others learn the strokes.  Regardless of what the final goal may be, every child learns at his or her own pace.  Attending more than once per week may accelerate success, but attending once a week is also acceptable.

My child has hit a plateau, what can I do to help?
Plateaus are common, especially when a child faces a hurdle that is especially difficult for them (i.e. taking off fins, learning strokes, etc.).  Our instructors are sensitive to these issues and are trained to motivate and guide swimmers through these stages.  If you have concerns about your child’s progress or their lessons, please speak with the Deck Manager.

How frequently should I schedule my child’s lessons?
Each child is different and our program is set up to accommodate individual needs to optimize learning.  Please take your child’s comfort level into consideration when making these decisions.  If your child is frightened, we recommend scheduling lessons as frequently as possible.

What is your teaching method?
Each individual student has their own particular needs and we tailor their class to their strengths. We stress patience and persistence in a fun, play-centered environment. We also utilize modern teaching techniques to get the most out of each student.

What is a Deck Manager?
A Deck Manager is the staff member who oversees classes on any given shift. They are a wonderful resource if you have questions about your child’s progress, and can serve as a liaison for your child’s instructor.

A HEALTHY SWIMMMER
Should my child eat before a swim lesson?
We do not recommend feeding your child within one hour of the swimming lesson.  Children under two years of age should avoid food (especially dairy products) two hours ahead of each lesson.

How are ear infections prevented?
There are two types of ear infections: one is caused by middle ear build-up secondary to Eustachian tube congestion and the other is caused by pool or bath water not drying up in the outer ear canal – also called “Swimmers’ Ear”. To prevent the latter, parents can blow dry the ears or use alcohol & boric acid drops available at the school or local pharmacy.  Swimming does not cause the middle ear infections. Children with ventilation tubes in their ears can still swim, but should wear ear plugs, a tight fitting cap, and should not swim deeper than a foot below the surface of the water.  Always consult your physician if your child is experiencing discomfort or pain.

What if my child is sick?
If a child is too sick to participate, please stay home and get well. We do offer make-up classes only if there’s availability in the same session & in a similar class/level as your child is enrolled. All make-up classes must be completed by August 25^st, 2012.

REGISTRATION
Do you guarantee instructors?
Due to the dynamics of class participation and instructor scheduling, Waterloo Swim School does not guarantee that a specific instructor will teach a specific class or student.   All of our swim instructors are versatile and teach at multiple levels of swim development.

Do you offer private lessons?
We do offer private lessons, although they are extremely limited.  Due to the high demand of group lessons, we try to accommodate as many students as possible.  There are no set times for private lessons.  Private time slots are usually group lessons that do not sell and have been converted into private lessons.  If you would like a private lesson, please contact us.

I already know I will be missing classes for the session, can I just be charged for the classes I will attend?
The entire session must be paid in full at the time of registration.

How do I contact my child’s instructor? Who do I talk with about my concerns?
Due to the fact that our classes are very structured, instructors may not always be able to talk with the parents right after class.  Waterloo Swim School will have a Deck Manager on the pool deck at all times.  They are there to oversee classes and provide assistance as needed.

What if my child is sick, we go on vacation or have to miss a class for any reason?  Do we get make up classes?
If a child is too sick to participate, please stay home and get well. We do offer make-up classes only if there is availability in the same session and in a similar class/level as your child is enrolled. All make-up classes must be completed by August 25^th, 2012. If Waterloo Swim School needs to cancel a class for any reason, we will attempt to provide a make-up class and if one is not made available, credit will be applied to your account.

* Waterloo Swim School reserves the right to change its policies and procedures at any time without prior notice to ensure quality and service.