Q: If my child cries should I withdraw him from the lesson program?

A: Many children cry for the first few weeks. It always seems like it will never stop, but it does. Kids cry for many reasons, fear, anxiety, a new environment. Very often small children can not express themselves any other way. Crying, because they know it will stop, does not upset the instructors.
The other parents watching the class aren’t bothered by it either; their happy, laughing child probably did the same thing when he/she started.

Q: Do you offer private lessons?

A: The short answer is, “no”. The more complete answer is that we do not believe a private lesson has as many advantages for children as the group lesson, Playing together, taking turns, helping each other, making new friends are all lost in a private lesson. Our mission, goals and philosophy dictate our approach to programming.

Q: Why do you all take groups of children who can’t swim to the deep-end of the big pool? It makes me nervous.

A: If we kept the children in the shallow-end until they could swim, they would have a lot of time to develop a fear of deeper water. Young children do not generalize learning, so if we teach them to swim in the Therapy pool, we will have to teach them over again in the Main pool. We want kids to develop strength and endurance, so we swim all over both pools.

 Q: Why can’t I sit on the deck during my child’s lesson?

A: It is easier for our instructors to keep your child’s attention when mom and dad are not at the child’s eye level. Also, our staff is trained to react to any sudden movement or calling out by parents on deck. It detracts from the lesson and the safety of all participants if the Lifeguards are also watching the deck. We welcome everyone to watch from the spectator area or the bleachers.  

Q: Can I make up lessons?

A: Swim lessons can only be made up when the Y cancels the class. An occasional absence will not affect your child’s’ progress. Solutions can be found for other situations on an individual basis.

Q: Sometimes my child won’t pay attention, would it help if I went down and spoke to my child?

A: The instructors and swimmers only have a short time together to develop a relationship. The instructor can handle just about any behavior. Sometimes, an instructor will let some kids play around a little because they already have a skill another child is struggling with. If you don’t think your child is being challenged, or if there is a technique that works well with your child, please speak to the instructor after class.

Q: My child has participated in another swim program and was a level 3; does that mean they are at  the third level of Y’s program?

A: All swim programs are different, with different expectations and philosophies.
The levels of different programs are not equivalent. We always try to place children where they will be challenged, but not overwhelmed.

Q: How will I know if my child is ready to pass?

A:  We try not to use the terms “pass” or “fail” and we do not test kids at any time during their participation. As children accomplish required skills at each level, it is recorded. At the end of the session, you will receive a progress report.

Questions about swim team, contact Diane at: diane@bathymca.org