Summer is here! This means it’s time for some swimming lessons. There are so many swim schools to choose from that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. It’s important to choose a swim school or swim program that’s convenient locally and is the right fit for your family. Many parents wonder how to find the best swimming lessons for their family.
Don’t worry! AquaMobile is here to help you make the best choice. Follow our tips and you won’t have any trouble finding a great swim program!
How should I assess different swim school companies?
Double-check the swim school’s affiliations
Be sure the swim school you divide on has good insurance coverage. Additionally. Choose one that has an affiliation with larger collectives such as the US Swim School Association or the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. This ensures the company is credible and accountable to codes of conduct.
Pick a customer service-oriented swim school
Pay attention to how the company treats you as a client. Ask yourself a couple of questions. DO they get back to you promptly? Do they have reasonable refund policies? Are the staff responsive, accommodating and professional? Respectful and friendly customer service means you and your family are valued clients. It also means your needs will be prioritized.
Ensure that the swim school has a good reputation
Research before signing up for swimming lessons. Check the reviews of the company’s services. Look through online testimonials on Facebook and Yelp, including the hidden reviews! Hidden reviews tend to provide a lot of valuable insights.
Make sure the company has a good insurance policy
Always review a swim school’s insurance policy. It should cover their instructors, especially if lessons are taking place in your home pool. The majority of individual instructors offering at-home swim lessons do not have insurance coverage. This means you would have little recourse to financially pay for medical bills if an incident occurs.
What should I look for in an instructor?
Check your instructor’s qualifications and experience
Get to know your swim instructor’s credentials. Make sure they were acquired through organizations like Lifesaving Society or Red Cross. They should meet your state or province’s requirements. Ask about their previous work experience to ensure this is someone you are comfortable teaching your family. Swim instructors should also be insured through the company they work for.
Observe the dynamics between the swim instructor and your family
Besides proper qualifications, swim instructors should have a good relationship with your children and yourself. Observe the way the swim instructors interact and instruct your child. This is an extremely important part of having fun and productive swimming lessons.
Emphasize the priority for water safety
Swim instructors should teach water safety basics to help keep your child safe in the pool. They should also be setting a good example for your children. Active supervision and clear rules about safe behaviour in the pool are essential.
How do I make sure my child is getting the most out of swim lessons?
Look for smaller class sizes or individual swim lessons
Fewer students mean your swim instructor can give your child the attention they deserve. In turn, your child will have a better learning experience. This also lets your child spend more time in the water. With fewer students, he or she will not have to wait around to receive personal instruction.
Make sure you are paying for child-centered learning
A good swim school will provide programs that include:
- Swim lesson plans
- Specific levels and expectations
- Recommended next steps for swim development
- Achievement systems
Swimming lessons should always encourage progress and reward effort. Active learning should be a top priority too. Students should be practicing their skills while waiting for personalized feedback.
Both you and your child should feel comfortable
Classes should be taught in a low-pressure environment. Your child should be comfortable learning new skills from their supportive instructors. Speaking of which, good instructors should focus on alleviating fear and discomfort. This will teach students to love the water and enjoy swimming.
What else should I consider when picking a swim school?
Keep your options open
Think of your lifestyle and circumstances when choosing a swim school. Both of these come into play. Ask yourself the following questions.
- Are swim lesson times flexible?
- Is there a flexible refund policy?
- Are make-up classes available?
Everyone with a family knows what it’s like to be busy all the time. More options allow you to fit swimming lessons into your packed schedule without sacrificing quality.
Be extra observant about water and swim safety
When young babies are learning to swim, pool water should be fairly warm. We recommend 88℉-90℉. Pools should also be checked for the appropriate chlorine and pH levels. Be informed about what to pay attention to and look for these things when you go swimming!
