At what age can my child start classes?
Saint Street Swim welcomes children age 12 months or older to participate in classes with a parent or caregiver. We feel we get the best result s in a class setting starting with children no earlier than 12-to-18 months. They seem more aware of themselves and usually are excited to socialize with other children. They are learning to imitate the actions of their instructors and peers, with the comfort of their parent/caregiver close by. Since children this age are expanding their communication skills, they are able to follow directions from the instructor. In addition, they are able to recognize and follow along with the songs we sing to accompany our swimming instruction.
As your child grows and feels more comfortable in the water, he or she will be more confident and willing to participate in, and learn from, one-on-one instruction with the swim instructor, as well as through watching and interacting with their peers in their group lesson. All of this sets the stage for gaining the necessary skills for water safety and eventually swimming independently.
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When can my child participate in a class without me in the water?
With swimming safety as our primary concern, Saint Street Swim welcomes children beginning at 3 years of age to participate in a class without a parent or caregiver. At this point, the child must be able to follow class rules. During class, they must sit on the stairs in the pool with their classmates until the instructor invites them to take their turn. They must be able to understand and follow the instructor's directions to prevent unsafe situations. At 3 years of age, most children are able and pleased to do these things, which allows them to participate in and enjoy a swim class with just their peers.
As an exception, we do offer an advanced toddler class, only for children who have been enrolled in our parent/child program, who are very advanced swimmers and who are able to follow the above-mentioned safety rules.
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How long will it take my child to learn to swim?
Our definition of swimming at Saint Street Swim is getting from A to B in the water unassisted. At Saint Street Swim we have observed how each child learns to swim at his or her own pace. Our instructors work with each child to help build a positive attitude toward swimming. With regular positive experiences in the water, preferably with very consistent swim instruction, children will progress. We have seen the progression in our students who participate regularly in our programs once or twice a week, both seasonally and year-round.
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How many students are in each class?
Saint Street Swim classes are limited to four students per instructor to ensure that students receive the highest quality and most direct instruction.
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What is your make-up policy?
We offer make-up classes in the event that a class is cancelled due to extremely bad weather, situations out of our control, or a teacher conflict. Under any of these circumstances, parents are contacted to reschedule the lesson. There are no make-ups for illness or other absence on the child's or parent's part.
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What happens if there is a bad storm during a lesson?
For safety reasons, we will cancel and reschedule classes if a severe lightning storm occurs in our area.
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Can I sit on the pool deck and watch my child's class?
At Saint Street Swim, great measures have been taken to ensure your child's safety and success in our programs. Our pool area is our classroom. It safely accommodates the lifeguards, instructors and the children in the pool, as well as a changing area at the far end. Your child's instructors will have more success and ultimately your child's full attention, if you observe classes in progress from our observation room.
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What temperature is the water?
At Saint Street Swim, we maintain a water temperature of 88 degrees.
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How can I find out more about my child's progress in swim class?
During your child's enrollment at Saint Street Swim you may have questions about your child's progress. At the end of every session you will receive a progress report for your swimmer. You can also leave a message for your instructor at the front desk, and they will call you at their earliest convenience to answer your questions.
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What should I bring to swim class?
We provide most of the equipment required for swimming class, including fins, goggles and learning toys. All you need to bring is a swimsuit and towel (children under the age of three must wear a snug fitting, re-usable I-Play swim diaper and a disposable swim diaper). If you wish to bring your own goggles, be sure to write your child's name on them in permanent marker. Goggles are not recommended for beginner swimmers.
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What if my child cries or is afraid?
Our teachers are trained to deal with even the most fearful swimmer. We have many toys, songs and games especially created for fearful swimmers. If you need help getting your child into the pool, ask our staff for assistance; we will gladly get your child in the water and swimming happily in no time!
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What if my child is sick?
If your child is showing flu-like symptoms, has a fever or any stomach or digestion problems, they are too sick for swim class. Please note Saint Street Swim does not offer make-ups for lessons missed because of illness.
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How do I contact my child's teacher?
Due to the nature of our class schedule, teachers are unable to converse with parents before or after a lesson. However, if you leave word at the front desk that you would like to be contacted by your child's instructor, they will call at their earliest convenience.
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