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Frequently
Asked Questions
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What
is SwimAmerica?
When
should my child learn to swim?
How
do I know when my child knows how to swim?
Why
SwimAmerica for my child?
At
what age should children begin swim lessons?
How
frequently should my child take swim lessons?
Should
my child take group or private lessons?
What can my child expect the first day of SwimAmerica swim
lessons?
What
if my child has a disability?
What
is SwimAmerica?
SwimAmerica is a national learn to swim program operated by the American Swimming Coaches
Association through over 500 Program Directors at over 900 sites across the USA. It's
the state of the art learn to swim program in the world today. Brought to you by the same
people who have brought you the most successful sport team on the planet... the USA Olympic
Swimming Team. What we learn teaching people to set world records, we use to teach new
swimmers to enjoy swimming with the best techniques in the world... just like the development
of great cars and trucks from the NASCAR and INDY car races. We learn from and teach the
elite athlete AND the new child!
When
should my child learn to swim?
As soon as your child is capable of independent motion, they are capable of getting into
water and drowning. Therefore, swim lessons should begin as soon after 6 months of age
as possible.
How
do I know when my child knows how to swim?
In SwimAmerica, we use a high standard. We are in business to save lives. That means a
person can maintain themselves indefinitely in the water. To do so, requires the ability
to exhale used air and inhale new air. That's called Aerobic Swimming. (just like being
able to talk while you jog!) Our standard is that a person should be able to swim 300
yards non-stop, and swim 6 different styles of swimming, to be considered a "swimmer."
300 yards is important. Scientists have found that humans can swim 200 yards without being
able to breathe effectively. But without the ability to breathe effectively, eventually
that person will get in trouble, and possibly endanger their life. We went 1/3 beyond
that point to set our standard of 300 yards of non-stop swimming. That goal won't be quickly
achieved. It takes time. But it can save your child's life. That's worth the investment
of time. After all, learning to swim is a LIFETIME GIFT.
Why
SwimAmerica for my child?
Lots of organizations and individuals teach swimming lessons. And you can pay less than
you will pay at SwimAmerica. We don't teach lessons. We teach PEOPLE HOW TO SWIM. So what
do you want to purchase? Swim lessons or having your child learn to swim? SwimAmerica
Programs are all taught by members of the American Swimming Coaches Association who are
certified in the teaching of swimming and experts in the proper development of stroke
technique. We're the best in the world. Does your child deserve less than the best? You'll
find two critically important features in SwimAmerica Learn to Swim... First, we're technique
oriented. We teach your child to swim like a pro with expert technique from the very first
day in the water. They'll start with learning how to exhale underwater... and progress
through every skill that an Olympic Swimmer will learn when they learned to swim. Second,
we're goal-directed. Our coaches (in-water instructors) focus on the critical skills to
achieve to move your child through the teaching progression as rapidly as they can do
so. All learning is individually based... your child will learn as fast as they are able
to do so, no waiting for those "slower in development." That's crucial when
your child's safety is at stake. SwimAmerica is run by the pros. And your child's progress
will prove it. (Ask your Program Director how long it will take your child to reach any
of our skill levels and they will tell you. Then go compare that answer to the same question
to our competitors. Ask for details, for statistics on improvement... be an educated consumer!)
At
what age should children begin swim lessons?
Many children begin swimming as infants and there is no doubt the water provides a very
special experience for the young child. SwimAmerica programs typically begin offering
lessons at 6-9 months of age.
How
frequently should my child take swim lessons?
We recommend year round lessons so your child doesn't regress. Children should continue and finish through level 10, so they are truly safe in the water.
Should
my child take group or private lessons?
At SwimAmerica we favor group swim lessons for children who are ready to learn in a small
group setting. Small groups of five children or less provide instruction, practice and
the opportunity to watch other children perform the skill. However not all children learn
best in group lessons. Parents must take into account their child's temperament and learning
style. Private or semi-private lessons are also available at most SwimAmerica Swim Schools.
What
can my child expect the first day of SwimAmerica swim lessons?
At SwimAmerica you will find our swim coaches take a caring approach to teaching children
to swim. Coaches are trained to help reluctant children to adapt to the learn to swim
environment.
What
if my child has a disability?
We teach all swimmers regardless of their disability. Group and private lessons are available depending on the individual need of the swimmer.
