Parent Guide Summer 2026

General Reminder

No child is ever 100% “water safe.” Close supervision is always required.

1. Getting Ready for Lessons

• Children under 4 must wear a snug reusable neoprene swim diaper (no disposables).

• Bring two large towels and warm clothes for after the lesson.

• Feeding guidelines:

  • Avoid feeding your child for 2 hours before lessons.

  • Avoid fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy for 6 hours before lessons.

  • Light options such as toast, cereal, breast milk, or Rice Dream are okay 2 hours before.

• Expect bigger appetites and longer naps after lessons.

2. Learning to Swim

• Every child progresses at their own pace.

• Toddlers often show strong progress after ~12 lessons; older children typically learn faster.

• Infants learning to float may progress more quickly at first.

• Skills build gradually with consistency and practice.

3. Crying During Lessons

Some crying or fussing is normal, especially in the early stages. Lessons are never fear‑based, and as children gain skills and confidence, crying typically decreases. Your positive attitude makes a meaningful difference.

Adjustment Period

• The first few days of lessons are an adjustment period for new students.

• Emotionally, concern about coming to lessons often peaks between the 3rd and 6th lesson.

• Children 2 years and younger may take longer to adjust because their verbal skills are limited; they are more likely to express feelings through crying throughout training.

• Not every cry means “I’m afraid.”

Why Crying Happens

Before the lesson begins:

• The child may want to stay close to the parent or may associate the instructor with hard work.

During the lesson:

• The child has learned the sequence of the lesson.

• Crying often appears when we reach skills that are not yet mastered or feel challenging.

How Parents Can Help Their Child Succeed

1. Your reaction matters most.

   • Giving extra attention during crying can unintentionally reinforce it.

   • Instead, support your child by praising their efforts and specific successes.

   • Examples: “Nice quiet floating on your back,” “I saw you put your chin on your speed button.”

2. Communicate clearly with the instructor.

   • Share specific concerns your child expresses (e.g., “He says he hears his head filling with water when lying on his back”).

3. Talk with your child about lessons.

   • Ask what was easy and what was hard.

   • Celebrate when a “hard” skill moves into the “easy” category.

4. Let them watch other lessons.

   • Point out how listening and following directions helps other swimmers succeed.

5. Use peer examples positively.

   • “You can do that too!”

   • “If you keep practicing, that will get easier.”

   • “You’ll work on that skill when you’re ready.”

6. Connect swimming to other successes.

   • Remind them of things they once worked hard to learn (walking, using a fork, etc.).

7. Celebrate their sticker.

   • Encourage them to show it off and explain what they worked hard on that day.

8. Make up songs together.

   • Example: “This is the way we kick our feet in the swimming pool.”

9. Encourage pretend play.

   • Let them “teach” swimming to toys or stuffed animals.

   • This helps them feel in control and may reveal their biggest concerns.

10. Model confidence.

11. All fears are learned; overcoming them requires gentle, consistent exposure.

12. If a parent appears fearful, it becomes harder for the child to feel comfortable.

13. Reinforce positive swimming habits long‑term.

14. Avoid flotation devices; they promote poor head position and bicycle kicking.

15. Stay aware of your tone and attitude.

16. Even non‑verbal children understand far more than we realize.

17. Lessons are individualized — communicate concerns so we can work together.

Give your child confidence through competence.

4. Watching Lessons

• Separation can be challenging at first.

• Some children focus better if they cannot see you.

• Lessons may look “messy” because children learn by doing, but breathing and safety are always monitored.

5. Medical Conditions

• If your child has a medical concern, note it on the enrollment form and provide doctor’s clearance before lessons begin.

6. Fear of Water

• Fear may come from past experiences or limited exposure.

• Lessons use patience, praise, toys, and gentle guidance to help children feel safe and confident.

7. Visitors

• Adult visitors are welcome.

• If you’re unsure how a visitor may affect your child, feel free to ask.

8. “Let’s Pretend”

• Children often act out new skills at home — great.

• Occasionally they toss swimsuits out car windows — less great.

• Pack extras and keep a sense of humor.

9. Payment Information

• Registration: $75 per family (non‑refundable).

• Lesson Rates: 20 min lessons

  • $66 for privates

  • $33 each for semi‑private

  • $35 for Aquababies class

  • $75 for at home privates

• Discounts:

  • 5% off for 8 Saturdays or Sundays paid in full

  • 10% off for 8-pack Aquababies

• Payment accepted via cash, check, Venmo, or credit card.

10. Illness & Vacations

• No make‑ups except for pool closures.

• If your child is sick for an extended time, additional sessions may be added when possible.

• Please keep children home if they have a fever or contagious illness.

11. Refunds

• Once lessons begin, tuition is non‑refundable.

• Early stages are sensitive, and consistency helps children feel secure and successful.

12. Pool Information

Locations:  

90+ degrees: 989 Highland Dr Los Osos, CA 93402

80 degrees - TBD

Summer 2026 Schedule:  

Fridays in SLO Area

• June 19, 26

• July 3,10,17,24, 31

• August 7,14

Saturdays in Los Osos

• July 4, 11,18, 25

• August 1, 8, 15, 22

13. Contact

Call or text (805) 471‑1985 with any questions.

I’m here to support you and make this a positive experience for your family.

I confirm that I have reviewed the parent guide and agree to follow all guidelines provided.