Swim Diaper for children under 4 years of age must wear a non disposable swim diaper 
(sold in the Floaties Pro Shop)

* Please no goggles, kickboards, floatation devices. Don't let the name fool you.
   We're here to teach your child/children how to swim without the use of any 'crutches'.

Congratulations on your commitment to enrolling your child in a program that will not only save their life, but help in all areas of their growth and development. At Floaties, our first priority is your child’s comfort and happiness. The first day of any new program can be a source of anxiety and fear for you and your child, no matter how much exposure to aquatic environments they have had. To ensure that your child has a positive time at swim class, a strong bond must be made between your child , the swim instructor and the parent.

The first lesson is an important time for the “trust triad” to begin. Strong rapport must be built, especially between the child and the instructor. This cannot be rushed, and during this time, your child and their instructor will work to lay a foundation of trust and build rapport. This initial period allows the student to acclimate to his/ her new instructor, learn the rules & ways of the pool, get to know the other students in class, and simply learn what they will be doing for the following lessons.   Without this foundation, subsequent lessons are not as productive, can lead to increased anxiety and thus lead to a negative perception of swim lessons. Formal instruction will follow once the instructor feels this foundation has been laid, and usually by the second lesson, the children are happy and receptive.

As a parent, you are an important component of this “trust triad”. It can be helpful for your instructor to provide background information about your childs previous aquatic experiences, feelings and attitudes about water, and initial concerns. It also is very helpful for you to be supportive, understanding and have a positive attitude during the swim lessons if your child is exhibiting signs of anxiety or fear. Research has shown that your anxiety will be transferred subtly though facial expressions, vocal inflection and body language. Our teachers are highly experienced and skilled at helping children see that swimming is fun, and your support will certainly make that process easier.

With strong support from mom, and gentle guiding and patience from the swim instructor, you will soon see your nervous child grow into a confident and happy swimmer. Happy Swimming!