Core

The first lesson is about establishing a foundation of trust between the student and child. New environments can be overwhelming to children, so Floaties Infant Instructors are specifically trained on how to reduce anxiety and fear. Toys, games and lots of smiles all help show babies how fun the pool can be. Teachers do not submerge infants on the first day of class, but work to help reinforce their dive reflex by a series of drills and games.

We start lessons as early as 3 months old. Early exposure to the warm water is akin to returning to the womb, and we encourage babies to start lessons early and often. Early exposure to water helps to reduce the anxiety and fear that children may experience if introduced to swim lessons when they are older.

Floaties proven success is built on trust and rapport with our instructors, and this is the main focus of the first lesson. It would be ineffective to attend a trial lesson without a consistent plan moving forward, especially for young children.

We require a parent in the water up to the age of 18 months old.
If it is your child’s first formal swim lesson and he is under the age of 2, we ask that you be prepared to get in the water. Parents are required to be in the water until their child is 18 months old, or by special permission of the instructor based on the child’s readiness.

Yes. Swimming is not only defined as being able to perform the 4 major strokes, but to simply propel through the water. Infants can learn breath control, balance and safely move through the water short distances. Our Infant instructors are trained to help infants learn these skills in a fun and nurturing environment.

Many variables make this question difficult to answer as every child learns at their own rate. Consistent attendance and practice opportunities, physical and emotional readiness, and motor development all influence the rate of learning.

Our program begins with a gentle introduction to the water, their instructor, and a new learning environment. Our progression line focuses on water safety, and the beginning elements of the four competitive swim strokes.

No. As a “learn to swim” program, the philosophy at Floaties Swim School is a “child centered” one, rooted in building trust and rapport first with the child. The instructor considers all aspects of the child’s emotional and physical well-being when designing their lesson plan. Floaties includes back floating, roll over breathing and “swim-float-swim” into its curriculum, but does so at a less strenuous and “ goal-centered” approach that can be seen in many survival swimming programs.

In the event your child’s swim instructor is absent, Floaties will provide a qualified substitute to teach the class. The absent instructor will have left notes on what your child is working on, so the substitute can continue to work on the same skills.
Swimming with a substitute can be a great experience for the child’s progression. A change in instructor can bring a new energy and approach to the class, and can help the child learn flexibility and confidence which can work through plateaus in progression. For this reason, we do not recommend skipping classes if there is a substitute. Parents are able to utilize an absence and schedule a makeup if you feel like your experience was unsatisfactory.

Limiting parental distraction will ultimately help your child to become more comfortable and confident in the water. Your child may have a hard time adjusting to the new environment, and that’s okay. Our staff is well trained on how to handle nervous children. All of these things are normal and Floaties has a reputation for being able to effectively handle all kinds of situations. If you are asked to leave the pool deck, please trust that the instructors know what they are doing. If you have any questions as to why, please ask your instructor or a staff member and they will be more than happy to answer any questions.

Intro to Strokes is a 30-minute class with a 3:1 student to teacher ratio. The skills that are taught are foundational skills of Freestyle and Backstroke, with elements of Breaststroke and Butterfly. The classes are teacher – lead, and the instructor provides hand on practice and feedback. The instructor remains in the water during the lesson. The Strokes classes are an hour long, and there is a 6:1 student to teacher ratio. All four competitive strokes are practiced and refined, with endurance and technique being emphasized. The students are more independent and received feedback and guidance from the instructor. The instructor may teach from the deck, or in the water. A student requires an assessment to be placed into the class, which can be scheduled at the Front Desk.

Goggles and floatation devices can often be a dangerous crutch for individuals when learning how to swim. All your child needs to keep them safe is the knowledge of how their body can function in the water, and what to do if an unexpected incident with water occurs.

Floaties is dedicated to proving the cleanest and safest possible environment. Non-disposable swim diapers keep accidents contained in the water. We require children up to the age of 4 wear a swim diaper even if they are potty-trained just to be on the safe side.