Why should I enroll my child in swim lessons?
Learning to swim and the importance of water safety is a vital life skill. As children learn to swim, their confidence is boosted, helping them to discover that they can accomplish whatever obstacles in life come their way. At Deep Blue Swim School, our mission is to teach kids they can be confident in the water.
How do I sign my child up for swim lessons?
Booking swim lessons is easy! Here are some options:
- Simply click HERE (Link to use for “HERE” or any “create account/sign up” button.
- Call us at (562) 988-7946 (SWIM)
- Email us at swim@deepbluelongbeach.com
What age should I start my child in swimming lessons?
There is no set age, however we recommend all parents begin their child’s swimming journey at a very early age. The earlier a child is introduced to water, the less chance they have of developing a fear of the water. According to the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics), “children need to learn to swim” and, “new evidence shows that children 1 to 4 may be less likely to drown if they have had formal swimming instruction.” Deep Blue encourages families to begin their child’s aquatic journey at 3 months of age.
What if my child’s scared? Should I wait until they are older to start swimming lessons?
In the majority of cases, no. Often the fear becomes more entrenched the older the child becomes. Addressing the problem properly with a strategy will get them swimming and teach them the invaluable life lesson that difficult tasks can be overcome with hard work and patience. This does not mean we force a child to swim. We gradually get students used to being in and around water, then use a step-by-step technique to build confidence in a fun and gentle progression.
How often are swim lessons offered?
Deep Blue Swim School is conveniently open for swim lessons 7 days a week! The best way to build swim and water safety skills is through consistent, formal swim lessons, so our perpetual weekly lessons are scheduled for the same day and time each week. Please call for more information regarding open classes.
Do I need to get into the pool with my child?
Only during our beginning level Baby Love and Parent & Me group sessions, does a parent get in the water with their baby or toddler (ages 3 months to 18 months). Parents with children enrolled in our private one-on-one swimming lessons do not get into the pool. Private swimming lessons are far more effective with a student-teacher environment.
Do I need to be present for the duration of my child’s swim lesson?
We care about your swimmers’ safety just as much as you do. A parent or caregiver must be present throughout the entirety of your child’s swim lesson. In the event that you or another responsible adult are unable to be present for your child’s lesson, we advise you to reschedule the lesson for another day.
When should I feel confident leaving my child in a pool on their own?
Never! Accidents can happen around pools all the time, even to great swimmers. Parents and caregivers should always supervise children.
What are the advantages of formal swim lessons?
Although it is possible to teach your children how to swim on your own, oftentimes children are more susceptible to learning in a formal setting. Not only will kids progress at a faster rate, but they will also learn the correct technique without developing bad habits. Formal swim lessons are proven to reduce risk of drowning by 88%.
Are floatation devices (floaties) a good idea for children learning to swim?
We encourage parents to not use floatation devices while in the water. If used too often, floatation devices give children a false sense of security; they will rely upon the floaties and avoid developing proper swimming techniques. This becomes dangerous if the child ends up falling into a pool or jumping in without their floatation device. Any device that encourages an upright body position (water wings) only slows down the learning process, and is, therefore, a negative. Children need to learn the habit of placing their eyes into the water and creating a horizontal body position when swimming. Flotation devices can be great fun, however we caution against using them every time your child swims to the point where they depend on them. Good practice is to use floaties only for playtime in the water and to take time out to practice swimming.
When should swim goggles be used?
To speed up the learning process, we advise the use of goggles when teaching new or challenging swimming skills. Goggles stop eyes getting irritated, allowing the child to swim longer and in comfort. The goggles also relax the child due to the ability to see where they are going, with targets becoming clearer. However, for safety, children must learn to swim without goggles. We recommend removing the goggles from time to time and see if children can perform the activities without them. Another good rule is to use goggles in lessons, and take them off in free or play time.
Why can some kids swim well while others struggle?
Everyone is born with varying abilities. Some of the things which influence swimming ability include:
- Coordination
- Strength
- Bone density (buoyancy)
- Balance
- Relaxation
- Fine motor skills
- History or past experience in and around water
Anyone can learn the basics of swimming and water safety, but like anything, some will find it easier than others.
How long are private swim lessons?
Lessons are 20 minutes in length.
How long will it take to teach my child how to swim?
Every child will progress differently based on their individual needs and experience. Attending weekly lessons consistently is key in developing your child’s swim skills. With our perpetual weekly lesson model, your child will be moved once they have demonstrated all key skills at their current level.
How long do most people keep their children in swimming lessons?
Once a child learns the basics of how to swim there are many advantages to keeping them in an ongoing program. Swimming is one of the best physical activities you can have your child take part in and your child will continue to learn and become more comfortable and confident in the water. Not to mention it is FUN and having a solid swimming foundation will lead to an enhanced lifestyle. Swimming opens the door to many activities your child may want to take part in like competitive swimming, water polo, snorkeling, scuba diving, junior lifeguards, surfing, water skiing, wakeboarding, and kite surfing just to name a few.
Do you offer swim lessons for children with special abilities/needs?
We find the most effective way to understand a child’s unique needs in the water is through a direct conversation. To determine how our facility can best serve your family, please call us at (562) 988-7946. We will be happy to help!
How do I prepare my child for swim lessons if they are in diapers?
As included in our diaper policy, every child under four (4) years of age must wear a snug fitting reusable swim diaper dover (Splash About Happy Nappy) over a disposable swim diaper each time they are in the pool. If you do not already have a reusable waterproof swim diaper, or if you forget the reusable or disposable diaper, we have them available for sale. Please make sure to always check your child’s diaper or have your child visit the restroom before lessons begin.
Can my child miss a lesson?
Absolutely. Our make-up policy allows you to call and cancel your child’s lesson by 8:00am, the day of the lesson and a make-up token will be issued.
Can I withdraw from lessons?
If you would like to withdraw your child from lessons at any time, we require a 30-day notice to withdraw you from classes, as noted in our policy.
Do you provide lessons for adults?
We only offer swim lessons for swimmers through ages 3 months to 13 years.
Do you offer free/open swim, family swim time or birthday parties?
We only offer swim lessons for swimmers ages 3 months to 13 years, and do not offer any type of open swim or private event/rental.
What should I do if my child is sick?
As noted in our policy, if your child has a fever or contagious disease, please be considerate of other families and staff by keeping your child home from lessons and taking advantage of our make-up lesson policy.
Hablas espanol?
¡Hola! Para ayudarlo mejor en español, comuníquese con nuestro equipo de servicios para miembros y estarán encantados de ayudarlo a responder cualquier pregunta que tenga. Se les puede contactar en aqui (562) 988-7946.
How do I become a Team Member at Deep Blue?
If you love teaching children and helping them grow confidence, check out our Join the Team page for a full list of requirements. We provide team members with training and certifications.
Why Choose a USSSA Member School?
The United States Swim School Association (USSSA) is a world class organization with members that are dedicated to providing quality swimming lessons. USSSA members have the opportunity to educate themselves at least three times a year at workshops and conferences. Members are educated on the latest and best techniques for teaching children how to swim.