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Lesson Types and Options
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Lesson Levels
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Our Teaching Methods
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Helping Your Child Through Crying During Lessons
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Pool Policies
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What to Bring for Your Lesson
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On This Page:
Private Swim Lessons Tailored Just for You
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Parent and Me Baby Class​​
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Lesson Levels:
When signing up for lessons, you’ll be asked to select your child's experience level based on your understanding of their comfort and ability in the water. To help with this, use the checklist below as a guide, and feel free to reach out to us with any questions. Don’t worry if you’re unsure—our instructors will assess and confirm their level during the lessons. It's perfectly okay to say, 'I don’t know!
Lesson Types & Options:
Our Teaching Methods - Embracing Diversity in Teaching
At Surfs Up Swim Programs, we celebrate the diverse ways children learn by contracting experienced swim instructors who bring unique styles, personalities, and methods to our program. Our approach to teaching swimming and water safety draws inspiration and structure from the WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR® Course provided by the American Red Cross.
Selection of Instructors:
We carefully select instructors who not only have strong swimming backgrounds and certifications but also embody our values. Each instructor is trained to adhere to the American Red Cross water safety guidelines, ensuring high-quality and safety-focused instruction.
Personalized Instruction:
During initial consultation lessons, we evaluate each swimmer's current skill level based on the comprehensive guide from the WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTOR® Course. This assessment allows us to craft personalized programs tailored to each swimmer's specific needs, ensuring progression and safety in the water.
Integrated Water Safety Lessons:
Our curriculum incorporates weekly rotating water safety lessons, seamlessly integrated into all swim sessions. These lessons, based on the principles of the RED CROSS WATER SAFETY PROGRAMS - specifically, Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Water Safety for Children, cover eight critical themes to enhance swimmers' understanding and respect for water safety.
Commitment and Consistency:
Our instructors commit to working with us for defined periods, providing stability and building trust with students. This consistency helps create a supportive and effective learning environment.
Continuous Improvement:
We regularly bring in new instructors with fresh skills and methods, keeping our program dynamic and innovative. This ensures that our teaching approaches remain current and effective.
At Surfs Up Swim Programs, we provide an exceptional swim learning experience by combining diverse teaching approaches with high safety and learning standards. Join us in fostering confident, skilled, and safety-conscious swimmers.
Helping Your Child Through Crying During Swim Lessons
It’s normal for kids to cry during their first swim lessons. With a few helpful tips, we can turn those tears into smiles in no time.
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1. Normal Reactions
It's completely normal for your child to feel nervous, scared, upset, or even cry during their first couple of lessons. These emotions are part of the learning process.
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2. Noise Levels
Our pool is located outside and in a residential neighborhood, so we need to be mindful of our noise levels due to past complaints from neighbors. If your child hasn’t calmed down after about 15 minutes, we will have them take a sip of water and a short break before trying again. While we prefer that children stay in the pool for the full 30 minutes, if they continue to cry non-stop and disrupt others, we may need to end the lesson a bit early.
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3. Prepare Your Child for Their Swimming Lesson
Reassure your little one that their teacher will be with them in the water and is there to keep them safe. Knowing what to expect can ease their anxiety.
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4. Stick With It
Don’t pull your swimmer out of the water mid-lesson or quit coming to lessons altogether if they cry. Remember, swim lessons are a life-saving skill, just as important as wearing a seatbelt. Trust that their instructor has the situation under control.
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5. Remain Calm and Distract Yourself
Children can pick up on their parents' emotions. If you feel uneasy or anxious, try to remain calm. Read a book, smile from the sidelines, or observe from a distance so your child isn’t tempted to look for you. Soon, they’ll be more comfortable with their instructor and the water.
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6. Don’t Worry About the Instructor
It’s common for parents to feel bad for the instructor if their child cries. Rest assured, our instructors are trained to handle these situations and are committed to building a positive connection with your child.
7. Practice at Home
Engage in water-related activities at home, like pouring water over their eyes, practicing back floats, and blowing bubbles in the bathtub. These exercises can boost their confidence and give them something to look forward to showing their swim instructor.
Remember, It’s Temporary
Watching your little one cry during lessons can be tough, but it's a common part of the learning process. With perseverance and the support of our trained instructors, your child will soon overcome their fears and enjoy their time in the water.
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We’re here to help your child gain confidence and become a happy, confident swimmer!
Pool Policies and What to Bring for Your Lesson
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New Pool Entry and Exit Schedule:
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Arrival: Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled lesson in your bathing suits, ready to swim. Remember to have a bathroom break beforehand!
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During Lessons: Upon entering, please take a seat in any available space. Help your child get their goggles ready and wait for the instructor to call their name.
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Lesson Transition: When the instructor calls your child, please either escort them to the lesson or allow them to meet their instructor independently.
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Departure: After the lesson concludes, the instructor will signal for your child to exit the pool. Please assist them in drying off, packing up, and heading back to the car efficiently.
What to Bring:
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Water bottle, goggles, swim cap or hair tie (long hair), bathing suit
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Winter: Wetsuits are sometimes helpful in keeping the little ones warmer!
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*Feel free to reach out for recommendations on goggles, suits, caps, etc.
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We have goggles for sale at the pool for $10 & Amazon recommendations
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Departure After Lessons: To manage the overcrowding, please limit your time in the pool area to 5 minutes after your child’s lesson ends. Promptly escort them to change in designated areas such as the bathroom, garage, or even in your car.
Hot Tub Usage: The hot tub should only be used under direct parental supervision. Due to the new schedule and classes now being held in the hot tub, availability will be limited.
Seating During Lessons: To reduce crowding, we ask that all parents remain seated during lessons. Chairs will be arranged closer to the pool for better visibility and convenience.
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Guests at Lessons: To help manage space and ensure comfort, please limit spectators to a minimum per swimmer. This includes siblings and other family members.
Neighborhood Courtesy: We are part of a quiet residential area. Please help us maintain a peaceful environment by keeping voice levels low around the pool area.
Pool Rules for Parents: Parents are reminded not to enter the pool unless participating in a baby class. This policy is crucial for the safety and structure of our lessons.
