Question 1

How does registration work?

Accepted Answer

Please click the button below to be directed to the "How does registration work?" page of our website!

Question 2

Are lessons always a one to one ratio? Or are there exceptions?

Accepted Answer

We truly believe in making the most of lesson time, which is why all of our lessons are private; one on one lessons. The only exception being two to three swimmers that are on a competitive swim team, or given the okay by one of our instructors, (ie; can swim multiple strokes efficiently), you can combine lessons. We will permit two to three swimmers to swim together for one hour or more to aid in endurance strengthening, technique, increasing lung efficiency, and learning proper competitive regulations.

Question 3

Does pricing change based on the amount of swimmers I sign up?

Accepted Answer

No. Our prices stay the same no matter the amount of swimmers. All swimmers regardless of age will be assigned a minimum of thirty minutes per lesson. Lessons more than thirty minutes are reserved for adults and competitive swimmers.

Question 4

Frequency of Lessons

Accepted Answer

Our lesson frequency is based on your budget and availability. Spots are first come first serve upon signing up.  We strongly recommend continuing at one of our indoor locations year round after the summer session has been completed.

We recommend the following schedule per your swimmers ability:

2 times a week from your start date through the end of session (The best option for students under 2 years old, or very fearful swimmers )

Once per week- (This option is dedicated to families on a budget, diligent swimmers and/or competitive swimmers)

Question 5

Have you ever told a parent to quit lessons because their child was not ready for lessons?

Accepted Answer

We have never told a parent to quit! Even if the first session is rough, you will be thanking yourself for starting early because our swimmers learn at an exponential rate right from the start! The longer lessons are put off, and the older the child gets, the harder it is to teach them. As we grow older we become more aware of our surroundings, making an older child more fearful. In addition, younger swimmers naturally have an instinct to hold their breath. The older they get the faster the instinct goes away.

Question 6

How does scheduling work?

Accepted Answer

Please click the following link to understand more about our scheduling process. Scheduling procedures differ depending on location (ie. rental pool vs travel lessons. CLICK ME.

Question 7

Mixed Ability Instruction

Accepted Answer

We no longer offer semi-private lessons; each lesson is individual.

Question 8

When/How do we pay?

Accepted Answer

We use square for both payments, and appointments. The credit/debit/gift card saved on file will be charged the following business day after your lesson; you will receive an emailed receipt for the transaction. 
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*Swim Warriors does not have access to any of your credit card information upon you saving it to your profile.*
 
A credit/debit card is required to be on file. If you do not feel comfortable with this option you may buy a giftcard equal to the amount of swim lessons you are scheduled for to remain on file in lou of a credit/debit card. 
 
Lessons that fall on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, will be charged the following Monday.

Question 9

How do you train your instructors?

Accepted Answer

After an extensive interview, and background check, each instructor is rigorously trained months prior to the season starting. Including over forty hours of in water training, extensive classroom time, and testing. In addition to in-water check offs (hours of critiqued lesson observing), before being released as an official instructor. We have in three quality control supervisors in place to check in with our instructors' teaching; their purpose being to take pictures, and videos to be reviewed by senior staff throughout the summer. In addition, we now have lead instructors (third or fourth year team members) that will support their assigned instructor's lesson plans, cultivate new ideas, and address concerns throughout the season. We also have in-service trainings scheduled throughout the season for the purpose of refreshing instructors' skills.

Question 10

How long should we enroll our child in lessons?

Accepted Answer

They should take lessons until you feel confident with your child swimming without a life jacket at the beach or lake. Your child should stay in lessons until you have that peace of mind, that typically comes seeing your child, confidently and nearly effortlessly (like second nature) rolling over to floating/saving position in many different scenarios.

In the US, tragically 3,500 to 4,000 people drown per year. That is an average of 10 fatal drownings per day. Drowning is the LEADING cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1-4.

Our program emphasizes long term goals and confidence. I love to use this example- If you teach your child to ride a bike, but only practice once a year for 1-2 weeks and then stop until the following year would you be confident in their bike riding abilities? Knowing when to brake, when it’s safe to cross the street, how to handle hills etc. No. It’d be like starting from zero every time.

This is why we encourage our parents to stick with lessons for as long as possible. Building on their skills and confidence. Programs that promise results in a week worth of lessons DO NOT work. In a few weeks or months your child may develop a different fear/challenge- as they grow and discover- new problems arise. It may be of the deep water, or they’ll become more aware of their surroundings and find that an exit point is not easily found. Kids change SO MUCH on a week to week basis and different environments present different problems. Their confidence needs to be reinstated in the water every week or on a reoccurring basis; as well as there are so many skills to be added after survival skills are learned. In a state of panic in water you want lifesaving skills to come without thought….completely automatic.

We are so excited to now offer year round lessons so that our swimmers are not practicing three-six months out of the year, they can practice for as long as it takes for parents to have that peace of mind.

Swim Warriors’ #1 goal is ensuring your child’s safety around water.

Question 11

What age do you start lessons at?

Accepted Answer

Lessons start at 6 months and up!

Question 12

What if my swimmer cannot complete a full 30 minute lesson?

Accepted Answer

All of our swimmers complete 30 minute lessons regardless of age or ability. Our instructor may use extra breaks to play/bond with your swimmer in the first couple of lessons in between introducing new skills. This is based on the instructor’s evaluation.

Question 13

What does a first lesson look like for new swimmers?

Accepted Answer

Lessons start out slow for new swimmers; getting wet with toys, learning how to kick and scoop above the water, monkeying on the wall, entering and exiting the water safely, and searching for rings. All of our swimmers, regardless of experience, go under during the first lesson. We believe it is important to tackle fears head on. The quicker we introduce going under, the more comfortable our swimmers become. Babies between the ages of 6-18 months have a unique instinct to hold their breath being that they're in water for nine months (mommy's tummy). Learning how to float and roll over (swim-float-swim) is non-negotiable and will be practiced every lesson. Communicate with your instructor on ways to practice in between lessons. Lessons are most effective when both the guardian and instructor work together in providing confidence and encouragement.

Question 14

What is the main goal when learning to swim?

Accepted Answer

Our primary focus is survival swimming. We rely on the swim-float-swim method. All swimmers, regardless of their age, must swim a minimum of 20-25 yards independently without the instructor in the water before we move on from the skill. In order to be "checked" off  completely from the survival swimming skill, the instructor will flip the swimmer upside down to ensure they can swim, float, swim and find safety. Some parents choose to do this skill with their swimmer fully clothed, however this is optional. Typically swimmers in our program who are above the age of four move on. to freestyle and backstroke quickly. Check out the videos below to see our program in action!

Question 15

What flotation device do we recommend?

Accepted Answer

We do not support our students continuing to wear a puddle jumper when beginning our program. In fact, remaining in this 'flotation device' will counteract the very lifesaving skills we are teaching your child.
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The best way to be safe around the pool is found through swim lessons. We strongly encourage parents to stay in the water with their swimmers and practice with them, versus having your child wear a flotation device the entire time in the pool. 
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Life jackets are an option but we typically recommend for them only for the beach, lake and boating. As for the pool setting, we like our swimmers to use the 'Toysharing Back Float' found on Amazon. This device prevents your swimmer from maintaining a drowning position, keeping your swimmer horizontal in the water, and gives your them full use of their arms and legs. Swimmers can float successfully on their back, completely parallel on the the water with the aid on. As your swimmer gets better, you can take another block off the back of the swim device in order to slowly wean them from it. You will see our instructors start with two floatation blocks, as starting with four is often too much. When using this device, we recommend that students wear goggles to encourage them to swim with their face in and out of the water.
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If your swimmer is too young to use a lifejacket, we recommend a float such as the following on Amazon: Mambobaby Non Inflatable Baby Float Swim Trainer Pool Float with Canopy Swim Ring.

Question 16

How can I personally help my child improve?

Accepted Answer

You can help aid your swimmer by practicing in the tub (i.e. taking monkey breaths, trying on goggles, looking at toys in the tub, dumping water directly over their heads, etc.), and by practicing in the pool (scooping and kicking after a toy on their bellies, going under towards the wall or the stairs, looking at diving rings on the steps with goggles, monkeying on the wall, jumping in and catching them). Anything to encourage independence can be included here. TAKE VIDEOS of your swimmer! Show them on repeat until the next lesson! More information on this is provided in your welcome email.

Question 17

Will my child’s instructor provide tips to better their technique and experience?

Accepted Answer

In order for lessons to progress at a fast rate we encourage our parents to practice with their swimmers as much as possible. Please ask your instructor for tips! Please understand that cancelling lessons can greatly affect the outcome of our program on our swimmer.

Question 18

How do you match my child with their instructor?

Accepted Answer

Each instructor has different strengths and are chosen based on the information the client provides regarding their swimmer, including their needs, abilities, and personality. We have some that specialize in competitive swimming, some in special needs, some in infant survival, etc.! Please understand that failing to list detailed information about your swimmer on your registration form can result in them being placed with an instructor who is not the ideal fit for your child.

Question 19

What should I bring to swim lessons?

Accepted Answer

Parents can count on their child’s instructor to have goggles at all times to utilize during the duration of their lesson. However, we highly recommend purchasing goggles for swimmers to practice using them outside of lessons, and being comfortable in them. On top of that, having your own pair of goggles saves our instructors time in the lesson as they will not have to adjust them to fit your child each lesson. Please also bring a towel, along with the required Happy Nappy Duo swim diaper if your swimmer is under the age of 4, or is not fully potty trained. These can be purchased at our indoor location in Dawsonville for a discounted price!

Required swim diapers, Goggles, swim caps, flippers, training aid back packs, and swim suits are available for purchase at our indoor location located at 471 Quill Drive Dawsonville, GA 30534. We are open 8:00am-8:00pm, seven days a week.

Question 20

How early do we arrive for our lessons?

Accepted Answer

Please plan to arrive 10 minutes prior to your child’s lesson. Have your child ready to enter the water: wearing proper swim attire and potty time completed (if applicable). In addition, you agree to abide by the specified dates and times for all swim lessons. Please understand that if you do not arrive within 15 minutes of the lesson start time, your instructor is authorized to leave the pool and you will be subject to cancellation fees.

Swim Warriors INC

Frequently asked questions