Swim Warriors

How do you train your instructors?

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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 place quality control supervisors to check in with our instructors' teaching; their purpose being to take pictures, and videos to be reviewed by senior staff. 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 year. In addition we have in-services scheduled throughout the year to refresh our staff's skills. 

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What does a first lesson look like for new swimmers?

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Lessons start out slow for new swimmers; getting wet with toys, learning how to kick and scoop above the water, monkeying on the wall, enter and exit the water safely, and searching for rings. All of our swimmers regardless of experience go under 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.

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What frequency do you recommend?

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Our lesson frequency is based on your budget and availability. We will always have someone working seven days a week, from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Hours may differ according to the location (indoor or outdoor) or session (ie. pre/post season). Availability of lesson time frames are first come first serve. To learn more about our scheduling process please click here.

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We recommend the following schedule per your swimmers ability:

2 times a week (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)

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How long do you recommend swimmers to remain in lessons?

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

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Are there exceptions to our "one on one" lesson ratio?

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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.

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What is the main goal?

 

Our primary focus is survival swimming. We rely on the swim-float-swim method. All swimmers regardless of their age must complete 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. This is optional. Typically swimmers above the age of four in our program move onto freestyle and backstroke quickly. Checkout the videos below to see our program in action!

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How can I be prepared for Summer 2023 sign ups?

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A great way to be prepared is to get your scheduling form submitted in a timely manner. Be prepared with your answers ahead of time; have an idea of what days and time frames you will be requesting, and know your vacation dates as well. We highly suggest subscribing to our emailing list, found on our home page to receive the most up to date information.  This year our summer form request will open on March 26th at 1:00 PM, and will close on March 28th at 7:00 PM. Anyone needing to fill out the form after this time will be sent a waitlisted schedule request form. 

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What flotation device do we recommend?

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We do not support our students continuing to wear a puddle jumper when beginning our program. In fact, remaining in a 'flotation device' will counteract the very lifesaving skills we are teaching your child. Checkout this information on the 'Dangers of Puddle Jumpers'.

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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. You will see our instructors starting 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.

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Please wait until after your first lesson for more personal advice directly from your instructor. They can better guide you on how to practice and when to use swim aids.

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What are your company policies?

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Our policies differ depending on location (indoor rental, outdoor rental, or your personal location). For more information please contact our office. 

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