YMCA Swim Lessons – Frequently Asked Questions

Arrival Time: We recommend arriving “swim-ready” 5 minutes before your scheduled class time. For safety reasons, please do not allow your children to sit poolside unless the instructor is present at the wall.

Swimming Attire: Most bathing suits and swim trunks are acceptable. We ask that you make sure that your child’s swimwear fits snuggly so it will not hinder any movement. Children should not wear swim suits with any built-in flotation. For swimmers with long hair, it should be securely tied back to prevent distraction and interference with skill development.

Swimming Accessories:

• Swim Caps: If your child is prone to chill, a swim cap may help. We welcome and encourage this!
• Goggles: For beginning swimmers, goggles can present a false sense of safety. If your swimmer feels they need goggles, they may bring them; however, for safety reasons a portion of lessons will be spent encouraging participants to be comfortable without goggles.
• Ear plugs/Nose clips: If you are considering using either of these as an aid for your young swimmer, please first discuss it with your instructor. Sometimes these accessories may be more of a hindrance than an aid.

Cancellation/Sick Policy: Children who have been ill should be kept at home. This is in the best interest of their health as well as the health of other class participants and the instructor. Unfortunately, non-attendance for any reason does not entitle you to a refund or a make-up class. We will make every attempt to offer a make-up class if the YMCA must cancel a lesson. Unfortunately, alternate make-up classes cannot be offered, nor does non-attendance to a make-up class entitle you to a refund.

Bathroom Use: We encourage all participants to arrive early enough to use the restroom before class begins. For all participants who are not potty trained, we require the use of a swim diaper in the pool. Parents/Guardians must remain present on the pool deck during lessons to escort their children to the restroom, if needed.

Swim Level Placement & First Day Evaluations: Children will be evaluated by instructors on the first day of lessons to ensure they are in the proper level for their ability and skill level. If we determine your child has been placed in the wrong level, the instructor will discuss this with you and the pool supervisors and will do their best to offer an adequate solution. Children may be moved into a different class level for their safety and the integrity of the program.

Where should I watch my child’s lesson? There are several seating areas located on each pool deck. We ask that parents/guardians remain present on the pool deck during swim lessons, but leave clearance around all perimeters of the pool for lifeguard access and allow children to focus on their instructor’s directions without interference.

If I would like to talk to someone, who should I approach and when? We encourage you to introduce yourself to your child’s swim instructor. If you have questions or concerns, please communicate with them at the end of class. Our pool supervisors are also always available to speak with parents/guardians. For safety reasons, please allow our lifeguards to give their full attention to supervising swimmers; please do not bring questions/concerns to lifeguards. Instead, please address them with our pool supervisors.

How long will it take for my child to learn how to swim? Each child learns at their unique pace. The YMCA uses a developmental series of steps in a natural progression working towards mastering: water adjustment, buoyancy, body position, arm and leg development, forward movement and ending with stroke technique. In general, each child’s readiness is influenced by physical development, previous experience, and behavioral maturity.

Registration for next session: Certificates will be given on the last day of class. It is not unusual for a swimmer to repeat a level more than once because swimming is progressive. All skills must be achieved for a given level before a child can move to the next level. Classes can fill up fast, particularly in popular time slots, so register early. If your child’s recommended level on their completion certificate differs from what you’ve signed up for, please speak to the pool supervisor about moving to the correct level.

Why do I see my child playing or sitting on the side when they should be learning to swim? We pride ourselves in teaching the building blocks of swimming through four additional components: character development, safety, and water games. Through play, your child will gain considerable knowledge and skill development by staying engaged. We also set aside time to discuss and incorporate character values: caring, respect, responsibility, and honesty. Our goal is to develop a well-rounded swimmer, not just one with perfect technique.

Why does my child work on the same things every day? Repetition is the key to learning for most young children. Repeating games and skills give children something to look forward to. Swim lesson participants also feel a greater sense of success by mastering a skill they have been replicating.

What do I do if my child is crying or won’t get in the water? Children may experience fear due to separation anxiety or the overwhelming feeling caused by the pool environment. We ask that you trust our staff in helping your child overcome their apprehension. We encourage hesitant swimmers to continue attending lessons. Our instructors and pool supervisors will communicate with you if they feel your child may have better success in a parent-child class, or if they may need a little more time before they are ready for swim lessons.

What do I do if my child is misbehaving? We ask that you review appropriate class behavior and pool rules with your child. We encourage parents to lead by example and help children understand “respect” for the water, classmates, and instructors. Our instructors and lifeguards use positive reinforcement to encourage appropriate class behavior. If our staff do not have success with this approach, we will notify you to help support appropriate behavior for your child in class.

What can I do to ensure my child will learn to swim and pass their level? We do not establish passing a level as our primary definition of success. We consider learning to swim a never-ending process and as a chance to encourage motor, language and social skills as well as emotional development. It is extremely normal for a child to remain in the same class level for multiple sessions. If you have questions about your child’s swim level, please speak to a pool supervisor on site.

Any other questions, please contact the Community Services Program Director, Caitlyn Fry, at 714-635-9622, or cfry@anaheimymca.org.