Frequently Asked Questions

Class Questions:

Why should I enroll my child at Swim 101?

  • Small class sizes for an optimal learning environment.
  • Immediate opportunity for advancement once class standards have been met.
  • Goal-­oriented reward system to keep your child actively learning.

When should I get my child started in swim lessons?

  • It’s never too early to begin working on water safety skills, especially if your child is ever near or around water. At Swim 101 we start teaching as young as 6 months because younger children adapt to the water much easier. In fact, research shows (Griffith University Study, 2012) that the earlier a child starts swimming the more advanced they are socially, physically, cognitively and emotionally.
  • Please remember that just because your child is in swimming lessons doesn’t mean your child is water safe! The safety of your child depends on constant parental vigilance and reinforcement of learned skills at Swim 101.

Who will be coaching my child in the water?

  • Your child’s coach is a highly qualified swim instructor that provides the perfect blend of enthusiasm, encouragement, and feedback needed to improve swim skills. Every coach is aware of our methods of teaching and has gone through an extensive training program at Swim 101 to ensure their effectiveness as a teacher and coach.  We encourage you to introduce yourself and meet all of our wonderful coaches!

What are the benefits of swim lessons for my child?

Research suggests that the earlier a child starts swim lessons, the more significant the benefits (highlighted below).

  • Boosts development of the whole child (early year-round lessons for young children accelerated their development physically, intellectually, and emotionally).
  • Children who swim consistently from infancy are significantly stronger and more coordinated.
  • Children scored higher for intelligence and problem solving, which carries over into excellent academic achievement.
  • Emotionally, children have been found to have more self-disciplined, possess greater self-control and an increased desire to succeed.
  • Children rated higher in self-­esteem and were more independent and comfortable in social situations than non-­swimmers.
  • Swim lessons for babies and toddlers improve their physical development.
  • Baby swimmers develop better balance, movement and grasping techniques compared to non-swimmers.

What will my child need for their first swim class?

  • Please make sure your child has a swimsuit and towel for each lesson. Goggles are not required, but are recommended for the toddler and kids classes. If your child has long hair, please tie it back or wear a swim cap.
  • If your child has not yet completed potty-training or is under 3 years of age, we require that he or she wear a reusable swim diaper (the first one is provided by Swim 101 with the annual registration fee). This reusable swim diaper may go underneath baby swim suits.

What if we miss a class? Do you offer make-ups?

  • We realize that families have busy schedules and that children are occasionally sick. In order to cancel, simply call or email before your scheduled class to cancel with no questions asked! 
  • Once we mark your child absent, you will receive an email confirming your “makeup token”. This is just a token that is on your account that can be applied to another day/time for free!
  • When you are ready to reschedule, please call the Swim 101 staff. Keep in mind that we cannot always guarantee a particular teacher for make-­up lessons, although we will try. Make-­up lessons must be used within 90 days of the missed class. If you withdraw from Swim 101 before you have used your make-­up lessons, the lessons will be forfeited. Make-­ups cannot be guaranteed for a private class due to the scheduling difficulties, but we will do our best to accommodate you accordingly.

How do I change the time and/or day my child swims?

  • Please call or email the Swim 101 staff to change your lesson time and date to a time that is better suited for you.

How long will it take for my child to be water safe?

  • Every child learns at his or her own pace. How quickly a child learns depends on many different factors, but most importantly is their ability to practice. Practicing with your child will greatly affect how comfortable and confident they are in and around the water. It is always important to remember that no matter how big or small your child’s progress is, always maintain a positive attitude and celebrate their successes.

Registration Questions:

When can I sign up for lessons?

  • You may register at any time during the month. We will prorate the first month depending on the number of classes remaining. You will then go into our automatic billing system for all future months and your account will be billed on the 1st of each month.

How do I register my child for classes?

  • You may register online from the home screen by clicking on the “Register Here” button.
  • You may also call or email the Swim 101 staff to schedule lessons for your child!

How do I know what level my child is in?

  • We offer free evaluations to see what level your child would be in! If you would like to schedule a free evaluation, please call or email the Swim 101 staff to find out available days and times. 

Finance Questions:

What is the cost for lessons?

  • The cost for our group lesson is $90 per month at Swim 101, all lessons are perpetual. Perpetual lessons have been proven to provide the best “water safe” developed children. For other lesson types, please call or email the Swim 101 staff for more information.
  • If you are a Great Lakes Athletic Club member, you get a 5% discount on swim lessons.

Is there a registration fee?

  • Yes, the annual family membership fee is $25 for each child.

Are there multiple child discounts?

  • Yes, there are multiple child discounts. The first child is the regular price, the 2nd child is 5% of the price of the first child, the third child is 5% of the 2nd child and every child after that is the price of the third child.

How do I pay for my lessons?

  • When you register, you will be asked for a credit card number. This card will be kept on file for billing at the beginning of each month.

Child Behavior Questions:

What benefits do babies receive from swimming?

The earlier the better! Research suggests that the earlier one starts their children in swim lessons the more significant the benefits benefits are, such as:

  • Boosts development of the whole child (early year round lessons for young children accelerated their development physically, intellectually, and emotionally).
  • Children who swim consistently from infancy are significantly stronger and more coordinated.
  • Children scored higher for intelligence and problem solving, which carries over into excellent academic achievement.
  • Emotionally, children have been found to have more self-­discipline, greater self-­control and an increase in desire to succeed.
  • Children rated higher in self-esteem and were more independent and comfortable in social situations than non-­swimmers.
  • Swim lessons for babies and toddlers improve their physical development.
  • Baby swimmers develop better balance, movement and grasping techniques than non-­swimmers.

What if my child cries?

  • It is common for most children to cry on the first day of swim class. This is a normal reaction. Our staff is highly trained in these situations. Pulling a child out of swim lessons due to crying is never a recommended course of action. Usually the crying phase is much harder on the parent than it is on the child. If your child is crying, it is best to get out of the line of sight from your child so they are able to better focus on the instructor.