QUESTIONS & ANSWERS WITH SUSAN
Q: How many lessons will it take for my child to learn to swim?
A. This is the million dollar question! It all depends on 3 things: the comfort level a child has when they enter the program, the frequency of their swim lessons, the swimming opportunities they have outside of lessons. Children comfortable putting their faces in the water will learn to float more quickly than apprehensive or fearful children. Children need to be able to float in order to be able to get themselves to the side of the pool after a sudden, unexpected immersion. They need to be able to float in order to learn the swim strokes. To sustain the swim strokes for any distance they need to learn the breathing techniques for those strokes. I*Can*Swim skills are taught in a logical progression. Children progress through the skill units at their own rate. I don’t know how long it might take any given child to get through the safety & self-rescue unit without seeing them in the water. After a few lessons we can usually give parents a better idea.
Q: I have 3 children. They all have different skill levels. Can they be together in the same lesson?
A: Yes. All 3 children will be working on their individual skill progressions.
Q: Can I pay with Credit Card or Venmo?
A: All lessons and classes are paid for with cash or check payable to Susan McKnight. Payment for all booked lessons is due in full on your child’s first lesson.
Q: Are your teachers certified?
A: Lead teachers and co-teachers complete an extensive training course to learn swim teaching techniques and methods. Co-teachers are mentored by me while they teach for a period of time. All teachers are First Aid/CPR certified. Teacher Aides receive specific training to assist Lead Teachers with equipment, demonstrations, supervision and instruction.
Q: Is the pool chlorinated?
A: Yes. Hillside Inn has a traditional chlorination system.
Q: What is the water temperature?
A: It’s on the chilly side, 80-82 degrees.
Q: What should I do if my child cries?
A: It is perfectly O.K. for a young child to be apprehensive with a new teacher in an unfamiliar environment. Crying is a natural response to fear and uncertainty. Give our teachers a chance to develop a trusting bond with your child. You might need to move to an area where they can’t see you but you can hear what’s going on. Initially, the crying might escalate, but will typically subside after awhile. Don’t worry about your child’s crying disrupting the class. We know how to handle it. If your child doesn’t settle down, wait until their teacher calls for you to discuss a plan. Some children are not emotionally or socially ready for a structured swim lesson. Many younger children are physically uncomfortable in cold water. We will let you know if we think another lesson might do the trick or advise you if they need more time before trying again.