Your little swimmer is enrolled in his or her first swim lesson.
He or she is probably excited. You’re probably nervous.
Why are you nervous? Well, you do have specific duties as a swim parent, right?
To make sure you know exactly what is expected of you and what you can expect as a first-time swim parent, let’s review a few things.
Before Class
Arrival – If you arrive with your little swimmer appropriately attired for jumping in the pool, you may arrive a little later than those whose child must change clothes. For those who are pool ready – 15 minutes before class time should work fine. For those who need to change into swimming suits, arrival time should be no less than 20 minutes prior to class time.
Remember that your child should have time to settle down before the class starts, regardless of what else they must do to be ready for class.
If you’re in a “parent and me” class, you’ll have to decide if you will be pool ready when you arrive. If you’re not, please arrive in time to get yourself and your child ready for the lesson.
Attire – In the Otter Babies class, your child may wear a swim diaper underneath a suit that they can move easily in. Since this is a “parent and me” class, you will also be in the pool so simply wear a swimming suit that you would normally wear in the pool.
When you little swimmer is 3 – he or she will be able to just wear a swimming suit. Have some goggles for them. Some children like to wear swim shirts – and that is fine if that is what they’re comfortable wearing.
Food Before Class – Eating within 30 minutes of the lesson is not a good idea. When you combine excitement with activity and recent food, it more often than not results in a mess (and a miserable child). If they need a snack, then choose something light and just enough to tide them over for their lesson. For after your lesson, try packing something that your child likes that travels well – something that is nutrient dense – so to refuel your child immediately after the lesson.
During Class
What Parents Do for 30 Minutes – For parents whose children have progressed past the “parent and me” lessons, you have a question. What do you do for the next 30 minutes while your child is in the pool?
This is an easy one: you watch!
Since this will be the first time your child has his or her lesson without you in the pool, they may show a little apprehension. Don’t fuel to their apprehension but give them positive affirmation that the lesson will be fun and that they will be amazing!
You may also be a little apprehensive when you see your little one in the pool. You may not want to take your eyes off of them as they splash around and enjoy their lesson. Don’t worry at all. Our instructors are well-trained and very attuned to the safety of each and every child. After a few lessons, you’ll probably find that you’re perfectly comfortable diverting your eyes from the pool – watching for a few minutes, checking a few emails or reading a chapter in your latest book, and then watching a little more. It’s fine for you to do other activities as you sit through your child’s lesson – as long as you are there in the facility as the lesson proceeds.
After Class
Cleaning Up After – We’re happy to provide ample changing and showering areas for you and your child to use after lessons.
Extras to Bring – Towels? Hairbrush/Comb? Nutritious snacks and water? Favorite leggings or shorts and Little Otter t-shirt to wear home? Flip flops to wear to shower – and on the trip home if it’s warm outside. If it’s winter time, be sure your little swimmer has warm clothes to put on for the ride home. If you lesson is in the evening, many of our little otters leave in their pajamas and go to sleep in the car on the way home. These are all great things to bring so that you and your child are comfortable as they finish their lessons and head home.
Little Otter’s Refer a Friend Program
After being in a lesson or two, you’ll probably be so full of excitement about your child’s lessons that you will want to tell all of your friends about Little Otter! Did you know that you can win if you refer a friend? When a friend that you refer signs up for lessons at Little Otter, you win the chance to spin the Little Otter Referral Wheel! Prizes range from $5 to $25 Otter Bucks or even 1 month of lessons – free.
Important Details You Need to Know
Missing a Lesson – If your child is not going to be able to attend a lesson, you should let us know as soon as possible. We try to be accommodating because we understand that things just happen sometimes. But we also know that children who attend regularly learn their skills and accomplish swimming more quickly.
Therefore, we offer unlimited makeups. But if you find that your child must miss several of his or her classes, we can work with you to find a time that might better fit the changes that have occurred in your schedule.
Pool Closings – As much as we’d love to, we can’t be open to teach every hour of every day! Our regular business hours are clearly posted and we will always notify you of other times that we will be closed – for holidays or pool maintenance etc. We will notify you as soon as possible if our pools must close in a weather emergency or power outage.
Changing Class Specifics – Our staff can help if you find that you need to make a change in your child’s class day, time, level or instructor. Sometimes schedules change, your child progresses more quickly through a class level or an instructor just isn’t a fit for your child. We’re happy to work with you in figuring things out!
If you have any questions feel free to talk to us at the customer service desk. Your deck manager will also be happy to answer any questions. If you think of something later, give us a call or drop us an email. We have the same goal as you do… the best possible lessons for your child.
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