FAQs

1. What should I pack in my swim bag?
   (a) All you need to bring is a bathing suit and a towel. Goggles are mandatory and can be purchased here at the school, however we do have loaners available.
2. What is the student to teacher ratio?
   (a) For a regular class there are 4 students to 1 teacher. Baby classes have 6 children to 1 teacher.
3. What if my child cries?
   (a) It is common for most children to cry on the first day of swim class. This is a normal reaction. Our staff here at Sutton Swim School are highly trained in these situations. Pulling a child out of swim lessons due to crying is never a recommended course of action. Removing them from the lesson will show them that crying will get them their way. 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.
4. When will my child be water safe?
   (a) A child is NEVER water safe. Though there are steps you can take to help a child become safer in the water, you should never leave a child unattended in or near the water.
5. My child received a ribbon; do they need to switch classes?
   (a) In general, your child should be able to stay in the same class, learning new skills. If one child is advancing far ahead of the other students, or if one is falling behind, we may move them to a better suited class in order to help them work on the specific skills they need to be working on.
6. When will my child receive a ribbon?
   (a) A student receives a ribbon once they achieve the goals listed under that level. If you have any questions as to when your child will receive their ribbon, you may write your child's teacher a note and they will respond to you by the following week.
7. Can I talk to my child's teacher?
   (a) Unfortunately, there is no time in between classes to talk to the instructors. If you have a question for your instructor, you may write them a note and they will have a response for you the following week.
8. When does the billing go through?
   (a) The billing cycle runs from the 5th of the month until the 4th of the following month. The cost per class is $18. You are charged based on the number of classes that fall in the billing cycle. There is a flier at the front desk with the projected monthly billing totals for your convenience.
9. Bubbles vs. Holding your breath.
   (a) Holding our breath allows our lungs to gradually absorb more oxygen, allowing us to swim longer distances under water. If we exhale underwater, we are limiting our air supply as well as our lungs' capacity, which makes submerges more difficult, and the time spent with our faces in the water considerably less.
10. When will my child start learning strokes?
    (a) Your child will begin strokes once they receive the Stroke 1 ribbon. Before this level, they are working on their streamline, endurance and straight leg kicks. This is done so that a solid foundation is set before adding complicated skills that can potentially confuse a child or promote bad habits.
11. When will my baby be ready to go into a class without me?
    (a) A child must be 3 years old to go into a class on their own, no matter what their swimming capability is. We wait until they are 3 to ensure safety to all of the children in the pool.
12. What if my child misses a class?
    (a) We are unable to offer make ups or credits for missed classes due to a lack of space in the pool. No exceptions.
13. How long do we need to wait after eating to get into the pool?
    (a) Please allow your child at least 30 minutes between eating and getting into the water to avoid sickness.
14. What happens if we are late for class?
    (a) If a child is more than 15 minutes, they will not be allowed into the pool, as it is disruptive for the other students. Please try and have their goggles on before they get in to the water to help the class keep moving.
15. Can I request a specific teacher?
    (a) You can request a specific teacher, however this may take longer for you to find a class. We can not guarantee a teacher schedule.
16. Can I keep the same teacher if we need to switch our day or time?
    (a) Sometimes this is possible, however sometimes you may need to switch teachers. The front office can help you to find a teacher with a similar teaching style to what you are looking for.
17. Can I go out on to the pool deck?
    (a) You may assist your child in showering off and lining up behind their teachers cone. No one is allowed to stay on deck or in the bathroom hallways for more than 3 minutes.
18. Can I drop off my child and run a few errands during their class?
    (a) No. A parent or guardian must be in the building at all times during the child's swim lesson, in the event of an injury or pool closure.
19. Am I allowed to wear my shoes out on the pool deck?
    (a) No. We ask that all shoes are taken off before entering the pool deck in order to keep the water as clean as possible.