Questions you might have BEFORE registering:

Questions you might have AFTER registering:

How many days per week should my child attend classes?
Our schedule is set up for the convenience of busy families. You can attend as little as one class per week or as many as seven. Consistency and repetition is the key to success; therefore, the more classes per week you can attend the faster your student will learn... especially beginning students. Once your child is comfortable in the water and learns the fundamentals, once or twice a week is acceptable. BACK TO TOP

How long will it take my child to learn how to swim?
Unfortunately, there isn't a universal answer to this question. There are many factors that play into learning to swim and it also depends on your definition of "swimming." Most of our students continue with us until they graduate, but some parents just want their children to know the basics. Every child learns at their own, individual pace so it's impossible to determine how long it will take. It is important for parents to have realistic expectations for their children. Please avoid comparing your child to others. Positive reinforcement and consistency is vital for your child's success. Regardless of what the final goal may be, we feel it's important that the child learns to have a love and respect of the water. BACK TO TOP

May I request a specific teacher?
Yes, you may request a teacher and we will do everything possible to fulfill your request, but unfortunately we can't guarantee your child's placement with a specific instructor. All American Swim Academy instructors are safety-certified and trained to our standards to ensure quality and consistency in every class. BACK TO TOP

Can I get a refund if I decide to cancel after registering?
Cancellation for a refund prior to the first day of the quarter will be given within 48 hours of your purchase minus a $25 cancellation fee. After 48 hours, ASA creddit will be given minus a $25 cancellation fee.BACK TO TOP

Will swimming cause ear infections?
There are two main types of ear infections — middle and outer ear infections. Middle ear infections are usually a complication of a cold or virus, where the Eustachian tube becomes clogged with mucus and the pressure in the ear rises and the ear becomes infected fluid. Outer ear infections (also known as "swimmer's ear") commonly occur in children who spend a lot of time in the water. Too much moisture in the ear can irritate and break down the skin in the canal, allowing bacteria or fungi to penetrate. To prevent the latter, children should gently dry their ears with a towel and help water run out of their ears by turning their heads to the side. Using over-the-counter drops of a diluted solution of acetic acid or alcohol in the ears after getting them wet can also help as long as the child does not have ear tubes or a hole in the eardrum. Swimming does not cause the middle ear infections. Children with ventilation tubes in their ears can still swim, but should wear ear plugs, a tight fitting cap, and should not swim deeper than a foot below the surface of the water. BACK TO TOP

Do you have a Swim Team?
No, we don't have an organized team; however, we do offer Stroke Training — a class that is recommended for exercise and swim team preparation. Students are introduced to speed work, endurance training stroke drills used at the swim team level. These drills are used to continually improve your stroke technique and efficiency in the water. Stroke Training is designed as a transition from lessons to competitive swimming or as support in conjunction with team training. This is the class for summer league swimmers who are looking to improve swimming technique. BACK TO TOP

What is a Deck Manager?
A Deck Manager is the staff member who oversees classes on any given shift. They are a wonderful resource if you have questions about your child's progress, and can serve as a liaison for your child's teacher. Their main job is to ensure the safety and proper stroke technique for all students. BACK TO TOP

What should I bring to swim lessons?
Each swimmer needs a swimsuit and a towel. Children who are not potty trained are also required to wear a snug-fitting swim diaper. If your child is under three, they must be accident free for at least six month before swimming without a swim diaper. BACK TO TOP

Does my child need to wear a swim cap?
Swim caps are not required, but they can improve your child's swimming experience because long hair is heavy and can make swimming more difficult. If you child is working on breathing and head rotation, it can make it very difficult for them to take a breath. We recommend that you braid the hair or pull the hair back into a ponytail. BACK TO TOP

Do I need to buy my child a pair of goggles?
We encourage all swimmers to learn water comfort without goggles first. As your child becomes a more avid swimmer, goggles can be helpful. If you decide to use goggles, have your child try them on before coming to class, and make sure they fit your child's face snugly and comfortably. It's also a good idea to write your child's name on the goggles in permanent marker. BACK TO TOP

Can my child wear a "floatie" to swim lessons?
No, we do not recommend the use of water wings or flotation suits since they give parents and new swimmers a false sense of security. Our facilities are carefully designed for safe instruction and our lessons are structured to teach your child to swim without any artificial aids. We do not believe that there is such a thing as "Drown-proofing." We teach students safety skills and how to love and respect the water. Children should NEVER swim unsupervised no matter what level of instruction they have achieved. No one (even an adult) is ever completely safe from drowning. BACK TO TOP

Is it OK to eat before my child's lesson?
Just like any other exercise, you wouldn't want to feed your child a large meal just before getting into the water. It's fine to have a small meal or snack before class as long as they have had at least 20 minutes to digest. Aqua Babies (children under three years) should avoid eating an hour before each lesson. BACK TO TOP

How do I switch to a different day and/or time?
We allow a one time transfer per session if space is available after the session begins. If the need arises, please contact a Member Service Representative for availability. BACK TO TOP

If I miss a class, may I schedule a makeup?
We schedule and fill classes in advance, and because we are committed to keep class-sizes small for optimum learning, make ups are not guaranteed; however we do offer one make-up per session, per student, if space is available. Please contact your school directly for complete make-up guidelines. BACK TO TOP

What if my normal class falls on a holiday?
American Swim Academy is closed on most major holidays, and our swim sessions are planned with holidays in mind. Classes are not held on New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, after 5:30pm on Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Class fees are prorated for Holidays. BACK TO TOP

What if my child cries or is afraid?
It's very common for a child to cry or be afraid when starting something new. Our teachers are trained to deal with the most fearful of students and our deck managers are always on hand to assist if necessary. We use simple distraction techniques; toys, songs and games to help calm and reassure them and we will never dunk a new swimmer under the water. A child may cry for several weeks in a row, but be patient. Consistency and praise are key in your child's progress. If you need help getting your child into the pool, please ask our staff for assistance and be sure to let us know any information that will help us get to know your child better (favorite toys, special songs, heroes, etc). We will gladly get your child in the water and swimming happily in no time! BACK TO TOP

Should the parents be visible during class?
If the child is distracted by seeing Mom or Dad and the teacher is having a hard time keeping the child's focus, it might be better for the parent to be out of sight. The teacher will have an easier time bonding with their student if Mom or Dad is temporarily out of view. BACK TO TOP

What if my child is sick?
Use your best judgment, but if your child has flu-like symptoms such as a fever, vomiting or has stomach or digestion problems, you should not bring them to class. If they have a runny nose or a cough, coming to class can actually be good for them. BACK TO TOP

My child has hit a plateau, what can I do to help?
Plateaus are common, especially when a child gets to levels that tend to be difficult (i.e. the Advanced Preschool and Breather levels, Advanced levels). Our teachers are sensitive to these issues and are trained to motivate and guide swimmers though these difficult levels. As a parent, it's important to remain positive and supportive to help the child work through these times. If you are concerned about your child's progress, please talk to your Deck Manager, Assistant Director or Director for advice on working through the possible plateaus. BACK TO TOP

Do I need to change classes when my child earns a ribbon?
No. Classes tend to progress together, so unless your teacher or Deck Manager informs you otherwise, you won't need to change classes. All teacher are capable of teaching multi-levels classes so even if your child is progressing at a faster or slower pace than the other students, you can still keep your same day and time. The Deck Manager or teacher will inform you if they feel your child would benefit from another class level. BACK TO TOP