Frequently Asked Questions - Swimming
How many lessons does it take for children to learn to swim?
This is one of the hardest questions to answer because it truly depends on the child. Factors that affect progress include age, physical ability, coordination, and fear or comfort level in the water.
We have had children swimming independently after their first lesson, while others require many lessons because we are first working through water fear, sensory sensitivity, or anxiety.
It also depends on your goals. True water safety means a child can:
-
Swim 100 yards
-
Back float for 1 minute
-
Tread water for 2 minutes
These skills require time, strength, and practice. Most children are not developmentally ready for full water safety until around age 6–7.
Some swim schools guarantee water safety in a short period of time. This is not developmentally realistic and does not account for individual differences in physical and emotional readiness.
For best progress, we typically recommend:
-
Stacking 6–8 lessons within the first two weeks
-
Then continuing weekly lessons to maintain and build skills
Should I sign up for 20 or 30 minutes?
Children under age 5 generally do best in a 20-minute lesson. Attention spans are shorter, and we can accomplish a great deal in that time.
The main exception is a child who needs extra time to feel comfortable entering the water. In those cases, we may begin with 30-minute lessons and transition to 20 minutes once comfort improves.
Over age 5, most children still do very well in 20-minute lessons until they begin working on stroke development and endurance. At that stage, the additional time in a 30-minute lesson can be helpful.
How do I sign up?
All bookings are completed through our online scheduling system. Families may schedule as many or as few lessons as they would like.
Can siblings share or take lessons together?
Siblings have several options depending on age, skill level, and scheduling:
-
Split a 30-minute lesson (each child receives ~15 minutes of instruction)
-
Book back-to-back lessons for individual instruction
-
Schedule at the same time when two instructors have openings
We typically recommend individual lessons for the fastest progress, but shared or split formats can work well for younger children or families coordinating schedules.
Do you offer lessons at our home pool?
All lessons take place in our private Oak Hill pool.
Our pool is specifically set up for safe and effective instruction, including:
-
Teaching equipment
-
Consistent warm water temperature
-
Carefully balanced chemicals
-
Controlled teaching environment
This allows us to provide the highest quality and safest lesson experience.
Do you offer packages or prepaid discounts?
Lessons are:
-
$45 – 20-minute lesson
-
$67.50 – 30-minute lesson
Lessons are charged after each session using the card on file. We do not offer packages or prepaid discounts.
Because we are in Texas, weather sometimes requires rescheduling. Charging after lessons ensures families are only billed for lessons that actually occur.
What if my child is sick, we forget, or we’re running late?
We have a strict 24-hour cancellation policy.
We run a small, scheduled program and depend on families keeping their reserved lesson times. Late cancellations or missed lessons are still charged.
We appreciate your understanding and respect for our instructors’ time.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We monitor weather closely, but Texas conditions can change quickly.
We use the WeatherBug app to track lightning. If lightning is detected within 10 miles, we must exit the pool immediately for safety.
-
We swim in rain if there is no lightning
-
We cancel if temperatures are below 60°F
-
Safety always comes first
We understand cancellations are disappointing — they are for us too — but safety is our priority.
Can I get in the pool with my child?
This is considered on a case-by-case basis.
If a child has significant separation anxiety or fear, having a parent in the pool can sometimes help with initial comfort. When this is done, we gradually work toward independence as the child becomes more secure.
Our goal is always to help children participate confidently without parent support.
Does my child need a swim diaper?
If your child has not been fully potty trained for at least six months, they must wear a swim diaper.
Please note:
-
Only swim diapers are allowed
-
Regular diapers absorb water and can clog pool systems
Thank you for helping us maintain a clean and safe pool environment.
What should my child wear or bring to lessons?
Children should arrive in a swimsuit and ready to swim. Please bring:
-
Towel
-
Swim diaper if needed
-
Dry clothes for after
Please avoid flotation devices unless instructed by your teacher. You are welcome to bring goggles, or your child may borrow a pair at the pool.
What age can children start swim lessons?
We typically recommend starting around age 2.5. However, we do occasionally work with younger children depending on readiness and family goals.
Do you teach water safety or stroke technique?
Both.
Early lessons focus on:
-
Water comfort
-
Breath control
-
Floating and movement
-
Safety skills
As children progress, we add:
-
Independent swimming
-
Back floating
-
Endurance
-
Stroke development
Do parents need to stay on site?
Yes. A parent or guardian must remain on the property during the lesson.
What if my child is afraid of water?
Helping children with water fear is one of our specialties.
Our lessons incorporate gentle exposure techniques to help children gradually build comfort, confidence, and trust in the water at their own pace.
Where do we park?
Lessons take place at 7401 Roaring Springs Dr, Austin.
Please park along the side of the house on Samuel Bishop Drive and enter through the gate upon arrival.