Question 1

What are the age requirements to begin lessons?

Accepted Answer

As long as their umbilical cord has healed they’re good to go, generally around 3 months. And it’s NEVER too late to start!

Question 2

What do I need to bring to my swim lesson?

Accepted Answer

Sunscreen, a swimsuit, a towel and a place to swim! 
If you're getting lessons for your infant,  you'll need swim diapers.
Partnerships are still being worked on for indoor regular locations.

Question 3

What makes a swim diaper different than a regular one?

Accepted Answer

Swim diapers are specifically made to be worn in the water. Their purpose is to prevent SOLIDS from getting into the water from the diaper. Meaning swim diapers DO NOT hold liquids.  
(Don't put a swim diaper on until just before getting into the water, you will have a wet car seat)

The MAIN difference is that regular diapers are filled with a material which prevents leaking. 
If this material gets “over flooded”  it will eventually expand and swell up, becoming uncomfortable, and losing its ability to perform its intended function. If a regular diaper is submerged in water for too long the diaper to explode. 
Because this material is toxic to ingest, all swimmers must be evacuated if this material gets into the pool.

Swim diapers are designed without this material and are intended for shorter periods of time in the water.

Question 4

If I'm getting a lesson for my child, do I need to enter the water with them?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the age of the swimmer.

Children around the 6 month mark SHOULD have their parents or caregivers accompany them during the lesson.  For children this young, learning is as much about the parent as it is the child.  The parent or caregiver is taught how to perform different holds, age appropriate activities, and how to practice outside of formal instruction.

When the child is a bit more independent - able to stand, walk, and talk on their own - adults are not required to enter the water. But, we strongly encourage adult participation and observation.

These parameters can be discussed in detail with your instructor based on the student’s age, temperament, and skill level.

Question 5

Should I get arm floaties or a life vest for my child?

Accepted Answer

Floaties and life vests have their time, place, and purpose.  But we don’t recommend them during the learning process.  Here’s why.

Floaties and life vests tend to give beginner swimmers a false sense of security.  The confidence a student gains during lessons should come from their accomplishments - not from feeling over-confident because they can “float” in the water.

False confidence is NOT what you want while your child is learning.  This is VERY DANGEROUS.   
Particularly when the child instinctively runs toward water before the floaties or life vest are put on.  Floaties and life vests do not guarantee 100% safety.

Consider little swimmers who don’t have great motor skills or strength. . . Even with floaties or a life vest, they can still easily tip over face-first into the water and not be able to push themselves back upright. Unfortunately there are tragedies of children drowning while upside down trapped with their floatation device.

Question 6

What is the difference between ISR lessons and At Any Age Swim Academy lessons?

Accepted Answer

“Infant Swimming Resource” lessons educate young children on safe rescue by way of flipping onto their back, floating, and resting in the water while waiting for help to arrive. 
ISR lessons are usually 5x a week for 10min each.

We focus on teaching & building a strong foundation of swim skills and water safety, including how to get to the edge of the pool for safety.  While this includes an introduction to self rescue skills, our primary goal is water safety.

Once we set the foundation, we then focus on skill building for independent swimming. Lessons are a minimum of 30 minutes and do not need to be more frequent than 1x a week. It might be a slower process but it holds a stronger positive impression to move at the student's pace rather than the parent's pace, which might rush and hurt the young swimmer.

ISR is not for everyone.  We recommend doing research and consider your child's persona.  At Any Age Swim Academy does not offer ISR lessons.

Question 7

How often are lesson recommended?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your availability, as well as how often you can make time to practice before & after lessons.

Lessons can be as often as 3x per week or as little as once per week. 
But, students who practice twice per week (or more) outside of lessons progress much quicker than those who don’t.

After all, you cannot “level up” your skills until you’re comfortable with what you’ve already learned.

Question 8

How long are lessons?

Accepted Answer

Lessons are 30 mins., 40 mins., or 60 mins.

We suggest:
 • Beginning swimmers under the age of 10 years old - 30 minutes.
 • Stronger, independent, young swimmers - 60minutes. 
 • Adults of all skill levels - 60 minutes. 
​
If endurance is a challenge, we’ve found that 40 minute lessons can be a good bridge between the two.

Question 9

When are swim lessons?

Accepted Answer

Las Vegas Residents:

For outdoor, backyard swimming in Las Vegas, the start of the season varies based on Mother Nature. 
Sometimes we can begin as early as late April.  But typically, May through October provide the best weather for outdoor lessons.

For indoor facilities, swim season is all year round! Currently we are still working out agreements with indoor facilities.

Eastern Pennsylvania Residents:
 Outdoor swim lessons are from June - August, depending on the weather.

Water temperature and air temperature are important factors for young children as well as inexperienced swimmers. A fearful swimmer will be less inclined to try new steps if they are also cold and uncomfortable.

For indoor facilities, swim season is all year round! Currently we are still working out agreements with indoor facilities.

Question 10

What will lessons look like?

Accepted Answer

The program starts with foundational skills and builds upon them based on each swimmer’s individual comfort level.

Once a foundation is built, we introduce various swim strokes and skills.  After evaluation of the student’s strengths and weaknesses, we’ll then personalize the lessons to work on both.  While we want to improve any weaknesses, we won’t do so until the instructor feels the student is ready.

We’ll do this with various fun activities, all while prioritizing water safety first.  We embrace imagination & introduce learning through play - using fun and memorable methods so you can recall & practice on your own.

We firmly believe that the most important element for learning in this environment is to cater lessons to each student’s individual capabilities.  Challenges will be introduced, but only in a safe, caring manner - without force.  This applies to all ages and abilities of students.

Question 11

Is it worth starting lessons as young as 6 months old?

Accepted Answer

YES! Absolutely! 
Research has shown that children who begin education in the water may walk & talk ahead of their peers who don’t.

The water is a 360 degree learning environment. Whereas on land, a child only learns from what their hands, knees, and bum touch.

In the water, every movement they make provides them with immediate sensory input. 
Additionally it helps cognitive development and motor skills, while building comfort in the water.

Parent and child lessons also provide an excellent bonding experience.

They learn things like: 
 • Push and pulling the water
 • Splash and kick the water
 • Turn in the water
 • Breath control
 • Self rescue foundations that will be quickly built upon

Question 12

What if I don't have a backyard pool and would still like private lessons?

Accepted Answer

Don’t worry.  We have options.

For families who don’t have a pool, we can meet at community pools,  Or, if you have family, friends or neighbors with a pool, this is also an option.  Gym pools can be a consideration, but only for adults.  We cannot teach children in a gym pool.

Indoor location agreements are still underway, reach out to learn more!