- How is Little Fishes Swim School different from other swim classes?
- Why is the pool Salt Water?
- What should I bring and how should I prepare for class?
- Are parents required to stay?
- What if my child cries?
- Should we take classes year-round or take a break?
- Why are classes 30 minutes once a week?
- What age should I start my child in swim lessons?
- What will my child be able to do at the end of the session?
- Will swim lessons drown-proof my child?
- Do you allow parents to watch?
- What if I have a concern?
1. How is Little Fishes Swim School different from other swim classes?
Little Fishes provides personalized swim instruction in an environment where your child will be comfortable and can thrive. Small classes are available year-round in 90 degree water. The facility is designed specifically for swimming and will delight kids of all ages. Schedule a FREE Evaluation and/or come see for yourself!
2. Why is the pool Salt Water?
A Salt-water sanitation system was chosen because it is healthier for young lungs, gentler on delicate skin, and better for our environment, while keeping the water clean and safe without the harsh feel and smell of chemicals. Salt-water pools have 90% less salt than sea water (comperable to putting 1/4 tsp of salt in a glass of water).
Chlorination chemicals, used in traditional pools, create chloramines which are responsible for the odor, irritated eyes, bleached hair and ruined bathing suits. In our salt water pool, an electrolytic cell converts salt into compounds that oxidize bacteria, algae, and organic matter, leaving the water hygienic. Our water quality is tested daily and monitored by the St. Louis County Health Department to insure safe, hygienic standards.
Little Fishes has the only public salt-water pool in the St. Louis area.
3. What should I bring and how should I prepare for class?
- Bring a bathing suit and towel for all participants.
- A swim diaper is required for any child who is not toilet trained.
- Long hair should be tied or fastened so it stays out of their eyes.
- (Water Kids only) Goggles fitted to your child’s head. We provide loaners and goggles for sale, but they will be most comfortable in their own pair.
- Allow time to change so your child is not rushed
4. Are parents required to stay?
- Water Babies (6 months – approx. 3 years)
Parents are in water with child - Water Kids (approx. 3 years & up)
Parents are required to stay in the building for safety reasons. We provide a comfortable waiting area with magazines, coffee and wireless internet.
5. What if my child cries?
Crying is a natural expression of a child’s discomfort which can come from new experiences, fear or a desire to control the situation. Parents need to keep a positive attitude and show confidence in their instructor. We will never do anything to intimidate or terrorize your child. Our instructors are qualified and committed to working with your child to help them overcome their fears.
6. Should we take classes year-round or take a break?
Consistency is very important for children to acquire and keep skills. The longer they are away from swimming, the longer it takes the child to work back to their previous skill level. In addition, there is a chance they could lose confidence or become fearful during a break.
Repetition is also important when practicing life-saving skills. It is impossible to predict how each child will react in an emergency situation. There is no guarantee that they will not panic, but the more (ingrained) the skill, the better chance reflexes will take over in emergencies.
7. Why are classes 30 minutes once a week?
A child’s ability to focus and concentrate is diminished after 30 minutes. Repetition, consistency and practice are important at this age to reinforce and maintain new skills.
8. What age should I start my child in swim lessons?
The younger a child starts in the water, the easier it is for them to acquire the skills needed for swimming. In addition, fear of the water can surface in toddlers with limited water exposure. Fear makes learning to swim harder and take longer. Little Fishes Swim School offers classes as early as six months old, but see 0-6 months for things you can do at home to prepare for swim lessons.
9. What will my child be able to do at the end of the session?
Every child is different and our loving approach does not force a child to go beyond their capabilities at the time. We will be working on all of the skills listed. Some children will master the skills quickly and some will need multiple sessions to acquire and maintain their new skills.
10. Will swim lessons drown-proof my child?
No child is ever drown-proof. NEVER leave a child unattended near any amount of water. It is impossible to predict how each child will react to an emergency situation.
11. Do you allow parents to watch?
We ENCOURAGE parents to be present. In the Water Babies class, the parent/caregiver is required to be in the water. Babies trust you and you can use swim class for bonding. The instructor will show you skills to practice with your child in the tub, in other pools and on vacations. In the Water Kids class, there is a viewing area, and instructor can provide tips on what your child can work on at home, in other pools and on vacations.
12. What if I have a concern?
Instructors are available to answer questions by phone, email or on-site (when they are not teaching a class) and would be happy to discuss your child’s needs and progress.