Frequently Asked Questions

Our number one reason is always safety. Lessons are mentally and physically demanding for little ones and we never want to fatigue or exhaust them. Although the pool temperature is maintained at 78-88 degrees that is still lower than your child’s body temperature. For their little bodies, this can be quite the workout, so we make sure to limit the time they’re in the water to keep them safe and make sure they’re not getting over exerted.

The second reason is for retention of skills. Research shows that short, more frequent lessons result in higher retention. Typically, children in this age range attain skills best within the first 10 minutes.

While 5 days a week might seem daunting, it’s worth it! ISR Self-Rescue® Skills are developed just like any other sensorimotor skill. Repetition and consistency are crucial elements of learning for young children. Practicing ISR Self-Rescue® Skills on a consistent basis allows for muscle memory to form. Muscle memory is what allows your child to Self-Rescue as soon as they hit the water.

Because in most cases when children fall in the water due to an accident they do so fully clothed and we want our students to have experience with such a situation in a safe environment. If a child has experienced the sensations of being in the water in clothing prior to an emergency he/she is less likely to experience panic and be better prepared to do what they’ve learned to self rescue.

Parents do not get in the pool for lessons. However, we encourage parents to sit poolside and cheer on your little ones, as you're their support team!

Our research shows that parents often find it too difficult to be objective and effective teachers in the water, which is exactly why we’re here to help your little ones master their ISR Self-Rescue® Skills.

Parents are invited into the pool during the last week of lessons (this will be discussed with your Instructor beforehand). During this time we teach you how to maintain your child’s new skills while in the water and how to properly promote their ISR Self-Rescue® Skills.

We say 6-8 weeks for a student to become fully skilled with the average being approximately 6 weeks. Many factors influence the amount of time it takes including age, medical/developmental history, prior aquatic history, prior use of flotation devices, and attendance which can be impacted by illness.

For most children, crying is developmentally appropriate and their only way of communicating. Typically, once your child gains the confidence in their new skills, the crying diminishes. Instructors are use to this behavior so don't be concerned about tears interfering with lessons!

Learning new skills, with a new person, in a new environment— who wouldn’t be upset at first? The cry we hear oftentimes in the water is the same cry you get when you take away a toy, don’t let them eat dirt, or even put them in their car seat. It’s a protest and their way of saying they aren’t happy to be here. Remember, this is their way of communicating with us since most children are not yet verbal.

We like to tell parents/guardians that if you can make it through the first couple of weeks, it gets easier. Remember, every day at lessons is another day of building in-water confidence and another day closer to your child being fully skilled.

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