Relaxation Based Swimming breaks swimming down into three phases:

1) Submersions (front floats and glides with proper breath control) 

2) Swimming (propelling through the water from point A to B without external force and swimming with intention) 

3) Breaths 

Each phase includes preparatory exercises for the next phase. This allows your swimmer to build an efficient and fluid progression during their journey.  Our emphasis is on developing trust and relaxation while learning submersions, glides, and front floats. The foundation of trust is often skipped, but with Relaxation Based Swimming it's the core of our method and will make your child into a life-long lover of swimming.

FAQ

When should I start swim lessons?

With drowning being the number one cause of accidental death for kids ages 1-4, it's never too early to start your little one on the path to having a respectful, empowering relationship with the water. Most students start between the ages of 2-4.  For children under 2, we offer a private Parent & Me empowerment session where we teach you skills you can work on with your child to prepare them for lessons.

How many lessons will it take for my child to swim?

Every child is different; it depends on your child's age, natural body rhythm, emotional availability and disposition. In general a child who's never had swimming before (age 2+) will achieve phase one (submersions/front floats/glides) in the first 1-4 lessons and move onto swimming in lessons 4-8.  We develop breath technique in subsequent lessons.  Some swimmers are able to pass through all three phases in one series of eight. There's no right or wrong amount of time, each student has a different swim journey and we will facilitate their discovery in the most mindful way possible. 

My little one is sensitive. Will he/she be grouped with other crying kids?

No. We only teach private 1:1 lessons until the child is ready for techniques/stroke work.

What should I do when bringing my little one to lessons?

The most important thing to bring is confidence in your swimmer. The more you believe they can do it, the more they will believe in themselves! 

Please arrive with enough time before the lesson (5-8 min) for your child not to feel rushed. Please keep your child (or other children, if you are bringing siblings or friends) as calm as possible around the pool as to not distract other swimmers. (Note: no swimmers, other than the student or students taking the lesson at the time, will be allowed in the pool or hot tub.) 

Please apply sun-screen before you drive or come to the lesson, at least 30 - 1 hour prior. If you do it right before your child goes into the water it will often wash off and get in their eyes, causing your little one discomfort.  

Bring your child to the pool matter-of-factly and have him/her enter the water with the instructor. The more calm and positive you are, the more calm and positive he/she will be! At the conclusion of the lesson comment on how proud you are of all the new skills accomplished.

Will my child cry?

We strive to give your child a positive experience from the very first lesson. Some children, however, do go through a few lessons with some tears. We will talk to you through the process and help your little one overcome fear and turn trepidation into excitement.  We are progressive in moving your little one under the water from the start, but we do so in a gentle and nurturing way. We also use empowerment phrases, student-driven leadership, and a consistent lesson structure to assure your child knows what to expect during the sessions. 

For children ages 2-3, usually, there is little or no crying.  There are lessons, however, when your child will need to overcome hurdles.  These hurdles are a natural part of problem-solving and we create a supportive environment.  We also strive to pair each hurdle with a positive experience. (For example: If your little one doesn't want to swim to the wall, but he/she does 3-4 times, then he/she will get to do an activity he/she likes, and is empowered by.)  This ebb and flow will keep your child feeling like he/she can do it, while still continuing to improve and gain new skills. 

For children under 2, lessons may have a few more tears as your little one adjusts to the new experience. Ninety-five percent of the time the crying subsides in a few lessons. If your child cries, don't worry.  There are numerous other, more powerful indicators of progression potential than crying.  Be sure to talk to your instructor for more information if your little one is having a tough time adjusting. 

If my little one does cry, what should I do?

The best thing to do is to acknowledge the emotion and then move onto the positive things they did during the lesson. The temptation is to put emphasis on the crying (by saying things like, "Why did you cry so much? No need to cry. Little Jessie wasn't crying! Why were you crying?") With all the attention, your little one will think their crying is the most impressive thing they did during the lesson.

Try saying things like, "Yes, you were nervous, but you were very brave and I saw you put your eyes in the water THREE times!" or, "I saw you wanted to get out, but it's important to know how to swim and I'm very proud of you for gliding like a mermaid!" or "I saw you floating today, isn't that cool how the water holds you up?" etc...The more you focus on the positive, the sooner the child will also focus on the positive. 

Should I sit by the pool or go inside?

 If you feel most at peace by the pool, you're welcome to sit near.  If you do so, please look on with encouraging and positive energy. Your child will feel your confidence in them and be at peace along with you.  If your child is turning to you on a continuous basis and it would allow them to focus on a higher level, we recommend you watch from a place where you can see the child but where the child can't see you (e.g. from an inside window). Autonomy allows your child to create a bond with the teacher, removing the temptation of being distracted by the mommy/daddy/caregiver. For many kids having a loved one so near, but not being able to be held by the loved one, will make it harder for them to focus on the task at hand. It may take a few lessons, but your little one will soon be at peace with the process. 

What do I need to bring to lessons?

You'll need smiles, a towel, suit, and swim diaper (if your little one isn't potty trained.) We don't use floaties or flippers for the lessons.

What happens if my child gets sick or misses a class?

If your child is sick with a doctor's note, or if there's a true emergency, we will work with you to make up the lesson.  Consistency is key so if your little one is tired, doesn't want to swim, or has a slightly runny nose (but no fever) or you forget, don't make it on time etc...you will be responsible for the payment of the lesson regardless of attendance. 

For weekly lessons/exclusives, the cancellation policy is 48 hours in advance to give us time to re-fill the slots!  We are flexible, we just need a bit of time to fill in gaps. If you give us 24 hours notice and we are able to fill your slot in that time, we will release the lesson fee. For cancellations under 24 hours, you will be responsible for the payment of the lesson. 

Can my 18- 23 month swim?

Yes, a child under two can swim.  Our video "Progression of a Swimmer" offers an estimate of the capabilities of children swimming at various ages.  Although no child is drown-proof, if your child can jump in, swim to the side, and get out, this could save their life. At 22-24 months most have the strength and coordination to pop up for breaths. (see 19-month-old Evie in the opening video on the home page.) This does, however, take about 8 lessons per phase (submersions, swimming, breathing).  Every child is developmentally different, so some may not need this much time, whereas others may need a bit more time. We won't know until we get your little one in the water!