TOP 10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Where are lessons offered? Lessons occur only at our pools in Winnetka & North Hills & Lake Balboa (not at your home pool).
- Do you offer group lessons? We offer Group Parent & Me Classes for students 6 mos – 2.5 years and one-on-one private lessons for students 2.5 and older (no semi-private lessons).
- What age do you start teaching students? We accept babies and toddlers from 6 months – 2.5 years old in our Group Parent & Me Classes and students 2.5 years and older for private lessons (for private lessons for students aged between 2.5 and 3.5 years old in-water parent participation is required).
- What days and times are offered for private lessons? Weekdays 2 or 3 times a week for a minimum of 3 weeks in a row on – M/W/F, T/Th, or T/W/Th – generally from 10:00 a.m.-7:00p.m. depending on the pool chosen (no weekends for privates, Saturday is for Group Parent & Me only).
- How long are the lessons? All private lessons last 20 minutes (not longer – even for older students)!
- What if I miss a lesson? Under certain circumstances a make-up for private lessons may be available on pre-selected, specific days, space permitting. However, there are no refunds. (NO exceptions). Additionally, NO MAKE -UPS OR REFUNDS are offered for the 6 week Parent & Me classes.
- Do you offer 10 day “intensive lessons” or “survival swimming”? We ONLY offer developmentally appropriate learning and lesson packages for private lessons starting at a minimum of 3 weeks (we don’t teach forceful or boot camp style lessons).
- Do you offer a “trial class” before registering? We only offer 3, 6, or 9 week packages of lessons (please call the office for details).
- What’s your philosophy? Our lessons are play-based, developmentally appropriate, and at the child’s pace (we don’t rush a student’s progress or force submersions).
- Who are your instructors? Lessons are taught by mature swim professionals, extensively trained in our gentle, yet effective, Water Otter Method (you may note your preference for a specific instructor, but it is not guaranteed).
ADDITIONAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where are lessons offered?
What is the pool atmosphere like?
What is a session?
How long, how often, and when are private lessons?
How and when should I pay?
If one of my lessons falls on a holiday will I be charged?
If I miss one of my private lessons will I be charged?
Why don’t you offer private lessons once per week?
Should I sign up for more than one session?
Will my child have the same instructor for each lesson?
My child is almost, or a little older than, 2 ½ years old, should I sign up for Private Lessons or choose the Parent & Me group classes?
Why don’t you offer group or semi-private lessons for children over 3 years old?
What is your philosophy/teaching method?
What is the pool/teaching atmosphere?
What if my child is afraid?
When will my child learn to swim?
What is the benefit to lessons lasting just 20 minutes?
Why must the pool be heated between 88-92 degrees?
What is the difference between a “water safe” child and a swimming child?
Will “floaties” help or hinder my child’s progress?
What should I bring to class?
Parent & Me Group Classes
What is the recommended age for the Parent & Me group class?
When are the Parent & Me group classes, and how long do they run?
If I miss one of the five group classes can I make it up?
How many students are in a Parent & Me group class?
Do I have to organize my own Parent and Me class or do you have a class I can join?
Are Dads welcome during Parent & Me groups classes?
What type of diaper should my child wear in the pool?
What if there are various ages in the same Parent & Me group class?
Should I sign up for more than 1 session?
COVID-19 FAQ’s and Information (Updated January 2024)
- Due to the latest Los Angeles County COVID-19 guidelines, we will no longer require families observing their child’s lessons to maintain six-foot social distancing and/or to wear protective facial coverings. If you would still like to wear a mask and social distance please do so. We want all families to feel safe and comfortable at the pool this summer.
- There are many seating options available around the pool to accommodate social distancing if you choose.
- We do not expect your child to wear a mask while in the pool, nor will instructors be wearing a face covering while teaching on deck or in the water.
- All Water Otter plans and guidelines are based on regulations as they exist today. We will continue to monitor new updates and requirements and adjust as necessary.
- Refund Policy in the Event of Required/Ordered Closure: Although we don’t expect closure to be necessary or required, if for some reason new isolation orders are issued that require Water Otters to close, families that have not begun lessons will receive a full refund and families that have started lessons will receive a pro-rated refund.
Where are lessons offered?
Lessons are offered at the Water Otters private pools located in Winnetka, North Hills, and Lake Balboa. The specific street address will be provided after registration and payment have been received.
To view specifics about our locations please click the link here Pool Locations
What is the water temperature at the pools?
The temperature of the water in each pool is maintained between 88-92 degrees at all times for a very comfortable swim experience no matter what the weather is like.
What is a session?
A session refers to the specific weeks during which classes or lessons occur. The private lesson session period is 3 consecutive weeks. The Parent & Me session period is 6 consecutive weeks.
How long, how often, and when are private lessons?
How Long? – 20 minutes
How often? – 2 or 3 times per week (for 3 consecutive weeks)
When are private lessons? – Monday, Wednesday, AND Friday, OR Tuesday AND Thursday, OR Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (the day schedule will depend on the pool).
Available lesson times are generally 10:00 am – 7:00 pm.
On Monday, Wednesday, AND Friday and Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we offer private lessons which are 20 minutes/3 lessons per week/3 consecutive weeks.
Additionally, on Tuesday and Thursday we offer private lessons which are 20 minutes/2 lessons per week/3 consecutive weeks.
How and when should I pay?
After you have completed the Registration form (which includes your family contact information), you will be able to enroll and pay for available classes. Please prepare to register, enroll, and pay for lessons all at once. Payment in full, either by check or credit card, is due at the time of registration.
If one of my lessons falls on a holiday will I be charged?
There are no lessons on holidays like Independence Day and Labor Day. If one of your lessons or classes falls on a holiday you will not be charged. The pro-rated package price will be visible when you visit the private registration website and are ready to pay for lessons.
If I miss one of my private lessons will I be charged?
Under certain circumstances a make-up for private lessons may be available on pre-selected, specific days, space permitting. There are no refunds.
Why don’t you offer private lessons once per week?
For most students learning a little bit on a lot of days is the best recipe for success. We have found that students who are exposed to swimming more often (at least 2 or 3 times per week) excel more steadily than students who have lessons infrequently (only once a week).
Should I sign up for more than one session?
Yes! Our recommendation for most students is to register for two or three consecutive sessions to help build a solid foundation of water safety and swimming skills. Each session provides at least 3 hours of total instructional time.
Will my child have the same instructor for each lesson?
We do our best for every lesson and class to be taught by the same instructor to maintain consistency and to strengthen the student-teacher/teacher-parent relationship. Occasionally there may be a substitute teacher if your regular teacher is ill or has an emergency.
My child is almost, or a little older than, 2 ½ years old, should I sign up for Private Lessons or choose the Parent & Me group classes?
With a child close to 2 ½ years in age we have found that it is best to participate in Parent & Me group classes first. As your child’s age and ability increases they may be ready for private lessons, especially if they have had an opportunity to establish a solid foundation in the Parent & Me group classes from the beginning. Choosing the best learning environment for your child depends on your child’s temperament, ability, and learning style. Please speak to us if you need assistance deciding what class would be best for your child.
Why don’t you offer group or semi-private lessons for children over 3 years old?
Private one-on-one instruction allows the teacher to provide focused undivided attention on the student and tailor each and every lesson to individual student’s needs. The only group class options available are the Parent & Me group classes.
What is your philosophy/teaching method?
Water Otters Swim School’s teaching method embraces a child centered approach to teaching students about swimming and water safety. Children will never be forced to demonstrate skills before they are ready and comfortable. For a detailed explanation please refer to the “Philosophy” page link.
What is the pool/teaching atmosphere?
A warm, calm, and quiet pool environment will be provided for efficient and safe learning. No other children or instructors will be using the pool during your child’s lesson. At most pools there is partial shade to provide sun protection for your child during lessons. There are also shaded sitting areas for parents.
What if my child is afraid?
Our teaching style utilizes gentle, reassuring methods to help a child create his/her own level of comfort and safety in the water. We believe any child can master the art of swimming through consistent practice, trust, and a strong bond with a patient teacher.
When will my child learn to swim?
That depends on several factors. The process of learning is different for each child. Your child will swim when he/she is ready, confident, and decides to! However, we have found that the earlier a student is exposed to fun, child-centered, age appropriate lessons, the faster the student learns to swim.
What is the benefit to lessons lasting just 20 minutes?
For most young students, we have found that 15-20 minute lessons are the optimum amount of time for a child’s attention span. When learning new skills, swim lessons between 15-20 minutes have proven to produce the best chance for success for each and every child. We have observed group lessons which teach several students at one time, some lasting 30 minutes or more, and have noticed that during that group lesson less individual time may actually be devoted to your child. We teach only private lessons to ensure my attention will be focused entirely on your child. During a private lesson we can provide a teaching style which is particularly suited for each individual student. When your child is one-on-one with us we can take into consideration any special needs they may have, identify specific fears, and determine how to best motivate your child towards success!
Why must the pool be heated between 88-92 degrees?
Comfort is the key; if you want optimum results you need to provide the optimum environment. We have found that 88-92 degrees is warm enough for most children to ensure that they all feel at ease in the water. Please understand that your child may have been in pools that are much cooler and not complained of being too cold. However, during a lesson their bodies may be moving around in the water much less. Water in a pool feels much cooler than the air temperature to a child. Childrens’ bodies lose heat much faster than adults and a pool heated to 90 degrees may feel significantly cooler to a child than an adult.
What is the difference between a “water safe” child and a swimming child?
Drowning accidents are the leading cause of injury/deaths among children under five, many of whom were considered “water safe”. But what is “water safe”? We believe this term refers to a child who understands and respects the water. Your child should be able, if accidentally submerged into a pool, to make their way to the side and pull themselves out. This differs from a swimming child in that a swimming child is able to move freely in the water, demonstrates a comfortable buoyancy, and is able to come up for breaths frequently. However, even a young child who can swim should not be considered “water safe” There are many situations where water can lead to death. In California, drowning surpasses all other causes of death to children ages 14 and under. Furthermore, of all preschoolers who drown, 70 percent are in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning. We must remember to teach respect for the water and never leave a child unattended or unwatched.
Will “floaties” help or hinder my child’s progress?
Each year we talk with parents about the use of various flotation devices or “floaties”. Flotation devices are meant to keep a child’s head above water therefore maintaining the body in a vertical position. When learning to swim one of the most important lessons to learn is how to keep your body horizontal, or on top of the water. Often, we can tell if a student has been using something in the water to “help” them stay afloat before they are able to swim by themselves, because of the way they are kicking their legs. The type of kick needed to propel a child though the water while using “floaties” (a bent leg kick) is not the type of kick that will help them to stay afloat once the flotation device is removed. Actually, this type of bent leg kick and vertical positioning will actually assist in sinking their body lower into the water, submerging their head, and sometimes causing panic. Therefore, it is necessary to teach an entirely new kicking style and how to feel relaxed in a horizontal position on top of the water. Sometimes this old kicking style is the hardest habit to break and unfortunately, most students who have used “floaties” need additional lessons to “unlearn” the techniques they have used.
What should I bring to class?
For the Private Lessons please be sure to bring a towel and sun protection for your child(ren). If your child is not completely potty trained, or if you are concerned that they might not make it to the bathroom in time, they are required to wear a reusable, snug fitting swim diaper.
Goggles, toys, and any other items needed during classes and lessons will be provided!
For the Parent & Me Classes please be sure to bring:
Towels: 3 towels total – one for you, one for your baby, and one to lay down as a dry surface for your baby
Sunscreen: and, if desired, sun protective clothing such as hats, water shirts, etc.
Swim Diaper: Your child needs to wear a reusable, snug fitting swim diaper
What is the recommended age for the Parent and Me group class?
Six months to 2 1/2 years (or 3 years old under certain circumstances).
When are the Parent & Me group classes, and how long do they run?
- Parent & Me group classes are offered on Saturdays at 9:30 and 10:15 am (1 class each week, you choose your preferred time for the session).
- Each full session consists of 1 class per week running for 6 consecutive weeks.
- Class time is 30 minutes, including time to enter and exit the pool.
How many students are in a Parent and Me group class?
Typically there are between 6-8 students registered in one class – the more students, the more smiles!
Do I have to organize my own Parent and Me class or do you have a class I can join?
You can join a class we have created at the Water Otters pool or you are welcome to gather a group of at least 5 friends to create your own class. If you have a group of friends and just need a pool, you can create a class or join a class to be taught at the Water Otters pool located in Winnetka.
Are Dads welcome during Parent and Me group classes?
Yes, Dads are welcome and encouraged! In fact, other family members and caregivers are also invited to participate if possible.
If I miss one of the six group classes can I make it up?
There are no make-ups or refunds.
What days and times are the Parent and Me group classes?
Classes are offered at 9:30 am, 10:15 am in the morning on Saturdays.
What type of diaper should my child wear in the pool?
Please purchase a REUSABLE tight fitting leak-proof swim diaper (which has a soft layer against the baby’s skin, an inner absorbent layer, and a waterproof outer layer). These types of diapers have the most effective method of maintaining a healthy pool water environment. DISPOSABLE swim diapers are no longer accepted or required.
Usually reusable swim diapers can be found seasonally at Target or various baby stores. Recommendations on where to purchase reusable diapers online can be found on my website under the “Water Safety” page. You are also able to find them on Amazon or at one of my favorite retail suppliers of swim gear, Finis. For the Finis website click here Finis.
Additionally, be aware that if your child wears just a disposable swim diaper in your car seat you could end up with a very wet seat!
It is not acceptable to only have your child wear a disposable swim diaper because these types of diapers are not well designed to hold in solids.
What if there are various ages in the same Parent and Me group class?
It is very common for children to be at different developmental stages regardless to their proximity in age. Because of this, group classes are structured to be taught to children of different ages and stages, but wherever your baby is at developmentally will fit in perfectly to any group class.
Should I sign up for more than one Parent & Me session?
Yes! Many families have so much fun during their first Parent & Me session that they would like to continue classes throughout the summer.
Please note that your specific day may not be available in future sessions. Please register for subsequent sessions early to avoid losing your preferred day.