Swimming Texas Babies

When are lessons? 

Lessons start the first full week of June and last between 4-6 weeks (Monday-Thursday). There is a choice between morning and afternoon lessons. There will be limited afternoon spots available beginning in April.

 

Where are lessons? 
Lessons are held at a private residence in New Braunfels.

 

How much do lessons cost? 

The cost varies depending on lesson type. Please see our lessons page for more information. 

 

What is the registration fee? 

There is a $35 registration fee, per child for TRADTITIONAL lessons.

There is a $45 registration fee, per child for SURVIVAL lessons.

 

Do I, the parent/care giver, have to get in the water? 
No, you are the "cheerleader" on the side of the pool while we work with your child. You will, however, get in the pool for the last lesson to discover ways to continue building upon skills learned. 

 

How do I sign up/register?  

Registration begins early spring and can be accessed via a registration link on our website.  

 

What do I bring to lessons? 
On your first day, please plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early. Please bring three towels, at least two swim diapers (accidents happen) and a change of clothes. Children who are not potty trained MUST wear two swim diapers, one of which must be a re-usable one with elastic at the legs and waist.

 

What can I, as the parent, do at home in my pool to help/practice what you are teaching my child during lessons?

Try to avoid getting in the water for the first week or so. Please do not practice the float or swim at home. Please do not use floaties or floatation devices. Once your child has learned the swim, we will demonstrate what you can do to support the skill at home.

 

Will my child cry during lessons? 

The first few weeks in lessons for a beginner are a critical time of adaptation to the new environment, the instructor and the technique. It can be a time of apprehension in and around the water because your child has not had time to perfect his or her new skills. Some of the babies cry because crying is a form of infant communication. There are different types of infant cries and it is important to be sensitive and educated as to what crying indicates. Each child is an individual and reacts to the lessons uniquely. Some never cry and most children stop crying when they become skilled in the water. It is very important that the parent sets the example by keeping a positive tone when at lessons and when discussing lessons with or around the child. 

How do you teach a baby to swim? 
Infant swim instructors teach infants to swim by honoring each child's individual strengths and experiences. They understand the fundamentals of behavioral science, child development and sensorimotor learning as related to the acquisition of aquatic survival skills; they use this education to guide each child through the sequence of learning to swim and float. 

Will my child be drown-proof? 

No, nobody can ever drown-proof your child. Be leery of any program that advertises they can. 

Why don’t you allow the parents to be in the water during the lessons? 

We do not want the baby to initially associate the water with the love, attention and affection of the parent. Also, it takes incredible concentration and objectivity to teach the baby how to react to an aquatic emergency and our research shows that parents lack the objectivity to be effective teachers with their own children in the water. 

Will my child learn to fear the water? 

It is important that the child not fear the water because being fearful would make it more difficult for the child to learn the necessary skills. There is an important difference between being fearful and being apprehensive because you are not yet skilled in a dangerous environment. 

Why don't you teach infants under the age of six months? 
Children under the age of six months are not neurologically mature enough to benefit from survival swim instruction. 

Why are refresher lessons necessary? 

After their initial training, it is recommended that each child participate in Refresher lessons each season. Refresher lessons are important because children change so much both cognitively and physically during the first 2-3 years of life. It is important that their aquatic skills and abilities grow with them. 

How do the babies and children know to hold their breath? 

Breath holding skills are taught in the first lesson. We shape breath control using highly effective positive reinforcement techniques. 

What about floatation devices and life jackets? 

Flotation devices give children a false sense of security and hold them in postures that are not compatible with swimming skills. If a child learns that he can jump in the water and go into a vertical posture and he will be able to breathe, he is getting the wrong idea about that environment. Flotation devices are for children who cannot swim. Children, who cannot swim, should not be allowed to learn that it is safe to play in the water while relying on a crutch. Life jackets must be worn in a boat or around the water when there is the potential for an accidental submersion. They are not a substitute for the ability to swim or for adult supervision. 

How do babies know how to respond to a fall-in? 

A baby does not need to perceive danger or be afraid to respond appropriately to being underwater. If a baby has learned to roll over and float when he needs air, he does not need to perceive danger in order to respond in this manner. He needs skill, practice and confidence to calmly deal with the situation. 

Why do you encourage students to avoid eating two hours prior to lessons? 

Lessons require a lot of physical activity for the students. We do not want them to eat prior to lessons because we want them to be as comfortable as possible.