FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions. If you still have more questions, please email Hannah at littlesplashes@gmail.com. She is mostly in the water & returns emails on Monday's & Friday's.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sign up for more than one session?
The simple answer is ABSOLUTELY! We will change the program in 2024 to a three-month minimum. If your baby is starting with us under one, this is a longer commitment than just one session both for their safety & brain development. Swimming is not just an extracurricular activity but a life-saving one. If your child is older than 2 years, 3 months allow for a big process to happen. Remember we need time to build a relationship with your child & their confidence to grow into a confident swimmer. This is why I open registration up for at least three sessions at a time.
How can learning to swim early benefit my child?
Proven research to create a unique swim experience and class curriculum to help maximize your child’s cognitive development, both in and out of the water. Decades of scientific studies show that the most optimal way for kids to learn is through guided play because it provides a solid foundation for emotional and intellectual growth in regard to problem-solving skills, creativity, and academic knowledge. This science backs everything we do at Little Splashes Swim School. Your child may appear to be having fun, but much more is happening beneath the surface. We work to boost our students’ development by celebrating every achievement they make individually. Our methods allow your family to focus on fun while we make sure that your swimmer is learning and growing behind the scenes.
At what age should a child start swimming lessons & do you offer Infant Safety style swimming?
Our swim lessons are available for children, infants six weeks to 6 years old. No matter your child's age, starting swimming lessons is NEVER too late. Little Splashes believes in a very gentle approach that gets your child to a safe place over time without evidence-based studies of trauma that happens in Infant Safety pieces of training.
https://www.sunsationalswimschool.com/blog/isr-infant-self-rescue-vs-traditional-swim-lessons
https://bethrowles.com/swim-lessons-paying-for-trauma/
https://www.foxnews.com/world/self-rescue-swimming-classes-for-toddlers-condemned-as-traumatic
How do I change my Child's class in the parent portal?
Once you book your day & time, Hannah will have to change your class. Please email littlesplashes.com immediately if this happens. No cancellations once you have your time slot; it's considered sold & no longer marketable. However, if your spot can be filled, you can get a refund minus a $25 fee.
What is the student-instructor ratio?
We provide small, intimate class sizes to help ensure a safe environment for your child to learn to swim. Our Group Lessons have a maximum of 4 students to 1 instructor- one of the lowest ratios in the industry. Our Beginner Lessons have a class ratio of 2 students to 1 instructor. Our Private Lessons provide one-on-one instruction.
Can I do Drop-ins or pay for classes we can attend?
Unfortunately, no, this small business is only open seven months out of the year with limited days, hours & minimal pool space. This is how I can keep the student-instructor ratio so small. Any classes missed, the money goes into the scholarship fund for 10 families a season. In the baby/parent classes, you can gift or sell your spot to a friend for the classes you will miss. The benefits for swimming 2x a week is much more beneficial than once.
What Swim diapers do you suggest?
NOT the disposable ones. You can check out suits here & order through me! These are the only diapers I have found that keep accidents out of the pool! The wet suits are amazing if your child gets cold in the water! https://us.splashabout.com/baby-swimming/our-happy-nappy-products/brand-new-happy-nappytm-swim-diaper.html?utm_source=littlesplashesswimschool&utm_medium=affiliates
all non-potty trained children must wear a happy nappy suit. If an accident happenes the pool has to be closed for 2-4 hours while shocked!
How long are the lessons?
Lessons run 15min-25min
Hannah has found, after 20 years of teaching, this to be the optimum length of time for focused learning and fun for young children.
What temperature is the pool?
Hampton Inn is kept at 88 degrees
The therapy pool one on one lessons is kept at 90 degrees
The Tucker Rd location is kept at 88-90 degrees
Please note that sometimes heaters can have issues & colder temperatures can happen occasionally.
All of these heaters take money to run, but the younger children respond much better in heated pools.
It is suggested to try different water temperatures out for your children
Why Swim Caps and goggles?
Swim caps keep the pool much cleaner and save time getting hair out of the way. Goggles introduce an entire new world under the water. This can help with fears around water in the eyes or darkness that happens when going under. Each child must have their own set of goggles & and a cap for their lessons. They can be purchased at the pool or wherever you choose—please do not wear snorkel masks.
What is the parent portal?
When you register, you will be given your login information. Here, you view your classes & and balance owed. You cannot change your class without the teacher's permission.
What is your make-up policy
MAKEUP POLICY: NO MAKE-UPS.
You are responsible for payment for your student's classes, whether or not your students attend. We offer a low student-to-teacher ratio; missed classes will not result in make-up classes, prorated tuition, or refunds. There are still many expenses for the facility and Instructors—no refunds for classes missed, including your chosen holiday. Every effort to handle absences due to serious illness will be made. Classes canceled due to snow, ice, fires, etc, will not be made up as we still have to cover the expenses for those days.
We understand the importance of our clients' time and commitments, and we strive to create a fair and accommodating environment. In the event of serious illness, we will do our best to address absences appropriately. However, it is essential to note that missing a lesson due to occasional sickness, napping, doctor's appointments, vacations, or forgetting a lesson is the sole responsibility of the parent(s), and make-up classes will not be provided for these situations.
We also recognize that unforeseen circumstances, such as pool malfunctions or teacher's illness, can sometimes occur. In such cases, we are committed to providing a solution. If a lesson is canceled due to any of these reasons, we will offer either one make-up class or credit towards the next session. Please keep in mind that our pool availability is limited to certain days and times.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in adhering to this make-up policy.
*No refunds will be given*
Once we have reserved the time slot for you, that spot is considered sold and is no longer marketable. Please feel free to give or sell your child’s time slot to a family member or friend if the lessons cannot be made. Kindly understand that when scheduling lessons, you must ensure that vacations, appointments, and health concerns do not interfere with your lessons.
If there is a person on the waiting list & and I can fill the spot, you will get a refund minus a $25 set up/change fee.
COVID-
Unfortunately, due to the long length of the closures and the short length of the swim season, as well as previous experiences with Covid-19 closures, Little Splashes, LLC will be unable to offer make-up or credit for lessons canceled due to Covid-19. Little Splashes, LLC is a small business and the pool and staff are still being paid even if classes are canceled for reasons that are out of our control. So, to try and make sure we limit this as much as possible, we're going to be extra cautious around the pool. Safety is paramount for teachers, students, parents and guardians. NO MASKS ARE ALLOWED IN THE POOL FOR CHILDREN. Do NOT attend class if you or anyone in your household has: Fever or chills, Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, Fatigue, Muscle or body aches, Headache New loss of taste or smell, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Please also let Little Splashes, LLC know immediately. This is a list of the symptoms of COVID-19 from the CDC. Knowledge about Covid-19 changes frequently, so please be aware of and follow the guidance provided by cdc.gov. THIS IS A VOLUNTARY RELEASE OF ALL CLAIMS BY YOU. PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING. I have read this Waiver and understand that I have given up substantial rights by signing it and have signed it freely and voluntarily.
Dry Drowning….
Please take the time to read some of these articles if this concerns or fears you. In all my years of training, this has never occurred and many cases called “dry drowning” were in fact, not the case.
https://www.mdedge.com/ccjm/article/168988/emergency-medicine/dry-drowning-and-other-myths
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/06/180606163050.htm