How often should my child attend swim classes?
History shows that children who take swim lessons two times per week reach their goals much faster because they retain and apply more of the previous lessons. This is why we offer a discount when you enroll your child in two or more classes per week.
What if we are late?
We ask that you try to arrive at least 5-10 minutes before your lesson to give your child time to acclimate and prepare for lessons. If you are late, you are welcome to join the class in progress. Classes ALWAYS start and end on time.
Why is my child sometimes out of the water during class?
Our classes are all 30 minutes and very efficient and effective. Even while your child is on the side of the pool, they are watching the other students in their class. Seeing others do what they are learning is an excellent teaching tool. Our instructors interact with all students in a methodical manner and there is no wasted time during class.
Are parents required to be in the water?
The only classes we need a parent to be in the water with their child are our Tadpole and Swimboree classes. The ability to swim isn’t a prerequisite – all of our classes are held in shallow water where you won’t be out of your depth. Our Seahorse class expects parental participation from the poolside. All of our other classes parents are out of the pool, but seated close to the students.
What facilities are available?
Our facilities have free parking, changing tents, rest rooms, and a warm heated pool. Some locations have lockers and deck showers. Please speak to the Deck Ambassador onsite if you have questions about the facilities.
Can my child wear a wetsuit?
Students are welcome to wear wetsuits if that is their preference. British Swim School also has long sleeve rash guards available for sale.
How do I cancel?
If you wish to withdraw from your lessons, please provide us with a 30-day written notice. This must be done by email to goswimbayarea@britishswimschool.com or by submitting a form here.
How can I make faster progress?
There are a few real options for speeding up skill progress:
Coming twice a week allows your child to build upon skills learned in class without a length of time in between that they start to forget the muscle memory and things they’ve learned.
Private lessons are helpful if there is a skill your child is struggling with overcoming.
Practicing at home if there are applicable skills is helpful as well, tying in with #1 as it allows more repetitions to help students more comfortable with and retain muscle memory for those skills.
How long does it take to graduate to the next level?
On average it takes 3-5 months to progress through a level.
Where can I see my skill progress?
In the app, on the homescreen, you’ll see the icon “skills” on the top, right of your screen
How are your instructors trained?
All of our Instructors have completed our proprietary (and intensive!) British Swim School Instructor training, and receive ongoing training as well! This ensures that no matter which of the schools you attend, you'll receive the same level of instruction, guaranteeing a fantastic experience. In addition to their swimming skills and qualifications, we choose our instructors based on their character, personality, and love of working with children!
What happens if my instructor changes?
All British Swim School instructors teach the same method, and it is important for your child to be able to swim with more than one person to learn to rely on their skills rather than the instructor. However, we aim to keep instructors consistent, and our swim instructors work closely with one another and will communicate anything beneficial to your child’s progress.
What happens if I miss a class?
We allow as a courtesy free, UNLIMITED makeup lessons if the absence is reported in advance. More than a 48 hour notice is appreciated.
How do I schedule an absence?
Open the British Swim School app
From the home screen, click “manage absences”
Click “submit an absence”
Provide dates for absence, provide a reason for absence, and click “next step”
Check applicable classes and click “Submit”
How do I schedule a makeup?
Open the British Swim School app
From the home screen, click “Book a Makeup”
Under Upcoming, click “View Schedule Impacts”
Under absence date, click the “Schedule Makeup”
Select the desired class and click submit
Do you have any questions regarding absences and makeups?
What do I bring to class?
Please bring a swimsuit and towel; we will provide the first swim cap.
If your child is not yet potty trained or is under the age of 3, please have a waterproof reusable diaper cover AND a disposable swim diaper. These can also be purchased on deck.
Goggles are only allowed for students in stroke development levels: Turtle 2, Shark 1, and Shark 2.
Can I drop off my student and pick them up after class?
No, for your child’s safety, parents must remain on deck during their child’s lesson. One parent is allowed on deck per student.
Do I need to be a 24 Hour fitness club member to take lessons at 24 Hour Fitness?
No, but you will need your water watcher badge, found in the British Swim School app, to enter the gym.
How much are lessons?
You can find our pricing information here.
Where are your locations?
You can find our location information here.
Where do I change?
To minimize people on deck, all swimmers should arrive in their bathing suits. Changing pods are available on deck to use before and after class as needed.
Can I use the hot tub?
The hot tub is unavailable to British Swim School members.
Can I bring family members to the lesson?
We allow one person on deck, per child. Your family member is more than welcome to bring them to the pool for the lesson!
Why is my child crying?
Crying is a way your child lets you know they are unhappy, which makes sense. They are in a new environment, with new people, being asked to do something uncomfortable! Our instructors are well trained for managing this, and our classes are planned to help all children acclimate to and be comfortable in the water before we work on developing their skills. With consistent attendance we can work in our lessons to be sure that any fears a student has turns into confidence in the water.
What do I do if my child refuses to go in the water?
Sometimes acclimation is just being in the environment, getting used to the instructors, other students, and what is expected. Our deck staff and instructors will help the student become comfortable and encourage them to get into the water. Our deck staff will also chat with you to determine how best to support your student while they acclimate!
What Holidays do you close for?
You can find our Holiday Schedule here.