questions

"Emily is absolutely amazing! She is extremely knowledgeable and excellent with children. I have seen a constant improvement in my daughter’s abilities over the last year. You won’t go wrong with Atlantica Swim Instruction! A++++ Highly recommended!!!"

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of goggles and kickboards do you recommend?
Goggles: Swimoutlet.com has excellent high quality goggles for children, brands such as TYR, Speedo and Sporti. Make sure to buy child sized goggles even if your child has a larger head because if the bridge of the nose is too big they won't fit well. Also take into consideration the length of their eyelashes as they should be able to open their eyes without their lashes touching the front of the goggles. Kickboard: Sporti KIDS kick board. I have had mine for 200 years with as many toddler bites on them as a badge of honor. Can be purchased at swimoutlet.com

Can it be a mask instead of goggles?
No, your child is learning how to breath properly above and under the water and a mask hinders that.

My kid does not like goggles, now what?
I have seen a lot of success in sensitive children with goggles that look like masks without the nose. It makes it so they don’t have pressure directly around the eye socket .

Can we use floaties?
Floaties are not suitable. The child is in the process of learning how to swim, and the floaties make it so they aren’t learning proper muscle memory, or strengthening their muscles in order to be able to have the stamina to hold themselves up in the water.

My kid has had his first lesson and dislikes it?
It is very normal for children, especially toddlers to be uncomfortable in their first few swim lessons. They have delicate eyes, ears and noses, and it may take a while for them to acclimate to the water, a new environment, and new teacher. As they progress in their lessons they will learn how to go underwater without swallowing the water, which will lead to a more pleasant swimming experience. Swim lessons are not like other sports or music lessons. Learning to swim is a skill that can be lifesaving. It is important to give your child a chance to get used to their swim lessons.

My kid is itchin’ when he gets out of the pool?
Because some children may have dry skin, or are sensitive to chlorine, it is suggested to rinse them off with fresh water as soon as possible after swimming. It is also recommended to put coconut oil on them after swim time and/or bathtime as it is highly moisturizing and has antioxidants which protects skin.

My daughters hair is damaged from being in the pool?
Before entering the pool rinse your child's hair in fresh water so that it doesn’t absorb as much of the chlorine. You may also use a product called, Ultra Swim Chlorine Removal Shampoo.

When do I put sunscreen on my child?
Please put sunscreen on 30 minutes before entering the pool in order for it to absorb into the skin. If you put it on too soon before the lesson, you will just be seasoning the pool. ;)

For lessons during the fall and winter months at my home pool what should I set the pool temperature on?
92 degrees is recommended for the pool heater. It may sound high but due to the cold air, and potential lack of sun, it is the most comfortable during that time of year.

It's not pouring, why did you cancel lessons?
It is lawfully mandated that if there is lighting 10 mile within the pool it is unsafe to be in the water.

What about toys?
When kids are first learning how to put their face in the water, small sinking toys like gems and fish are good because they can practice putting their face in to the water while sitting on the steps. As they become more advanced I prefer dive sticks, as they are easy to grab for intermediate students. We sometimes use squeaky/floater toys to encourage children to move a certain way in the pool, however, these toys have to be replaced regularly as they can collect mold.

How can we practice at home if we don’t have a pool?
There is alot you can do in your own bathtub. It can be helpful for small children who dislike the water to slowly get used to it by gently pouring water on their heads in the tub, practice bubbles, and have them lay in the water to get them used to having water in their ears. Even if they don't appear to be taking to the water in the bathtub often it is still having a positive effect toward water acclimation and can make our swim lessons go smoother.

My kid gets ear infections/swimmers ear from the pool. What should we do?
I suggest macs orange silicone ear plugs they work miracles.

What is a great towels for kids?
I highly recommend child-sized hooded towel, like ponchos, so that their hands are free to hold their goggles. Because the towel is fitted to the child it is not dragging the ground, and therefore we have less topples on the pool deck.

My kids lips are red and dry after a long day in the pool, do we need sunscreen?
Yes, we recommend Aquaphor SPF Lip balm to avoid and soothe sunburned lips.

Can my child jump in and out of swim lessons?
This is not recommended, as it can be very detrimental to the process of learning how to swim. Swim lessons are like any other skill. It take regular practice and perseverance. If regularity and structure are not there they will not retain what they’ve learned for long, and will likely severely regress.

How often should we be practicing at home with my child/dren?
This is a question that cannot be answered generically. Please consult with me so that we can determine this for your child. It is our goal to first orient and acclimate your child to the water, so that they are more comfortable, relaxed and connected to the water. It is from this position that children can then learn how to swim.

How long will it take my child to learn to swim?
Every child is completely different, based on many things such as age, coordination, previous swim experience, and their attitude toward water. Just as an example, 3.5 year old children in our 5 day a week group program that start in the early spring, are usually swimming by late summer.
 
Does my child need a lifejacket when kayaking or on a boat even if they have learned how to swim?
Yes. Your child's safety is everything.
 
My children are more confident in the water and are now playing rough in the pool. How do I handle that?
It is important to understand that children or adults playing rough in the water represents a potential for hazard no matter the swimmers ability.
Please click here to take the free online Red Cross Water Safety for Parents & Caregivers course.

I want to practice with my kids but I don't know how to swim?
I'll teach you, too and you'll be a semi-aquatic family! All kidding aside, there are lots of parents who themselves either cannot swim or have a fear of the water. I offer Parent & Child Water Acclimation classes to help both  parent and child together, as well as private or group Adult Swim Lessons.

Where do I get the Liability Waiver Form?
● Download and print our Liability Form for your location

"My daughter started swimming lessons with Emily, in June 2021 a few weeks before she turned 3. It is now August and she is doing great. She is confident and learning more and more each session with Emily. Emily, is a patient and fun coach, while also instilling discipline during her lessons. We love Emily and look forward to going to each of her swim sessions!"