Question 1

Are Infant Aquatics Survival Swimming lessons different from ISR lessons?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, when people use the term "ISR" they are usually referring to any type of "Infant Self-Rescue" lesson which is, in essence, survival swimming. Both Infant Aquatics, LLC and Infant Swimming Resource, Inc. offer the same type of lessons, teaching the student to roll on their back and float to breathe in a sequence of survival swim techniques. However, there are several notable differences between these two networks and their certified teaching methods. For a more in-depth look, please view the comparison chart below. Credit: Infant Swimming Resource | Infant Swimming Resource

Question 2

How is Life's Little Swimmers Infant Aquatics different from other swim lessons?

Accepted Answer

Most swim schools offer group lessons only, which don't give your child near the attention they need to learn skills efficiently.  Also, many private instructors from chain schools and clubs are given minimal training and pay.  There is little incentive for them to stay and make careers from these facilities, and therefore, there is high turnover, and generally low standards.  Students often have a different instructor every lesson, which makes learning even slower and harder.  Not to mention, young children have short attention spans and will lose interest and physical stamina after the first 10-15 minutes of any lesson. The primary goal of Life's Little Swimmers Infant Aquatics is to intensively and carefully teach your child to become a productive swimmer or floater with the consistent focus and highly trained eyes, ears, hands and heart of a dedicated instructor.  Your child will become skilled in just WEEKS, not YEARS, which will greatly increase their chances of survival in an aquatic accident, and quickly make them competent, confident swimmers.  
Just take a look at this value comparison chart below!

Question 3

How are lessons structured?

Accepted Answer

For most children aged 5 and under, lessons are 4 days a week, Monday to Thursday, for about 6 weeks (15 minutes each day). After children are skilled and able to float and breathe in the water, we help them maintain and advance their skills through our Progressive Lessons. If your child is older, they may be eligible for 2 days a week lessons at either 15 or 30 minutes. Please see our Swim Programs page for more details.

Question 4

How soon can I expect my child to be skilled?

Accepted Answer

Most children learn in 24 lessons or less depending on their age and competency level. Do not be worried if your child is not progressing as fast as another; they do not all walk or talk at the same rate either. After completing the survival swim program, we offer refreshers, group swim, or twice-weekly progressive lessons when available. We want your child to be able to practice their new amazing skills and enjoy swimming. We also invite the parents to come practice with us as well! Please view the Swim Programs page for more details.

Question 5

How are payments made and what is the refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to make payment on the WebAccomplice Scheduler portal through Square.  Additionally, you may use Zelle to our email or phone number, registered as Life's Little Swimmers Infant Aquatics.  All fees are due for the full program duration before the first day of lessons.  All registration fees are non-refundable.  Tuition fees are non-refundable after the first day of lessons, unless concession is made by instructor for reasonable cause.  You can use the link below to go to our scheduler portal.

Question 6

What if my child has a medical condition or special needs?

Accepted Answer

If you believe your child has a medical condition that might affect their ability to participate safely in survival swim lessons, please explain this to us prior to enrolling. If your child has a pre-existing medical condition, written clearance may be required from your child's physician.  For example, procedures such as ear tubes are commonplace and will not interfere whatsoever with lessons.  However, if your child has been on antibiotics recently, they may need to complete them before enrollment.  Additionally, special needs children such as those with ASD, ADHD, CP, DS and other physical or genetic disabilities are emphatically welcomed to enroll in our programs, as they have been known to be exceptionally benefited by these structured lessons.  Please contact Zoe with specific questions or concerns.

Question 7

How should I arrange eating / feeding around lessons?

Accepted Answer

DO NOT FEED YOUR CHILD FOR 2 HOURS PRIOR TO THEIR LESSON.  This is a very important step. Avoid whole fruit, especially berries, milk products or anything else your child may not be able to digest easily. Recommended foods prior to 2-hour window: bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, or grains. Children do not chew their food well - they mostly swallow - so any food still in the tummy may come up with a very strong burp. Your child may and should eat immediately after their lesson, as they will have worked up an appetite, so you may bring snacks or treats for them to eat directly following.

Question 8

What if we are late or miss a lesson?

Accepted Answer

Consistency is very important for your child's lessons. It is important to arrive with enough time before your scheduled lesson to get your child ready for their time slot. If you are late, we will try to fit you in if possible, and/or your lesson may be shortened. If you have a conflict on a certain day, and notify us in advance, we will do everything possible to offer you a make-up lesson time slot. With advance notice of cancellation, one make-up lesson will be offered per session.

Question 9

What about flotation devices and life jackets?

Accepted Answer

Flotation devices give children a false sense of security in the water and put their bodies in positions that are not compatible with real swimming skills. If a child were to fall into the water without the flotation device they are used to, their muscle memory would position them in a vertical "drowning" position. Children who cannot swim should not be allowed to learn it is "fun" or "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.  If your child has worn a puddle jumper or water wings or used pool noodles or inner-tubes or any other floatation device in the water for any extended length of time prior to enrolling, they may need additional lessons to become fully skilled in swim-float-swim.

Additionally, if you are interested in supporting drowning prevention, please visit these sites:

Question 10

What if my child cries during lessons?

Accepted Answer

At first, your child may show some reluctance, as this is a new experience for them. Many children do cry or complain at the first few lessons. A positive attitude from parents and caregivers will go a long way in reassuring the child. You will see that as your child starts to develop skills, they gain confidence and settle into the routine of lessons. Our priority is to keep your child safe, by teaching them to self-rescue in case of a water emergency, but beyond that, our goal is to help them have fun and love swimming!

Question 11

What is your make-up policy?

Accepted Answer

We may offer make-up lessons by adding additional lessons as needed due unforeseen circumstances such as family emergencies, rare weather delays or an illness.  However, you are expected to pay for your time slot and if you choose to be absent, we are not obligated to offer a make-up. Please EMAIL or TEXT us within 24 hours to let us know if you cannot make it to your lesson, and we will do everything we can to re-schedule.  If you are unsure if we are swimming and you contact us and we aren't able to respond - please assume we are swimming until otherwise informed.

Question 12

What is the cost for lessons?

Accepted Answer

Tuition prices vary based on the classes offered.  Please see our Swim Programs page for more details.  Additionally, scholarships are often times available for those who qualify.  (Please visit the webpages below for more information on scholarships.  We also offer referral bonuses for friends and family of registered students for new enrollments!  Reach out to us if you are interested in getting more information.

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Question 13

How do I secure a spot?

Accepted Answer

We offer a specific schedule for initial training (survival swim) lessons, and our spots fill up quickly. Contact us (mailto:swimmingwithjulie@gmail.com)to find out when our next available openings are. We will offer you a compatible time slot, and to secure it, you will need to fill out a registration form and pay any registration fees plus the full program tuition.  You can visit our online scheduler portal, WebAccomplice (link below).

Question 14

What do the parents / caregivers do during lessons?

Accepted Answer

Answers to this question as well as several others are answered in a comprehensive Parent Handbook & Guidelines that are given out upon registration.  Please contact us if you have any further questions prior to enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions