We welcome swimmers as young as 3 months old, with a parent. Babies start in Sea Cubs with a parent in the water, and toddlers continue through Tiger Sharks and Blue Whales. From 2 years children can join Starfishes, a small group class on their own, and older beginners start in Tadpoles. Each of the 11 levels has its own age window, so a child starts where they are now.
How long until my child can swim on their own?
It varies by age, personality and prior experience, but most kids who attend twice a week pass "Tadpoles" (comfortable underwater, back floating) within 8–12 weeks. By 6 months, most are swimming short distances with basic technique. A coach moves a child up the week the skill arrives, and levels run continuously, so progress follows the child and a swimmer can move on any week of the year.
What if my child is afraid of water?
That's what we're best at. Our beginner programs (Starfishes, Tadpoles) are built around trust: submersion games, floating, and lots of patience. Coaches build up to going under one small step at a time, the face first and then the whole head, when the child decides to. The water is held at 90°F, which makes the first trips under the surface easier. Every child sets their own pace.
Do you offer make-up lessons?
Yes. If you let us know at least 24 hours in advance, we'll move the session to another slot for free, as often as you need. Free make-up lessons come with group, semi-private and private lessons alike, and a monthly place keeps the same time each week, so the slot stays yours.
Is the pool heated? Indoor or outdoor?
Our Hallandale Beach pool is indoor, standalone and climate-controlled, heated to 90°F (32°C) every day of the year. That is the temperature learn-to-swim programs hold for babies and toddlers: warm enough that a six-month-old stays relaxed through a whole lesson, and still comfortable for a ten-year-old swimming laps. Big glass walls let in plenty of natural light, and classes run whatever the weather.
How is the water cleaned?
By ultraviolet light, on top of a light chemical treatment. The whole pool circulates past UV lamps that inactivate bacteria, viruses and the chlorine-tolerant parasites chlorine alone is slow against, so the water needs only a fraction of the chemicals a backyard or community pool runs on. The water is clear and gentle on your child’s eyes and skin, and the chlorine smell stays at the pool.
How do you handle safety?
Every session has a dedicated lifeguard on deck in addition to your instructor. All instructors are Red Cross WSI certified, CPR/AED trained, and background-checked. Max 4 swimmers per teacher in group lessons, and the youngest groups are smaller still. Swim lessons are one layer of water safety, and close adult supervision stays essential around every pool, bathtub and beach.
Can I watch my child's lesson?
Yes. We have a parent lounge with a full view of the pool, Wi-Fi, and coffee, and the pool sits behind floor-to-ceiling glass, so you can see the whole lesson from your seat. Stay and watch, or drop off and come back, whichever suits your day. Parking is free, right outside the entrance.
What do we need to bring?
Swimsuit, towel, goggles (we sell them at cost if you forget). For kids still in diapers: an approved swim diaper. We provide everything else, including kickboards, noodles and fins. The private family changing rooms are kid-sized and have hair dryers, and in parent-and-me classes the adult in the water needs a swimsuit too.
Come visit
The best way to know if we're right for your family is to come swim.
Bring your child and a swimsuit. In the first lesson the coach finds the level that fits, and you can watch every minute from the lounge.