What to Expect at Your Child’s First Swim Lesson

 Signing your child up for their first swim lessons is an exciting time! Swimming is not only great exercise but it is also the start of a lifelong water safety skill for your child to have. Trying something new can be stressful for both parent and child, so here is the skinny on everything you need to know to ease some anxiety before that first swim lesson.

What do I need to bring to swim lessons?

All you need to bring to your first lesson is:

• Swimsuit
• Two pairs of washable, reusable swim pants or diapers if your child is age 3 or younger. Why two pairs? Because accidents happen, and it’s always a good idea to have a second layer of protection. It’s also better to have reusable swim pants instead of disposables for the safety and protection of our pool, everyone in it, and our environment. Make sure the swim pants fit snugly, one on top of the other – if they are loose, they can’t do their job.
• Towel

It helps to have your kid arrive already dressed in their swim gear (both swim pants and their suit), so they’re ready to go when they walk in the door. This is not necessary but may help remove some anxiety for the first lesson in a new place.

Here are some optional items you could bring, depending on the time of your class and where you’re headed next:

• A dry set of clothes for your child. This is so your kiddo can change into comfortable clothes after their lesson and be warm and snuggly, possibly ready for their big afternoon nap. Emler provides changing rooms and bathrooms for both you and your child.
• A bag for wet clothes and towels

What do I NOT bring to our swimming lessons?

There are a few things that you don’t need to bring to swim lessons:

• Sunscreen. All Emler facilities are indoors, so you don’t need any sunscreen, hats, or sunglasses.
• Floaties, boogie boards and life vests. Because our awesome teachers are helping your little fish become proficient swimmers, there is no need for floaties, boogie boards, or life vests. Every Emler pool has its own collection of pool accessories that the kids can use when they need a little extra water fun or help with form.
• Chairs. Because all parents will either be in the water with their child or in the observation room outfitted with chairs, you don’t need to bring any camp chairs or stadium seats.

What happens on our first day at Emler?

On your first day, consider arriving 15 minutes early so that you and your child can get a quick tour of the building and sign any forms that may need your signature. You can stop by the front desk and let someone know it’s your first day so they can answer any questions and show you around. Once you feel comfortable with the process and the facility, you no longer need to check in with the front desk.

How early should we arrive?

During most swim days, we recommend arriving early but you don’t need to come inside until 5 minutes to class time so we can reduce the amount of traffic in the building. On warmer days (or any day, really), consider having your kids wear their swimsuits under their clothes so they can more easily transition into class when the time comes.

How do we find our swim instructor?

Once you check in at the front desk, our friendly Emler staff will let you know the name of your instructor and what class your child is registered for. When it’s time for your child’s class to start, the instructors will hold up a sign with their name on it so that you and your child know it’s their time to swim!

For younger children, please walk them to their class every week. This allows you to say hi to their teacher and help them get any necessary equipment ready.

Where do parents stay during the lessons?

For most levels, parents are welcome to sit comfortably in the observation room during the lesson so they can watch their child as they gain confidence and learn how to swim. Benches are also provided on deck for class viewing. For Bathtime Babies® and Waterbabies classes, adults will be in the water with their child. An adult must be present at all times regardless of a child’s age.

What if my child is having trouble transitioning into the water?

If your child is having difficulty transitioning, your teacher will work with you and your child to find the appropriate remedy. Oftentimes, for very young children who are ready to be alone in the water with their instructor, we find it ideal if the parent stays in their child’s line of sight but avoids direct eye contact so that the child focuses on their Emler teacher, who can then work their magic! Some children do better when a parent is not on the pool deck but in the observation room instead, but we will work with you to find the best solution where your child is most comfortable.

Can I drop my child off and go run errands during their swim lessons?

All Emler classes require an adult to be in the building at all times. No swimmers can participate in classes unless their guardian is there for the entire class time. We recommend that you observe each lesson so that you can encourage your child, stay engaged and witness your child’s progression, and be an extra pair of eyes for us while your child is in the water. Safety is our number one priority, and you play a part in that by observing your child at all times.

NOW IT’S TIME TO SWIM! So that’s the rundown of what to expect for your first swim lesson at Emler. If you have any additional questions, please check our website or call your local Emler facility to get more information. Welcome to the Emler family!