How quickly will my child learn how to swim?
No two children are alike. Each child progresses at a different pace, has a different personality, and is at a different stage of development and coordination. Some will be swimming in 1 lesson, some 5, 6 or 7 lessons and others that have a fear of water may take more. Whatever the case, we teach each student with a gentle and encouraging approach and recognize the fact that each child is uniquely different.

How many lessons will it take my child to swim?
It depends on what you might consider swimming. Some consider just making it to the side of the pool learning to swim. At Anderson’s, water safety is our first priority. Our immediate goal is that every child can consistently jump in and return to the wall unassisted. The learning curve for young children fluctuates.

14-28 lessons typically will provide a suitable foundation with reference to breath control, treading water, swimming mobility, and safety awareness. Like dance or music, swimming is a process that must be nurtured and developed over time.

Why do I feel that my child is doing the same skill over and over again?
Repetition and Practice, Practice, Practice! It seems silly and even downright boring for us as adults to work with or see our children doing the same skills over and over again; but remember practicing a skill helps reduce the fear of the unknown. Practice makes perfect and repetition makes it instinct.

Why did my child progress so quickly and now is not learning anything new?
One day may seem like a great success but the next day may seem as though they have regressed. This is perfectly normal for kids. Children naturally plateau. Once they have accomplished a skill, they want to do it again and again. Why not? The child feels secure, confident, and proud of their accomplishments. Each skill is acquired and linked to a balance between large motor skill, confidence, and motivation. One should not be pushed before the other but kept in balance throughout the learning process.

If my child does not get the same teacher every lesson, how do they know what level my child is in and what he/she is working on?
Instructors write a written student evaluation report on the 1st and 7th lesson of every set of lessons. From these written evaluations we write individual customized lesson plans for every student, every day. From these lesson plans your instructor knows exactly what level your child is in and what swim skills need to be worked on.

Can you guarantee that my child will get the same instructor every lesson?
With our flexible scheduling program we cannot guarantee the same instructor every lesson. We are very diligent and conscientious with our individual student evaluations and lesson planning. Please be assured that your child’s instructors will know the aquatic history of your child and the proper teaching level each and every lesson.

Can I get a copy of my child’s swim evaluation report?
Absolutely! Just inquire at the front desk and we will be happy to make you a copy.

Why does Anderson’s start children at 3 years of age?
Ideally, the best age to enroll a child in formal swimming lessons is right around 3 years of age. We teach in a non-parent participation lesson. Generally, a child is not mature enough to be in this type learning environment until they willingly go to someone that they don't know, can listen and follow directions, and have the large motor skill development necessary to comprehend and acquire skills to be an independent swimmer.

What should I do with my child who is under 3 years of age?
Have fun, and be safe! Children under 3 years of age should be socializing, playing and enjoying the water with adult supervision and a floating device. This will prepare them for a great swimming lesson experience when they are age appropriate and ready to be in a structured formal lesson environment.

What if my child has a medical condition?
If you believe that your child has any form of medical condition which might reasonably affect his or her participation in swim lessons, please advise the office staff during the registration process.

What if my child is not feeling well?
If your child has a cold, but is eating well and acting as normal, you may bring him or her to class. Please do not bring a child who has a fever, is not eating, or shows signs of bacterial infection.

Does my child need ear plugs or ear drops?
Only if recommend by his/her pediatrician.

What if my child cries at lessons? Should I stop?
Not necessarily. There are different degrees of crying. A certain amount of crying is OK from time to time and is to be expected from most beginners. If your child begins to cry or gets upset, it may be best to observe the class from a point out of sight of your child. It may be difficult at first, but they will soon adjust. The teacher will address the issue of crying and come up with a positive solution, so the child can conquer fears, anger, or stubbornness. Delaying or avoiding swimming lessons can make an imagined problem only bigger. But by giving the child limited choices, the child learns, listens, and trusts the teacher being in control.

Do you offer a make-up lesson?
Yes. Each student enrolled in private lessons is permitted to change, cancel or transfer one (1) of your 7 scheduled private swimming lessons without a penalty. A maximum of 1 make-up lesson is permitted for a full set of 7 registered swimming lessons. Make-up lessons must be completed within 6 months of date on registration form. There are no make-up lessons for students enrolled in semi-private lessons.

How do I change or cancel one lesson?
Please call the office or come in person to cancel or change a lesson. A 4–hour notice is required for individual lesson cancellations or individual lesson changes. When calling before or after business hours please leave a message on our answering service, 650-355-3050. Any lesson that is not cancelled or changed with a 4-hour notice, or a no call, no show lesson will forfeit a make-up lesson.
Sorry, No Exceptions.

Can I change my child’s lessons to a different day and/or time?
To change or cancel your swimming lessons or make changes to days and/or times on your swimming lessons, a 7 day cancellation notice is required before the start date of your first scheduled swimming lesson and a $25.00 Change/Cancellation fee will be charged for each set of lessons changed or cancelled. If less than a 7 day notice, only 50% tuition will be refunded. Once lessons have been started, no refunds can be made. Please keep in mind that consistency is one of the keys to our program, and it may take 3-6 weeks for us to find availability for your new day and/or time request.

What temperatures is your pool kept at?
Our pool is maintained at 90-91 degrees year round. An individual’s physical comfort level is directly related to motor skills and learning. Keeping the water at this warm temperature not only aids in the learning process, but makes it comfortable and enjoyable.

What should I bring to swim class?
All you need to bring is a swimsuit, towel and goggles. Your child needs to have his or her own pair of goggles so we don’t spend valuable teaching time trying to find the right size goggle and adjusting them each time your child swims. Of course, if you forget your goggles we will always have a pair that can be borrowed. Be sure to write your child’s name on their personal goggles with a permanent marker. We provide learning toys and fins. If your child has long hair we ask that you tie it back in a ponytail or have your child wear a swim cap, so that it does not interfere with your child’s swimming. For your convenience, we have both goggles and caps available for sale in our store.

What do we do on the first day of our lessons?
Most students come ready to go with their swimsuits under their clothes. We recommend that you arrive 5-10 minutes early on the first day. This allows for the swimmer to adjust to the new surroundings. Please wait at the bench area until the instructor calls your name.

What causes fear of the water?
Some of the more common causes of early fear of the water have to do with the way parents relate to their children in and around water.