If you are new to the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA’s Swimming Lesson Program, below are answers to common questions as well as basic guidelines to ensure your child has a successful experience in our program.
Update as of January 2022: We are changing the structure of our Swim Lessons program to allow for easy, one-time sign up for swim lessons.
The swim lesson classes offered at our Y are designed to give your child a positive learning experience while teaching lifelong swimming and water safety skills in a fun, supportive and safe environment. We incorporate the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in every class.
What if the class I’m registering for is full?
If there is space available in a class, you can register at any time during a session. Wait lists for each age group also will be available. If you are unable to secure a spot in one of our classes, please add your name to a wait list. You do not need to be a Y member to add your name to the wait list. We will add individuals from the wait list to classes as spots become available. We also are working on adding new classes.
When can I register for Swim Lessons?
Our swim lesson program is on a continuous monthly draft from September through June, allowing for easy, one-time sign-up for swim lessons. Registration for lessons that begin in September will be held in August. We will have a separate swim lesson schedule for the months of July and August, with registration beginning in June. Registration dates will be announced in our brochure, as well as on our website and social media pages. You can also call our Welcome Center at 908-889-8880 for more information about swim lesson registration.
What should my swimmer wear?
Swimmers should wear a bathing suit, a one-piece garment designed specifically for swimming. Swimmers who are not toilet-trained should wear a swim diaper as well as a bathing suit. If swimmers have long hair it should be tied back so it will not get in their face during their swim class. We strongly suggest that bathing caps be worn for swimmers whose hair is past their chin. Swim goggles are highly recommended.
Who evaluates the swimmers to determine their appropriate swim level?
During the first class each student will be evaluated to make sure they are properly placed. This means they will be asked to perform skills that are prerequisites for their class level. If your child is too advanced or not skilled enough for their class level, they will be assigned to another class level. The Aquatic Director or Deck Supervisor will approach you to discuss the re-assignment so you understand why. If you believe your child has been improperly placed, please speak to the Aquatic Director or Deck Supervisor on deck as soon as possible. Please be patient with this process as we are assessing all children on the first day.
With our new structure, the lesson day and time remains the same throughout the program session. Children progress through swim lessons until they have successfully achieved the benchmarks of the program or meet their personal goals. The YMCA runs its swim lesson program year-round to insure continuity and your child’s progression.
Where is the best place to observe the swim lesson?
Swimmers under the age of 8 must have adult supervision on the pool deck. Swimmers between the ages of 8-12 must have adult supervision within the building. Deck Supervisors and/or Swim Instructors cannot bring any swimmer to the restroom. It is recommended that your swimmer use the restroom before class begins. Please enjoy sitting on our bleachers or standing in the hallway behind the glass wall. Please utilize this hallway when bringing your swimmer to and from their swim lane and avoid walking in front of the lifeguard stand as it obstructs the view for the lifeguard. We ask that parents/caregivers avoid creating distractions and avoid getting involved in the swim class.
Who do I speak with if I have a question about my child’s progress?
No two children develop at the same rate. Each child learns at a different pace depending on factors such as physical growth, individual development, comfort, practice and previous experience. It is important to note that swimming is not a Pass/Fail program. It is not unusual for a child to be in the same level for more than one session. All questions regarding your swimmer’s progress should be directed to the Deck Supervisor. We ask that parents/caregivers refrain from speaking with swim instructors before, during or after the lesson as it disrupts the class. Deck Supervisors will address the swim instructors with any concerns when their shift has ended.
How can I help my swimmer to improve?
Swimming involves a lot of moving parts. Practice, practice, practice in a fun, safe way. Talk about what your swimmer learned during their swim lesson. If you have an active Family membership you can come during Open Swim and Family Swim sessions to swim with your swimmer. Pool schedules are available online and at the FSPY Welcome Center. Structured and unstructured play in the water encourages water discovery and leads to relaxed, confident swimmers who will progress more quickly through their formal lessons. One half hour a week with us isn’t nearly enough time!
What if a class is canceled by the Aquatic Department?
If the Aquatic Department closes the pool due to lightning, we will make every effort to offer makeup swim lessons. We will only assign a makeup class date for classes canceled by the Aquatic Department. The Aquatic Department will communicate details to participants before the next scheduled class.
What if I need to withdraw from a class?
Registration for Swim Lessons requires a minimum 2-month commitment, with 30 days notice to opt out of lessons. An easy, automatic monthly draft will be set up for the duration of your swim lessons, with payment drafted on the 1st of each month. To withdraw from Swim Lessons, you must fill out our Swim Lesson Withdrawal Form here.
The Aquatic Staff is committed to ensuring the success of your child’s swim instruction experience. If you have any questions, comments or concerns please reach out to the Aquatics Department at aquatics@fspymca.org.