Swim Lesson FAQ

• Swimwear: Each child must bring their own swimsuit and towel to every lesson. Girls may wear one- or two-piece suits, but the suit must stay in place during jumping, diving and movement. Boys should wear swim trunks with a drawstring to ensure the suit stays secure. No cotton clothing is permitted in the pool. If extra coverage is desired, students may wear a clean swim shirt.
• Footwear: Clean deck shoes are optional. If wearing shoes from outdoors, please walk across the blue mats to reduce dirt on wet floors.
• Goggles: Goggles may be used, but students should practice putting them on independently before the first class. Masks that cover the nose are not allowed. Loaner goggles may be available, depending on your instructor. Please return them after class so they can be borrowed by other students.
• Potty Training and Diapers: Children who are not potty trained must wear: 1) swim diaper + 2) snug diaper cover + 3) swimsuit on top. Please talk with your child about telling their instructor if they need to use the restroom during class.
• Flotation Devices: No personal flotation devices (PFDs) are allowed. HAC provides all necessary teaching equipment.

• Please take your child to the bathroom immediately before class.
• Parents should assist children who need help in the restroom.
• Hair that is shoulder length or longer must be tied back or placed in a swim cap (available for purchase).
• Bobby pins are not allowed in the pool or on deck.
• Students must stay off the brown edge of the pool un less their instructor invites them onto it. This rule applies to anyone on deck.
• Please do not bring personal toys or items from home; these can get mixed up with HAC equipment.
• Provide only a light snack before lessons to help prevent upset stomachs.
• Encourage humming in the water; this helps children manage breathing comfortably.

• If your child has diarrhea or is feeling ill, please keep them home until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours. 
• You do not need to notify us of the absence.
• We are unable to provide make-up lessons for missed classes.

All instructors are trained in the official HAC Swim Lesson Curriculum. Many instructors hold certifications in Lifeguarding, and all are required to obtain CPR, First Aid, and AED certification upon hire at HAC.

An instructional supervisor is on deck during all lessons to support instructors and serve as the designated lifeguard.

• Parent/Child Classes: An adult (18+) must be in the water with a child. Consistency is preferred but not required; the same adult does not need to attend every time.
• Preschool Classes: Parents must remain in the pool bleachers. If a parent’s presence is distracting or preventing a child from engaging, staff may ask the parent to observe from the hallway or briefly exit the pool area.
• Learn to Swim (Age 6+): Children under 13 must have a parent/guardian onsite and in the Instructional Pool area during lessons. Parents may not use other HAC pools or fitness areas during this time, even if they are HAC members.
• Communication with Instructors: We recommend checking in with your child’s instructor at least once during the eight-lesson series to review your child’s progress and goals.
• Parental Guidance: Every family is different: Some encourage kids to push harder, others prioritize comfort. Please share your preferences with your instructor so we can support your child in the way that works best for them.
• Showering: HAC staff will assist with a quick shower before and after class (at poolside showers).

• Refund Policy: 50% refund if requested two (2) weeks prior to the close of registration. No refunds will be issued less than two weeks before the start of class. No refunds after the first class.
• Cancellation Policy: If HAC cancels a class (e.g. pool issue, facility closure), families receive a credit for each canceled class. 

• Water and Air Temperatures: The Instructional Pool is held in the low 80’s. The Therapy Pool is held in the high 80’s. The air temperature is typically in the mid-80’s.
• Class Length and Format: Parent/Child, Preschool, Learn to Swim, Teen, and Adult classes all consist of eight (8) 35-minute classes. If the session includes only seven (7) classes, the price is adjusted accordingly.

We use language that encourages participation while giving children an appropriate amount of choice. For example, instead of “Do you want to bob?” we ask, “How many bobs would you like to do?” If a student is fearful of a specific skill, instructors may introduce related skills to build confidence while still encouraging progress.

• Be sure to review class descriptions for any advance cancellation dates (e.g., holidays) and add them to your family calendar. Reminders are given during lessons, but may be missed if a child is absent.
• These are group lessons. For a smaller student-to-instructor ratio, consider private lessons (1:1) or semi-private lessons (1:2). Private lesson times must work around pool availability, instructor schedules, and your child’s schedule.

We conduct a quick skills assessment to help place students with peers of similar ability. The assessment includes:

1. Three humming bobs (no nose plugging)
2. Five-second back float with arms and legs still
3. Best swimming stroke along the pool wall (can be dog paddle, big arms, or freestyle with side breathing)

If a student’s performance during lessons differs from the initial assessment, instructors may adjust placement.

Safety is woven into every class at HAC. Students learn multiple safety techniques over the eight-lesson session. We emphasize that, while we can help children become safer around water, there is no such thing as “drown-proofing.”

What HAC Provides

• A clean swimsuit and towel for each student
• Safe, supervised changing areas with staff guidance on privacy

Before Class

• Students must use the restroom before lessons. 
• Girls use the restroom before changing; boys, after changing.

Showers

• Using the showers on the pool deck, students take a required 10-second rinse: 5 seconds front, 5 seconds back, getting wet from head to toes.

During Class

• Students move around the facility using walking feet and indoor voices.
• If they need to use the restroom mid-lesson, they should alert the instructor and use the designated pool deck restroom.

End of Class

• A long whistle signals class completion. 
• Students exit the pool, put equipment away, and walk to the showers. 
• Used suits and towels go in the designated bins; suits should be turned right side out.

Parent Day

• Held during the second week of class on Thursday and/or Friday. 
• Parents must stay in the stands.
• Photos are allowed.
• Only plastic or metal water bottles are allowed on the pool deck or in the bleachers. No food, snacks, glass, or ceramic allowed.
• Siblings must remain within arm’s reach of an adult at all times.