Considering ISR Self-Rescue® lessons for your child? You’re in the right place!

Below are answers to some of the questions I hear most often from families considering lessons with Safe Swim.

I want you to feel informed and comfortable with the program before deciding if it’s the right fit for your family.

ABOUT THE LESSONS

How old does my child need to be to begin Self-Rescue lessons?

Children can begin ISR Self-Rescue lessons during infancy, with the skills they learn changing as they grow and become more developmentally ready.

Age is only one piece of the picture. Your child’s development, mobility, physical abilities, previous experience, and individual readiness all help determine which skills we work toward.

If you’re unsure whether your child is ready to begin, please reach out and I’m happy to help.

What will my child learn during lessons?

The skills your child works toward depend on their age, development, mobility, previous experience, and individual readiness.

Younger infants (6 months to 2 years old) generally work toward learning to independently roll onto their back, find their float, rest, and breathe.

Older and more mobile children (2 years old to 6 years old) generally work toward a Swim-Float-Swim sequence—swimming independently, transitioning onto their back to float and breathe, and then returning to swimming.

Once a child has mastered their Self-Rescue skills and is developmentally ready, we can continue building swimming skills and eventually progress toward more traditional strokes.

How long does it take to complete Self-Rescue lessons?

Most children complete their initial Self-Rescue skills in approximately 5–7 weeks while attending 4 days per week, Tuesday–Friday.

Every child progresses differently, so 5–7 weeks is an estimate rather than a guaranteed completion date.

Age, development, previous experience, attendance, illness, and individual learning style can all influence progression.

Our goal isn’t to rush your child to finish by a particular date. Our goal is safe, independent skill development.

Why are lessons 10 minutes, 4 days per week?

Self-Rescue lessons are intentionally short, frequent, and consistent.

Rather than asking a young child to participate in a long lesson once or twice per week, we use focused 10-minute lessons with consistent repetition throughout the week.

Each lesson builds upon the skills practiced the day before, while the short duration allows me to make productive use of your child’s learning time and continually monitor their comfort and fatigue. Your child doesn’t learn to walk or crawl practicing only 1x per week for 45 minutes. Rather, they practice in small spurts a few times a day.

The 4-day-per-week commitment is temporary, but the consistency is an important part of the learning process.

Why do children practice their skills in clothes?

An unexpected entry into the water may happen while a child is fully clothed.

Once your child has developed the appropriate skills, we may practice while wearing regular clothing so they can experience how clothing changes the way their body feels and moves in the water.

Clothing practice is introduced when your child is appropriately skilled and ready for it.

CRYING, FEAR & BEHAVIOR

Will my child cry during lessons?

They may.

Crying is one way young children communicate when something is new, unfamiliar, challenging, or simply not what they would choose to be doing at that moment.

Some children rarely cry, while others may cry or protest at different points during the learning process. Crying does not automatically mean that a child is afraid of the water or having a negative experience.

I look at the whole child… their behavior, physical responses, skills, and individual needs… and adjust instruction accordingly.

A calm, confident, and positive attitude from parents also helps children feel supported throughout the learning process.

Will lessons make my child afraid of the water?

The goal is not to create fear of the water. It is to build skills, confidence, and an appropriate respect for it.

A child may initially be apprehensive in an unfamiliar environment or while learning a challenging new skill. Apprehension and fear are not necessarily the same thing.

As children become more competent and begin to understand what their bodies can do in the water, confidence often follows.

What if my child already loves the water?

That's wonderful!

But comfort around water and competency in the water are two different things.

Some children come to me extremely comfortable and confident around water but don't yet have the skills to respond effectively if they unexpectedly enter it.

We don't want to take away your child's love of the water. We want to pair that confidence with skills.

YOUR CHILD & PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

What if my child has taken swim lessons before?

Previous swim experience is absolutely okay.

I'll evaluate what your child can currently do independently and build from there.

Some children arrive with traditional swim experience, some have previous Self-Rescue skills that need refreshing, and others are starting from the very beginning.

Instruction is based on what your child demonstrates in the water—not simply their age or previous lesson history.

SCHEDULING & ATTENDANCE

Are afternoon lessons available?

Safe Swim currently offers morning Self-Rescue lessons only.

My teaching day can begin as early as approximately 6:00 AM and continues throughout the morning.

I know before-school lessons can initially sound daunting! Many families find that once they establish the routine, early lessons work surprisingly well.

And remember—the 4-day-per-week schedule is temporary!

Can we choose a different lesson time on different days?

No. Your child attends at the same scheduled lesson time Tuesday–Friday.

Consistency is an important part of the program, so when selecting your lesson time, please choose one your family can reliably attend all four days.

What if my child is sick or misses a lesson?

Illnesses and unexpected situations happen!

Please communicate with me if your child is sick or experiencing symptoms that may affect their ability to safely participate.

There will absolutely be times when the safest lesson is no lesson.

Specific attendance, cancellation, and make-up policies are provided before your session so you'll know exactly what to expect.

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW

Do parents stay during lessons?

Yes!

A parent or caregiver remains poolside during your child's lesson.

I want you to see your child's progress and understand what we're working on. I'll communicate with you throughout the session, answer questions, and help you understand how your child's skills are developing.

Do parents get in the pool during lessons?

Self-Rescue lessons are private, one-on-one lessons between your child and me, so parents generally remain poolside during the instructional portion of the lesson.

As your child's skills develop, I may involve you when appropriate so you understand how to support and interact with your child's skills outside of lessons.

Does my child need to be potty trained?

No. Your child does not need to be potty trained to participate in Self-Rescue lessons.

Children who are not reliably potty trained will need to follow Safe Swim's swim-diaper requirements.

You'll receive specific information about what your child needs to wear and bring before your session begins.

Can my child eat before lessons?

Because eating and drinking guidelines are important for your child's comfort and safety during lessons, you'll receive specific instructions about meals, snacks, and drinks before your session begins.

Please follow the pre-lesson guidelines provided in your Welcome Email throughout your child's session.

Can siblings take lessons together?

All Safe Swim lessons are private and one-on-one, so siblings do not share a lesson.

When availability allows, however, siblings may be scheduled in consecutive 10-minute time slots to make the schedule easier for your family.

What is ISR Registration?

ISR Registration is separate from your Safe Swim enrollment.

Before beginning Self-Rescue lessons, you'll complete ISR's registration process and provide relevant health and developmental information about your child.

Approximately 4–6 weeks before your session begins, I'll send you your unique registration link and instructions.

ISR Registration is completed directly through Infant Swimming Resource and is separate from your Safe Swim program fee.

What should I bring to lessons?

Don't worry—you won't have to figure this out on your own!

The week before your session begins, I'll send you a detailed Welcome Email with information about what to bring, what your child should wear, how to prepare for lessons, and what to expect during your first week.

AFTER SELF-RESCUE

What happens after my child completes Self-Rescue lessons?

Learning doesn't have to stop when your child's initial session ends.

Children grow quickly, and their bodies, strength, coordination, and skills change with them. Depending on your child's age, development, and skills, I will recommend refresher or maintenance lessons to keep those skills strong and adapt them to their growing body.

As children become developmentally ready, we can also progress beyond Self-Rescue skills toward more advanced swimming and stroke development.

LEARN ABOUT THE 5 LAYERS OF PROTECTION
https://www.safeswimisr.com/layersofprotection

READY TO GET STARTED?

If you've read through the FAQs and the 10-minute, Tuesday–Friday morning schedule works for your family, the next step is to join the Safe Swim waitlist.

Once you join, you'll receive:

• Current program pricing and payment information

• Upcoming session dates

• Current lesson availability

• Information about future openings and cancellations

Joining the waitlist doesn't necessarily mean you have to wait! If a current session and lesson time work for your family, you'll have the opportunity to move forward with reserving your spot.

JOIN THE SAFE SWIM WAITLIST
https://www.safeswimisr.com/contact-us

Still Have Questions?

Choosing Self-Rescue lessons is a commitment, and I want you to understand what you're signing up for before reserving a spot.

If you've read through the FAQs and still have a question specific to your child or family, please reach out.

I'm happy to help determine whether Safe Swim is the right fit for your family.