FAQs
What is the AAP’s position on swimming lessons for children?
In May of 2010, the AAP changed it's policy regarding the age at which children should start swimming lessons. This change was based on research that found that swim lessons provided reduction in drowning risk of children ages 1- to 4-years-old. That study, "Association Between Swimming Lessons and Childhood Drowning," published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, March, 2009, by Brenner et. al. was the first study to probe the relationship between drowning reduction and swimming skills. The study concluded that "participation in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in 1- to 4-year-old children..." and recommended as a layer of protection against drowning.Are you those instructors that just throw children in the water?
Are you that program that just throws children in the water?
NO, we do NOT, but we can teach you how to! After they are skilled that is!
When will my child learn how to swim?
Most parents that ask this question are really asking about traditional stroke lessons since that’s what most parents envision as swimming. The difference in our program is that children will learn swimming AND survival skills, making them an adept aquatic problem solver! ISR lessons teach the swim-float-swim sequence to ensure that children are able to get themselves to safety. Proper stroke technique and snorkeling lessons are also available for older kids.
Are your lessons safe?
Yes! ISR has the highest safety protocols of all survival swim programs.. We have taught thousands of children and they have all been safe during lessons. We have many protocols to keep your littles safe.
Will my child cry during lessons?
Learning new skills, with a new person, in a new environment; honestly who wouldn’t be upset at first? The cry we oftentimes hear in the water is the same cry you get when you take away a toy, don’t let them eat dirt, or put them in their car seat. It’s a protest, and their way of saying they aren’t happy to be there. The good news is, every lesson builds additional in-water confidence and is one day closer to your child being fully-skilled. We know it’s hard to see your child upset but, remember, a crying baby is a breathing baby.
Where are you located?
We are all located in either our home pools or hosts home pools. We have locations in Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock, Westlake, Cedar Park, Leander, Liberty Hill, South Austin, Steiner Ranch, Bee Cave, Lakeway
Will my child retain their skills?
With proper continuity by the parents after lessons, yes they will retain their skills. During lessons, the best way to help retention is to be consistent with attendance.
Will my child need more lessons after the initial 6 weeks of lessons?
Yes, ISR recommends refreshers every six to twelve months due to rapid growth, which can impact skills. For parents who want to keep their little in the water regularly to keep skills fresh, maintenance lessons are a great option. Find more information about refresher and maintenance lessons here.
Why do students swim in clothing?
Since we know that 86% of childhood drownings occur when the child is fully clothed, students practice their self-rescue skills during the final week of lessons in summer and winter clothing. By the way, this is NOT a pass/fail test, it’s not a test at all. If a child has experienced the sensation of being in the water in clothing prior to an emergency situation, they’re less likely to experience panic and more able to focus on rescuing themselves if one occurs. Also, witnessing your child self-rescue in several layers, a jacket, and shoes will give you such peace of mind!
Why does ISR need my child’s medical information?
ISR’s team of pediatric doctors and nurses review each student’s medical history prior to them starting lessons, to provide guidance to the Instructor about how to deliver the safest lesson for the child. It’s our job to not only provide every child with ISR self-rescue skills, but to provide those skills safely and adequately for each child. Infant Swimming Resource complies with all federal and state laws and regulations and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion or disability. It is the policy of ISR to provide reasonable accommodations to its disabled applicants and students, with the provision of appropriate documentation of the need for the accommodation.