Dive into Excellence with Winchester Swim Academy
Achieve Safety, Strength, and Success in Swimming
Join us at Winchester Swim Academy, where we prioritize safety, build strength, and celebrate success in every stroke. Discover a transformative swimming experience tailored for all ages and skill levels.
Your Swimming Safety and Training Questions Answered
Find answers to the most common questions about our swimming programs, safety measures, and academy policies.
What safety measures are in place for beginners?
We ensure a safe learning environment with American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors (WSI), safety briefings before each session, and a low student-to-instructor ratio.
What time of year can I enroll in swim lessons?
Winchester Swim Academy offers year-round swim lessons for all, and enrollment is always open! (any age, any level, any goal) Adapted Aquatics, Triathlon Training, Deep Water safety…
How long are swim lessons?
Swim lessons at Winchester Swim Academy last 30 minutes. We’ve found this to be the ideal length of time that young children can focus while still having fun. Lessons for older students and adults can span the length of 45 minutes.
What training do your instructors receive?
American Red Cross Water Safety Instructors have completed 40+ hours of intensive in-classroom and in-water training as well as written and in-water exams. Instructors continue to be evaluated regularly and participate in training sessions to ensure that your swimmer is in the absolute safest environment.
Will my child have the same instructor for every lesson?
Our goal is to offer consistent instructors for scheduled swim classes, however, sometimes a change occurs due to instructor availability, sickness, vacation, etc. Rest assured that all instructors are equally equipped to teach your swimmer
What age can my child start swimming lessons?
There is never a time when you’re too old to be safe and comfortable in the water.
We begin teaching children to swim as young as six months old, but if your child is older than that, go ahead and start now – there’s always time to learn! The proven American Red Cross Learn To Swim curriculum is designed to teach children of all ages and abilities to become safe and confident swimmers for life.
Where do I go at the beginning of each lesson?
Once you have checked in through the front desk, you will meet your instructor(s) in the observation deck (with all the glass windows) that is located in between the pool deck and hallway.
We ask families to please NOT enter through the side doors that lead directly onto the pool deck. The front desk requires families to sign in before every lesson.
What does my child need for their lesson?
A personal towel.
Swim diapers are required for children ages 3 and under, regardless of potty training status.
For PA & LTS level 1’s, it is not recommend to use goggles in the beginning, so that the student can gain comfortability putting their face & eyes under the water.
For PA & LTS level 2’s, goggles are not required, but may be used if needed.
For PA and LTS levels 3+, goggles are HIGHLY recommended.
Note: Goggles/snorkel masks with a nose cover are not allowed.
Why am I unable to sign my infant up for private lessons?
Participants under the age of 3 are NOT eligible for private swim lessons due to Red Cross standards.
To register your 6 month 3 year old in swim lessons, please check our website for ISR or Parent & Me class availability.
How many students are in a swim class at Winchester Swim Academy?
Our small group swim lessons at Winchester Swim Academy have a 4:1 student to instructor ratio. This ensures a safe and social environment for your child to learn to swim. Adult participants average 2:1
How many days per week should my child take lessons to develop strong skills?
We recommend 30-minute swim lessons, 2-3 days per week. This results in the best retention of skills because our curriculum links one skill to the next and builds upon your child’s success. Most families during the school year only have time for a class that meets once a week. During our summer session, we offer twice a week for 3 weeks
Is my child expected to go underwater?
The simple answer is, YES! Safe swimming begins with learning breath control right from the start, and children learn to hold their breath through experience. Going underwater is something most children enjoy after just a few lessons. So, keep cheering them on, even if they’re nervous.
How quickly will my child learn to swim?
Our instructors are committed to helping each child progress as quickly as possible while maintaining the standards of our proven curriculum. Each child’s progress is unique and impacted by age, frequency of lessons, level of comprehension, development of motor and cognitive skills, and their ability to process multiple tasks. Your child’s instructor will communicate with you following each lesson so you know what they are working on, and you can easily track their progress from the American Red Cross Learn to Swim app!
What if my child cries during swim lesson?
Crying is a natural and common response when children are introduced to a new environment. Sometimes the sights, sounds and scents can be overwhelming. Other times, it’s less about fear and more about adjusting to new expectations, such as swimming without floaties or following the lead of an unfamiliar instructor. As a parent, your calm encouragement plays an important role so your child is ready and excited to jump back in at their next lesson. We know it may be hard to watch, but rest assured that overcoming this phase is the beginning of a lifetime of safety and confidence around the water. If your little one still needs extra support, here are seven tips to help your child overcome swimming anxiety.
How are training programs structured for different skill levels?
Our programs are tailored to each swimmer’s ability, starting with basic skills for beginners and advancing to competitive techniques for experienced swimmers.
What does my child need to wear?
Swimmers should have appropriate swimwear on; one pieces, two pieces, swim trunks, and swim shirts are all acceptable. No street clothing.
We also ask parents to tie their child’s hair back before the start of each lesson so that it does not get in their way.
What if my child misses a lesson because of illness or any other obligations?
This is different depending on the type of lesson child is enrolled in – Group or Private.
Please see the appropriate Lesson type below for your answer.
Group Lessons
Due to the structure of group classes, make-up lessons are not offered for missed classes.
Make-ups will only be provided in the following situations:
- Inclement weather
- Instructor illness (when a substitute cannot be arranged)
If a lesson must be canceled:
- Families will be notified via email (using the email provided at registration)
Please Note:
- Only one (1) make-up lesson will be scheduled, even if multiple classes are missed due to weather or instructor illness
Private Lessons
If you need to cancel a private lesson, we ask that you provide at least 24 hours’ notice.
- Make-up lessons are allowed
- Scheduling must be arranged directly with your instructor
- Make-ups are only available with your original instructor
- Substitute instructors are not available for missed private lessons
Please Note:
If a swimmer is a no call, no show, the lesson may be counted and will not be eligible for a make-up.
What is the American Red Cross Swim app and how do I access it?
The American Red Cross Swim app is a great way to track your child’s growth as they progress through each level in either Preschool Aquatics (PA) or Learn to Swim (LTS) lessons. The specific name and level that your child is in can be found in your Rec Desk account.