USE THE WAITLIST - Patrons are strongly urged to use the waitlist option on the computer system. We are constantly monitoring our classes to see what is filling and we will add classes (if possible) based on the number of registrants on the waitlists.

REGISTER EARLY - Register early to avoid disappointment. Classes that are not filling up may be cancelled to make room for classes that have a waitlist.

REGISTER BASED ON ABILITY – Swim lessons are a progression and putting children in higher levels based on a convenient schedule results in learning gaps for the child and lost time for the rest of the class. Children should be registered in the level recommended by their previous Instructor. Individuals not following this policy will be removed from the class if it is determined that they are not in the correct level. If there are no spaces left in the proper level patrons will have to wait until the next available session to register in the appropriate class.

IF YOU DO NOT KNOW WHERE TO REGISTER – We can provide a quick evaluation of your child with a qualified Instructor who can advise where to place your child. These evaluations can be set up with Renee at 920-5607. If you are registering on-line you may choose to use the charts provided on page 10 and 11 to see where your child fits in the program. Finally, a call to the pool 920-5683 and a discussion with the staff should allow us to help place your child in a program that is best suited to their abilities.

RED CROSS PRESCHOOL VERSUS RED CROSS SWIM KIDS LESSONS – Red Cross lessons are designed with a late starter option so that school age children do not start to learn with preschoolers. Red Cross Swim Kids 1 is for school aged beginners and is equivalent to a Sea Otter or Salamander class but is designed for older children. Patrons can choose to finish the Preschool levels and then move into the school aged program (usually entering the program at RCSK Level 3).Patrons do not have to finish the Preschool levels before moving on to the Red Cross Swim Kids. Children 5 years and older can enter the school aged program if they are more comfortable in that setting.

LESSON CHANGES - In order to provide the most cost effective lessons, some levels may be combined or start times changed from those advertised in the Recreation Guide. Patrons will be notified of the changes and can decide to continue at the new time or take a full refund.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR SWIM LESSONS!

In General – Lessons should begin on time, be active and wet for the majority of the time and some Instructors will allow 2 to 3 minutes in the hot tub at the end as warm up time. When the Instructor clears the pool the lesson is complete and students are not permitted back in the water. Staff is moving on to their next group of students and therefore it is unsafe to remain in any pool. Children who are waiting for their lessons are also not permitted in the water as it is not a designated public swim time.

First Day – Instructors will meet their class on the pool deck and take them to their designated meeting place. Please present your child’s last Red Cross progress card to the Instructor. Instructors will screen students to ensure they are registered in the appropriate level.

Day 5 – Midterm reports will be issued at the end of today’s lesson. The reports will let you know how many times the Instructor has seen each skill (3 needed for completion), which skills need work and how to practice.

Last Day – Progress Card Day! The card will outline the student’s successes and challenges this session. It also indicates which level to register your child in the next time they take lessons. If the level is complete, the card will have a Red Cross badge or sticker. If there are more skills to complete no stickers or badges are given out and the card will indicate which skills or strokes require more work.

For more information contact the pool at 920-5683.