Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

What does an average swim lesson look like?

MSCR swim lessons are all 30 minutes. During this time, you can expect to see your swimmer's instructor acclimate the swimmers to the water with a game or activity, review previous skills, introduce new skills, and then wrap up with a closing activity. Instructors should work with all the swimmers as a group, as well as provide individualized instruction and scaffolds for each swimmer. Safety topics are also regularly integrated into the lesson curriculum, per the Learn-to-Swim curriculum. 

I'm not sure if my swimmer is ready for independent lessons. What should they be able to do on their own? 

If you are considering independent swim lessons (either Preschool or Youth), please consider these important factors. Your swimmer should be toilet-trained and comfortable without an adult in the water. Your swimmer may also indicate their readiness by asking to go to the splash pad, beach, or pool; exhibiting generally increased independence; or even displaying an extreme love of bathtime and waterplay. Please note that all children develop an affinity for water at their own pace, so some swimmers will be ready at age three and others may not be ready until many years later. 

I'm not sure if *I'M* ready for my swimmer to take independent lessons. How can I prepare myself?

Like many milestones in a child's life, transitioning to independent swim lessons can also be difficult for the adults in children's lives (sometimes more difficult for the adults than for the children themselves!). Please rest assured that this is very common for many families. 

You can prepare yourself by talking through the process at home with your swimmer and gauging their excitement and/or nervousness. Seeing a child who is very excited often relieves anxiety for the adult; helping calm a nervous child can also be cathartic. 

During the lesson itself, if you find yourself to be nervous or anxious, please don't hesitate to communicate that to the Site Director and/or your swimmer's instructor, who can reassure you of your child's safety (or even just distract if you, if you'd like!). You're also more than welcome to leave the pool area to take a break. 

What if my swimmer cries or asks to get out of the water?

Crying or asking to get out of the water can be attributed to a variety of factors. Sometimes children are nervous, cold, overly tired, or even have some hidden pains (earaches, the onset or remnants of a cold, etc.). Other times, they don't want to be at "school" for their lesson; this can be extremely frustrating for families who know how much their swimmers love playing in the water! 

Please rest assured that our staff has your swimmer's safety at the forefront of their minds and will never put them in unsafe situations. If you have further concerns, you can speak with the Site Director and/or instructor to develop a success plan for the future. Lastly, if you feel it would be better for your swimmer to end their lesson early, we respect your decision. 

My swimmer has been in the same class for quite some time. Is something wrong?

Each swimmer progresses at their own pace. Swimming can be challenging both physically and mentally for many swimmers, and instructors aim to cultivate confidence at all levels for our swimmers. Sometimes a swimmer's desire to swim may exceed their physical abilities at the time and repeating a class may be necessary in order for their physical development to catch up. Other times swimmers are nervous about moving to different parts of the pool (i.e. the deep end). In other cases still, it may the that a swimmer hasn't been challenged enough and needs an additional push to demonstrate their abilities. Please speak with your swimmer's instructor about any concerns you have. 

Does MSCR offer private lessons?

No, MSCR does not offer private lessons. As Madison's public recreation provider, we believe our duty is to equitably serve as many of MMSD's residents as possible. Additionally, given that pool time is quite limited, it also reflects a pragmatic decision. If you are looking for private lessons, either at a facility or for an instructor to come to your home or other location, we are happy to make recommendations.

How can I support my swimmer outside of their swim lessons (in other aquatic environments and/or at home)?

It's critical to reinforce the skills learned during lessons at home and in a variety of other environments in order to develop a positive relationship with water. In other environments--beaches, pools, even the bathtub--you can help your swimmer practice what they've learned in lessons. 

The most common support needs pertain to putting one's head underwater or getting one's face wet. Here are a few examples of how you can practice at home: encourage your swimmer to splash themselves with water; get one body part at a time wet--cheek, chin, forehead, ear, etc.--; use a detachable shower head to explore getting wet; and lying down in a couple inches of water to "float" and get ears wet. 

In other environments, encourage your swimmer to explore what water feels like against their bodies and how it moves--especially in open-water environments where water is less predictable. 

Why does my child have to wear a swim diaper?

Swim diapers, like regular diapers, help contain bodily waste. This is especially important in aquatic environments, where waste can easily and quickly be disseminated throughout a large area. To ensure the health and safety of all participants and our staff, MSCR requires that all non-toilet-trained children and infants wear a swim diaper AND a bathing suit. 

My swimmer likes to wear goggles. Is that ok?

Absolutely! And even if your swimmer forgets their goggles at home, we have a limited supply on-site for our participants. Please note, MSCR strongly recommends against the use of a full mask (anything that covers a swimmer's nose) as they are detrimental to developing swimming skills and can delay and/or impede a swimmer's development in the water. 

I have a swimmer with a disability. How can they be accommodated?

MSCR provides inclusive programming, offering reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. For swim lessons, Inclusion Services provides support by increasing staff-to-participant ratios. For more information about Inclusion Services and to request support, please visit the Inclusion Services website. Additionally, we have recently expanded our Aquatics programming to include specific Adapted Swim Lessons for Youth with disabilities. Please see the Adapted section of the current program guide for offerings.

My class was cancelled. Does MSCR offer make up lessons?

Unfortunately, MSCR is unable to provide any make up lessons. Our access to the pools outside of regular programming is extremely limited. If a class is cancelled, you will be compensated appropriately.

Does MSCR ever cancel programs? 

MSCR may be required to cancel programs on occasion due to maintenance or staffing issues. Additionally, MSCR follows MMSD guidelines regarding weather and cancellations.