FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

General Questions
10 Reasons to Learn to Swim
What to Look for in a Swim School

General Questions

Do you offer Open Family Swim and Lap Swim times?
Yes, we do!
Fitchburg Family Swim: Family Swim at Fitchburg has ended for the summer and will resume on Sunday September 14th. Until then, please join us at the Madison location.
Deming Way Family Swim: Deming Summer Open Pool Schedule.
Do I need to be a member to take swim lessons at SwimWest?
No, you do not need to be a member to take part in swim lessons. We do offer annual memberships which include swim lessons, but you can also choose to pay each session.
What is the water temperature?
Our indoor pools are kept at 89-90° year-round.
How do children stand in the water?
We have specially designed platforms that the children stand on while they are waiting to take their turns. These platforms make the water depth about two (2) feet. Our Fitchburg location has built-in stair stations for each lower-level class. Our upper-levels use the platforms.
What if my child is scared or crying?
If your child is nervous or crying, please take a moment to chat with the instructor and then let him/her work with your child. Some children may suffer from separation anxiety, and this will go away as soon as the child gets to know and trust the instructor. A fear of new places may also cause a few tears, and this will also go away with time. Being afraid of the water is not uncommon in younger beginners, but the instructor will compassionately help your child adjust to the water through games and basic skills such as blowing bubbles, songs, and games. With time, your child will be happy and successful in the water. Please be patient and allow the instructors and staff to work their magic with your child.
When should my child stop taking swimming lessons?
This really depends on you and your child's goals. SwimWest is geared to take children from 6 months all the way up to recreational swim team. We love to see our swimmers move on and compete in swimming on the team level.
Why are the swim classes 30 minutes?
Based on our experience, 30 minutes is the right amount of time to keep your child interested, focused, and happy in the pool. Our more advanced classes last for a longer period of time.
What can I do to make my child comfortable in the water?
Let the instructor do most of the teaching. Children learn from repetition and fun. Bath time is another good time to play with skills and have fun in the water. Practice floating or blowing bubbles and kicking your legs in the tub or pool.
Can my child swim more than once a week?
Of course! The more a child is exposed to the water the faster they will learn to swim. Just be sure no to over do it. Children need all kinds of activities to stimulate their minds and bodies.
Why doesn't SwimWest use floatation devices?
We believe that floatation devices give children and parents a false sense of security. We want our children to feel the water and how it effects and moves their body. The floatation devices tend to make the child swim in a more vertical body position and do not allow the child to discover their own body's buoyancy. In swimming, you want your body to be in a more horizontal or streamline position so that you can move through water more easily.
Does SwimWest hold lessons during bad weather?
Our west side location of SwimWest will still hold lessons during rain and thunderstorms because there are no outside windows. Our Fitchburg location has several windows in the pool area and must suspend lessons during cloud-to-ground lightning, but lessons usually resume within a short amount of time. We will extend your lesson time or offer a make-up lesson if this happens. During bad snowstorms, we follow the Madison Public School District. If they close school for the day, SwimWest will not hold morning lessons. Afternoon and evening lessons will depend on driving conditions. If you feel it is not safe to come to lessons, we can issue a one-time Family Swim pass for your missed lesson. We will do our best to contact all families taking lessons that day to inform them of our decision. We will also have information on our voicemail system and will try to have it announced on local radio stations. Please call our Front Desk at (608) 831-6829 or (608) 276-SWIM if you have questions about our status for the day.
Are parents allowed to be on the pool deck during lessons?
Yes, we encourage parents to watch their children swim! All parents and siblings can watch lessons from our observation area or the designated area on the pool deck.
Do you have a Lost and Found?
SwimWest has a Lost and Found for all those items you might leave behind. All items found throughout the day, or in the locker room at the end of the night, will be put in our Lost and Found. We cannot hold items at the front desk. With 1,500 students here, our desk would be a mess! If you find an unclaimed item, please put it in the Lost and Found.
What is a Deck Manager?
A Deck Manager is available to answer your questions regarding your child’s progress, a technique we are using in swim lessons, or any other question you might have. They will educate you on lesson progression and practice activities. We encourage you to speak with the Deck Manager at anytime.
Do I need to bring my own lock for the lockers?
(Madison location only) Anyone using the locker room is responsible for bringing their own lock. You cannot keep your lock on a specific locker any longer than when you are in the facility unless you pay a locker rental fee. Please remember that SwimWest is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
What if my child is not potty-trained?
All children not potty-trained need to wear a reusable swim diaper. Disposable swim diapers (such as “Lil’ Swimmers”) are not allowed in our pool. The cotton inside those diapers leaks out and clogs our pool filters. Our reusable diapers have a tighter fit which helps to avoid “accidents” in our pool.
Where can I change and shower my child?
For your convenience, our west side location has complete men's and women's locker rooms, as well as on-deck showers and changing rooms. SwimWest does not allow children age 5 and over in the opposite-gender locker room. Our Fitchburg location has seven family changing rooms, private showers in the restrooms, and five on-deck showers for your convenience.

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10 Reasons to Learn to Swim

Swim for Health. People involved in even simple exercise have a lower risk of many diseases as well as a better state of mental and emotional well-being. Swimming is highly recommended by the medical profession as it also causes no stress to the body's joints.
Safety in and around the water is greatly enhanced by being able to swim. Drowning is the major cause of accidental death in children under the age of 5. Many adults also drown regularly while fishing, boating or swimming in rivers and lakes.
It's good FUN. As soon as the feet leave the bottom, you experience a whole new adventure in the water world.
Fitness for the total body comes from swimming by developing muscle tone and endurance.
Swimming is a lifelong activity - as asset for life.
The family can come swim together for health, fitness, and fun!
Meet new friends – Swimming lessons can be a great place for children and parents to meet new people. Many friendships have been formed at the pool!
Other organized activities at SwimWest Swim School include All Center Achievement Swims, Homeschool swim lessons, and Girl Scout programs.
No barriers: Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity or ability, swimming is an activity for all to enjoy.
Be refreshed. A nice dip in the warm water pool can be great for stress relief.

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What to Look for in a Swim School

A Reputation to be proud of - A good swim school will be pleased for you to see their programs before enrolling. They will also have lots of happy customers prepared to tell you about their child's experiences and successes.
National certification - A good swim school will strive to achieve high standards through certification with the United States Swim School Association and other organizations which provide ongoing training and program development, such as the World Baby Congress and Safer Three Water Safety Program.
Friendliness and helpfulness - As a provider of educational services, the swim school will have a warm and welcome atmosphere. Staff will strive to meet your family's needs, answer your questions and concerns, and address any questions you may have.
Small classes for young children and beginners - Small class sizes will ensure that children receive all the personal attention they deserve. With smaller classes, the instructor is also able to better care for the safety of each child in the class.
Well maintained facility and clean pool - Pool water should always be clear and well sanitized. Good swim schools will test their water quality at regular intervals throughout the day and be happy to share the results with you.
Comfortable water and air temperature - Babies, young children, and beginners need very warm water and warm air. The warm atmosphere may be uncomfortable for spectators and staff; however, it’s a small price to pay to ensure that the little swimmers are comfortable before and after their lessons.
Well qualified staff - All instructors should have a nationally recognized swim instruction or swim coach qualification and a current First Aid/CPR certification. Qualifications should be appropriate to the level being taught. A good swim school will also have a core of experienced teachers with special qualifications and a constant philosophy and methods taught throughout the school.
A child-centered teaching philosophy - Skills will be appropriate for the child's age, development, and ability. Children should never be placed under stress during a swim lesson. Nervous beginners will be reassured and gently introduced to new skills as they gain confidence. A nervous child should never be forced into performing swim skills.
Parental involvement - Young children need the security of having a parent close by. Having a parent in view and showing positive reinforcement is important to all young children, especially preschoolers and nervous beginners. A good swim school will welcome parental involvement and want to communicate with you regarding your child’s progress and how to make sure they will do their best!
A progressive approach - Classes should be based on a sound progression of swimming and water safety skills. A good swim school will provide parents with written information explaining the school's philosophy, levels, and skill progression.
Water safety skills - A good swim school will teach children appropriate safety and survival skills while acknowledging that no child is ever water safe. Children must not be placed in stressful situations in order to teach survival skills. Parents will be taught that constant supervision is the only way to ensure a child's safety.
Well-grouped classes - All children in a class should be at approximately the same level. This allows the teacher to better cater for individual needs. A good swim school will give consideration to children with special needs.
Short lessons for learners - Young children and beginners may become tired if lessons are longer than 30 minutes. Advanced swimmers will benefit from longer lessons to build fitness and endurance.
Maximum time on task - Children need to repeat skills many times to learn and remember them. A good swim school will provide repetition and quality practice. Those are the keys to developing good swimming techniques.
Interesting and challenging activities - Activities should be varied and fun. Children must be motivated and challenged to learn. Games and activities will be carefully planned to develop and practice aquatic skills.
A comprehensive and professional program - Programs should be ongoing and provide a range of programs from beginners through advanced swimmers
Opportunity to participate in competitive swimming - A good swim school will be able to recommend a good coaching program. Many swim schools will provide a higher level of coaching programs and will encourage developing swimmers to pursue swimming at a competitive level.
A motivating system of rewards - Children in a good swim school will be confident and happy to participate. Most schools will have a system in place marking progression between levels, such as mid-session progress reports and report cards for the last day of class. Smiles and laughter will be the "norm" and praise will be given in large doses

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