Are lessons ever cancelled due to snow?

Swim Fins run lessons regardless of the weather conditions. Despite snow and ice, swimming lessons will continue. However, if you find it unsafe to travel to your swimming lessons, please make the decision to stay home. We do not want anyone to risk accident or injury if you feel it is not safe to drive to the swim school from where you live. Take your time and be safe!

In the event that a stop-travel advisory is issued by the B.C. Government due to snowy road conditions in the Lower Mainland, classes in the affected regions may be cancelled to accommodate the advisory.

What happens when/if additional students are added to my childs class or my childs class doesn't meet the minimum size to run?

Swim Fins reserves the right to add in additional students, without consent (up to a maximum class size of 5 swimmers) as this is how we can maximize our program excellence. If you prefer Swim Fins not add in additional students to your class, please contact us to discuss this option further. Please note Swim Fins operates its programs through customized lesson plans for each student. This means that if there are additional students added to a class, Swim Fins ensures that each student is working on his or her own plan and his/her lesson quality or safety will never be compromised because of additional student, regardless of their swim level or age. If your class does not meet the minimum number of students for the lesson to run, we will contact you to discuss options of paying an additional fee or moving to another lesson time.

What times do you run Swimming Lessons?

Most of our schools run Monday through Sunday from 8am to 8pm. Please see our Registration page for the schedule including class times and rates. If you cannot see a lesson time that suits you, feel free to email us your availability at info@swimfins.ca and we will try our best to accommodate.

Does Swim Fins run Swimming Lessons on statutory holidays?

Yes, lessons do run on all statutory holidays except:

• Christmas Day
• New Years day
• That Sat/Sun of BC Day weekend (lessons still run on Monday)
• The Sat/Sun of Labour Day weekend (lessons still run on Monday)

Can my children swim in the same class even though they are in different levels?

Yes they can as our coach’s customize lesson plans for each child with specific learning goals. Therefore the stronger swimmer will not be held back. Imagine our class structure; everyone is swimming on their front at the same time however everyone is doing different progressions of Front Crawl. For example: your eldest might be doing Front Crawl and your youngest is working on Front swim. Eldest is focusing on breathing on the side and youngest is working on getting their face in the water and proper body position.

How warm are the pools?

All pools are warm and are run between 84-86 degrees Fahrenheit, which is comfortable for all students from babies to adults.

Can I watch my child’s lesson?

One parent from each class will be invited to sit on the pool deck during lessons at the discretion of each Swim Fins coach. If you would like to be the one parent, please make yourself available during your child’s class time. Swim Fins coaches reserve the right to refuse parent entry on a case-by-case basis. Please be patient.

You will also have an opportunity to watch the lesson during our awesome Open House that happens once per session where you can come and see:

• Your child's amazing progress with us!
• The "Swim Fins" program in action: the coach will put on a 20 minute condensed class so you can see what a typical class looks like as well as witness your child's best skills to date.
• The professionals in action and learn about Swim Fins developmental goals for your child for the next session.

Some other options you have:

• Head over to your local pool, hotel, or beach and get your kids to show off what they've learned, you'll be amazed at their progress!
• Ask your coach what skills your child can do. Be specific with your questions. For example: how long can my child tread water for? Can they breathe on their side in Front Crawl? Can they do a back float etc… Your coach is always your most knowledgeable resource!

Does Swim Fins teach Adults?

Yes we do! We have taught many adults to swim. No matter if you have a strong fear of the water, or have never had the opportunity to learn how to swim, or just want to refine your strokes we can help you. Adults normally swim in small group lessons or with friends or family. Sometimes adults choose to swim with their kids in what we call a “Family Lesson”. However we don’t usually group children and adults together unless they are family or friends.

Do you teach babies or infants?

Yes we do! We teach babies as young as 4 month old. You can choose to have a private lesson or to be in a group with other parents and tots. If you're wanting a group, we highly recommend you put together your own group if possible.

What age should I start my child swimming?

The younger the better! We highly advise to start at 4 months, as children can develop a fear of the water as they cognitively mature.

Do I need to be in the pool with my child who is under age 4?

Yes, all lessons for children between 4months - 4years old are Parent & Tot lessons, meaning we need one parent to come into the pool with them for the lesson.

Why do you have multiple levels in a class?

We hold classes with multiple levels because our coaches are awesome and can customize lesson plans for each child. This creates the convenience for families to have their children/friends of different swim levels and ages in the same class. Even though you may have a beginner in your group don’t worry as coaches spend equal amount of time on each child.

How can I see my child’s progress?

We have an awesome Open House once per session where we will invite you to see the last 20 minutes of your child’s lesson. You can come and see:

• Your child's amazing progress with us!
• The "Swim Fins" program in action: the coach will put on a 20 minute condensed class so you can see what a typical class looks like as well as witness your child's best skills to date.
• The professionals in action and learn about Swim Fins developmental goals for your child for the next Session.

Some other options you have:

• Head over to your local pool, hotel, or beach and get your kids to show off what they've learned, you'll be amazed at their progress!
• Ask your coach what skills your child can do. Be specific with your questions. For example: how long can my child tread water for? Can they breathe on their side in Front Crawl? Can they do a back float etc… Your coach is always your most knowledgeable resource!

Do we share the pool with hotel guests?

Yes we do share with hotel guests however it is rare to see people in the pool during lessons. If we do see hotel guests, coaches continue on with the lesson as usual.

Does Swim Fins Offer private lessons?

Swim Fins does not offer private lessons normally. If you'd like a private lesson, please email info@swimfins.ca to discuss renting the pool for a private lesson.

Will my child receive a report card?

Yes, we follow the Red Cross Curriculum, so your child will receive a report card at the end of the session.

How many lessons are required to learn to swim?

This depends on comfort in the water, age, experience, fitness etc. Normally within 2 – 3 lessons a coach can determine how long it will take. Ideally it is best to sign up for the full session.

How many students per coach?

Safety is our number one priority. Maximum class size is 5 students for all schools.