What if a scheduling conflict comes up after I register? Can I cancel the session?

You may transfer to a more suitable class time that works for your new schedule for $25. Otherwise, you may cancel the remainder of a session for a credit to your Swim Fins account for future lessons with us (minus the non-refundable admin/insurance fee). Credits can be used by anyone in your family and do not expire. Please note that a credit will not be provided for any lessons that have already been attended, and a credit will only be applied for the remaining lessons in the session that you have cancelled. To avoid the need to cancel your session, please check your calendar carefully and plan to attend the lessons you sign up for, or have someone bring your child to class on your behalf if you are unable to bring them. Make-up classes are not available as they overload our other lessons and the addition of a new child into a current class setting is disrupting and distracting to the other children in the class.

Are lessons ever cancelled due to snow?

Swim Fins runs 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.

Where can I find the forms I need for my first lesson?

Right Here! Please click on one of the forms below:

1. CHILDREN'S INFORMATION PAGE

2. ADULT MEDICAL FORM

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)

What if I have a credit on file with Swim Fins?

Swim Fins policy is that credits are not refundable regardless of the reason for the credit (inlcuding but not limited to lesson cancellations, changes of class with different fees, medical absences etc.). However, credits stay on file and never expire, the credit can be used in the future for any family member. Credits will automatically be taken off your next session fees before you are charged.

Where are your Swim Schools Located?

We have multiple locations in: Richmond, Abbotsford, White Rock, Walnut Grove, Cloverdale West, Cloverdale East. We will be expanding to Coquitlam and the North Shore soon.

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!

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.

How do I know where to go and what to bring to our first lesson?

One week before program starts, you will receive an email which will contain all of the information you need for your first lesson, directions to the pool, forms to complete for your first lesson etc. Please check your spam and junk folders around that time as the emails will sometimes end up there. You can also check out our Blog post for what to bring to your first lesson.

What are the session dates coming up for 2024?

Click here to read information about the session that is currently open for registration.

Click here to read information about our upcoming sessions.

Can I come view a lesson before I register?

As we keep a private learning environment, we encourage you to view the videos on our website to see our awesome coaches and unique Learn-to-Swim Program in action! We also have an Open House each session, so please feel free to email us that you would like to come watch the next Open House coming up.

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!

What do I need to purchase for lessons?

Unlike activities like hockey, swimming is very inexpensive, all your child will need is a pair of quality eyewear. Please note that we sell eyewear and more as a convenience to parents. Your children will be armed with the best equipment in order to make the most out of the learning experience and not be inconvenienced by equipment that doesn't fit or work well. If you want to purchase merchandise please submit an equipment form. Goggles are $17, Flippers are $40, and Learning Belts are $60. You can also check out our Blog post for what to bring to your first lesson.

Are there bathrooms, showers and changing rooms?

As the pools are all located within hotels, there are excellent bathroom and changing room facilities, including showers, at most of our locations. Please note that our Cloverdale East, Cloverdale West, and Richmond locations do not have accessible changing rooms and carry a Wrap & Go policy.

Do we need to pay for parking?

No, the parking at our locations is free and abundant! You will receive information about parking for your specific location and more in your in your Parent Handbook, sent to you via email one week prior to your lesson.

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.

What happens if we can’t make a lesson?

ILLNESS: Please note, if a swimmer cannot attend their lesson because they are sick we will credit your account for ONE missed lesson per session (10-17 lessons). Please do not come to the pool if you have had a fever or been sick within the last 24-48 hours.

All requests for Medical Cancellations must be:
A. Supported by a Doctor's note.
B. Made at least 24 hours before the class.
C. Made in writing and include swim school location and day and time of class.
D. There will be no cancellations accepted for the last class of each session.

The Credited Amount:
A. Will be credited to your account.
B. Can be used towards Swim Fins programs or merchandise.
C. Cannot be redeemed for cash.

OTHER: If your swimmer or swimmers cannot make their lesson for any reason and are in a private or semi-private lesson, whereby all swimmers will be absent for the entire class, email us at info@swimfins.ca and let us know of your absence prior to your lesson to recoup 20% of your total lesson cost for that day as a credit to your Swim Fins account.

The Credited Amount:
A. Will be credited to your account.
B. Can be used towards Swim Fins programs or merchandise.
C. Cannot be redeemed for cash.

What happens if we need to cancel for non-medical reasons?

Unfortunately, we have a zero cancellation policy: there will be no refunds or make-up classes for missed sessions - we do apologize for any inconvenience as we have to pay our coaches and pool rental regardless of if you are there. Please book all other activities around your commitment to your swimming program.

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.

Should we eat before our swimming lesson?

In order to avoid any unexpected regurgitation: do not eat right before swimming. Try to eat a minimum of two hours before.