Adaptive Swim Lessons

Swim Whisperers® swim instruction is based on the Swim Angelfish Methodology. Our instructors assess and identify the underlying problem the swimmer is having learning to swim, and then implement the strategies they need to overcome these roadblocks. In short, the goal of Swim Whisperers® is to turn any child into a confident and independent swimmer, no matter their situation or ability.

The  Swim Whisperers® program was specially designed to cater to children with severe to mild sensory issues, problems with motor skills, difficulty processing information, attention issues, or any other condition that might physically or psychologically impede the process of learning to swim. In some cases, the obstacle may be something as simple as a child who is unwilling to put their head under water, or who is terrified to let go of the side of the pool. Our program addresses all kinds and severity of challenges.

All of our Swim Instructors are trained in the following:

• Starfish Aquatics Institute: The Starfish Swim School Instructor Development System©
• First Aid and CPR
• Adaptive Swim Whisperers® Certified

Building a strong bond matters! That’s why we usually pair your child with the same dedicated Swim Whisperers® instructor for continuity and comfort. This allows your child to build a trusting relationship and make consistent progress. In rare cases, if a substitute is needed, we’ll make sure they’re fully informed about your child’s goals and routines to ensure a seamless transition.

Yes, we do. We offer adaptive swim lessons to people of all ages! Our method works with all ages and abilities and the ability to be in a private lesson can provide an opportunity for an adult to learn in a comfortable and supportive environment.

To enroll in our Adaptive Swim Lessons, please contact Samantha Goveia at 802-296-2850 ex 106 or email her at sgoveia@uvacswim.org We will work with you to find a time and instructor that works best for your child.

Learn to be Safe in the Water, Enjoy Swimming for Fitness and FUN

Our Adaptive Instructors follow a curriculum where water safety and comfortability comes first. These adaptive lessons are designed to teach the critical lifetime swim skills you and your child need to be safe in and around the water. We would like to meet your swimmer wherever they are at in their swimming journey and build off of their experiences to create a strong relationship with the water. No one is ever drown-proof, but practicing and teaching life-saving techniques with your swimmer and exposing them to these environments can better prepare them for their life near and in the water.

What are the benefits of learning to swim early?

Learning to swim early will not only help keep your child safe, but will also help shape their character. Swimming teaches confidence, determination and self-reliance, as well as developing motor skills and balance. Swimmers tend to be high academic achievers because swimming teaches how to set goals and achieve them. Swimming is a year-round activity and a very effective exercise to keep you and your child healthy and happy.

How long will it take to learn to swim?

This depends on you or your child’s age and level of fitness. It may take three or more sessions of 6 lessons each for preschoolers to learn the basic skills of floating, kicking, returning to the wall and rolling over on their back to breathe, float and rest. Older students that have mastered the first skills of breathing, floating and kicking will learn more rapidly.

How do I know when I can discontinue swimming lessons?

Knowing how to swim means that a person can maintain themselves indefinitely in the water. To do so requires the ability to exhale used air and inhale new air. That’s called Aerobic Swimming. (Just like being able to talk while you jog!) Our standard is that a person should be able to swim 300 yards non-stop, and swim a variety of different styles of swimming to be considered a “swimmer.” 300 yards is important. Scientists have found that humans can swim 200 yards without being able to breathe effectively. But without the ability to breathe effectively, eventually that person will tire and get into trouble, and possibly endanger their life. We go 1/3 beyond that point to set the standard of 300 yards of non-stop swimming.

Extended Swimming with a Lesson

**During Swim Lessons, parents and siblings receive 25% off to purchase Day Passes!!

NEW Make-Up Policy

UVAC does NOT offer make-ups or refunds for your missed lessons.  If a student will miss a lesson, please let us know by email 2 hours in advance before their lesson time, we offer one adult day pass and one child day pass for future use (1 time per session ONLY)

If UVAC cancels our swim lessons due to pool closure, weather, instructor’s illness, etc., then we will offer a make up lesson during the make up lesson week. If you can not attend the make up lessons then there will be NO refund.

Withdrawals

If you decide to withdraw from the class, we will offer a 50% class fee credit. Depending on circumstances, a refund may be authorized by our Swim School Director.

Pool Closures

Please be aware that the pool sometimes closes without advance notice due to inclement weather or “accidents”. Feel free to call the weather hotline at 802-698-8361. All notifications will be sent out via email, text if you’ve opted in, and posted on our homepage, and on Facebook.

Class Size

We reserve the right to cancel or consolidate a class if enrollment minimum of 3 is not met. There will be up to 4 to 1 ratio for younger children and 6 to 1 for older children.

Membership Fees

To receive membership rates, all memberships must be active at time of registration and for the duration of session.

Skill Requirement

We reserve the right to ask to switch class (if we have a space) or withdraw if swimmers signed up for the class which they did not meet the requirement skills.