Learn-to-swim & Returning Student Sessions
Stroke Sessions
Each swimmer will progress through the strokes at their own speed. Some may need more than one session to become competent in all four strokes. Stroke lessons are also scheduled as 9-day/30 minute classes.
Some indicators your child is ready to learn strokes:
– Gets around the pool easily and takes breaths
– Has been or will be on a swim team
– Began learning freestyle last summer with Mike
Age Requirement
Lesson Format
Special Needs Children
Registering to host lessons at your backyard pool (Host)
Pool Requirements: Lessons may only be scheduled in private, backyard pools that will maintain a temperature of 90 degrees. Pools must be large enough that a child has to take 3-4 strokes to swim across the shorter direction and have a deck edge that children can hold onto on at least one side. Please provide at least two photos of your pool showing the entire pool from each end and including all steps. Pools must be reviewed to ensure they are suitable for teaching.
Registering for a friend or neighbor’s group (Guest)
Registering without a pool (Placement List)
If your scheduling needs are very specific for time, date, or location, you may wish to arrange a pool on your own as options can be limited for particular times or sessions. Openings in groups are often filled by the host, so we may not have spaces to offer for certain dates or locations.
Payment
After you have accepted a placement option and a placement is reserved for you, a $50 per student change fee ($75 for siblings) is assessed for any schedule change. If cancellation occurs within 30 days of the start date, your deposit becomes non-refundable. (You may receive a credit towards a future session in the same calendar year if your reserved spot can be filled with another swimmer.) If you have registered but have not yet accepted a placement, your deposit is fully refundable.
Discounts
$50 discount for any student who is registered and paid in full on or before Sept 30, 2024.
Multiple group (hosts only):
$200+ discount for those who host two or more consecutive full groups at their pool. This discount is available whether spots are filled by the host or by Mike O’Brien Swim.
Larger discounts may be available for hosting larger blocks of time or groups during morning class times or spring sessions dates. Please call or email our office for further information.
We do not offer a sibling discount.
Times and Locations
We also offer lessons on a limited basis in the greater Phoenix, AZ area. Contact our office for information.
Should a parent attend the lessons?
It is helpful but not required to have the student brought to the class by the same person each day.
Does a parent get into the water?
What if my child cries or says that he/she doesn’t want to swim?
How many sessions will my child need?
It is very important that each swimmer be able to transfer their skills to different environments. Their safety depends upon being able to swim even when the setting, pool, or people change.
With practice afterwards, your child will continue to build upon what he or she has learned without the need for additional lessons. In the unusual case that additional lessons are needed, Mike will let you know.
Can my child actually swim in nine days?
Most swimmers will exceed these basic skills and Mike will challenge each swimmer to reach their developmental potential. Some swimmers will do more than others, but do not compare your child to others. Each child is individual and will develop skills at his or her own pace.
The key to your child’s success is not about the number of days or length of each lesson. The quality of instruction and commitment to frequent practice leads to the best final result.
Why are the lessons taught in small groups? What if I would prefer a private or semi-private class?
In Mike’s experience successfully teaching thousands of students, he has found the group format to be most effective with young children. Only when special needs are present do we recommend smaller class sizes. If you still choose to limit your child’s class size, the cost of a full group of four still applies to the smaller class.
What makes our method work?
The consistency of day-to-day instruction and positive reinforcement along with his keen insight into a child’s motivations helps him instill the confidence that is foundational to the development of swimming as a lifelong skill.
How is this program different from other swim programs?
- – Mike will never yell or scream to motivate a child
- – Mike does not use or allow any props on which your child could become dependent (including goggles)
- – Our program does not build in the need for perpetual lessons or the presence of an instructor to use and enjoy the pool
- – Mike will not frustrate your child by teaching them skills for which they are not developmentally ready
- – Mike always maintains control of each class and gives the students his undivided attention
FAQ’s for hosts
We will happily fill in openings for you. We always have clients on our placement list who don’t have access to a pool.
What if our group has more than four swimmers, or children of different ages/ability?
We will not take more than four swimmers in the water at the same time. If the schedule allows, an additional class can be added for the extra children. If there are very different levels, having two separate groups works well. Each child will be working on their own individual skills, so they don’t have to match perfectly, but try to avoid putting beginners with swimmers working on advanced skills.
Do I need to have my whole group arranged before I register?
No, but you must indicate how much time you wish to reserve. Groups must be filled (all participants registered and paid) at least three (3) months prior to the start date or we will fill any remaining openings for you.
Cancellations
Illness
Absences
Weather
What to bring
What to do
Be attentive to Mike’s instructions on Day 1. Following them closely will make a big difference.
After your child’s lesson session is complete, plan to swim as frequently as possible. Practice makes perfect and keeps confidence high. It is CRITICAL that your child swims 10-20 minutes daily for 2 weeks immediately after their session and with high frequency thereafter.
What NOT to do
Do not talk too much. Leading up to and during the lessons, too much discussion will only increase anxiety. Keep any comments short, matter-of-fact, and positive. Do not acknowledge negative comments or behavior.
Do not tell your child not to cry at any point before, during, or after the swim lessons. When you acknowledge adverse behavior, you will prolong that behavior.
Absolutely do not swim during the nine days of lessons. It will impede your child’s progress.