Kids Swim Lessons

About Our Swim School

Palo Alto Swim School 2023

Palo Alto Swim & Sport has concluded its swim lessons for the remainder of 2023.

Please keep in touch and follow us for any updates regarding new lessons by subscribing to our newsletter here!

Levels and Classes at Palo Alto Swim School

Class Level Progressions at Palo Alto Swim School

During the first group lesson, our instructors will assess swimmers through our in-water progression to assess skills and confirm whether that is the appropriate level for your swimmer. The Instructor and Deck Coordinator will decide which level best suits swimmers based on their abilities, comfort, and safety. If the staff decides that the level is too easy or too difficult for the swimmer, the caretaker must sign up for the appropriate class based on the staff’s evaluation.

*Class Ratios are for booking purposes. Unforeseen circumstances day of may increase ratio.

Private Lessons are taught based on the ability and individual needs of the swimmer. The instructor will assess swimmers to ensure where the lesson will start.

Water Babies 1 (Age 6-18 months)
This infant class will introduce your child to the water and aims to help your child gain comfort while swimming with a caretaker. The class will sing songs and play games while teaching back floats, cuddle kicks, submerging underwater, and how to safely swim to the wall and climb out. The max student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1, with a minimum age of 6 months and a maximum age of 18 months. Your child must be 6 months old by your first lesson or turning 6 months old within your session to attend.

Duration: 30 minutes
Goal: Water comfort.
Class ratio: 6:1
1 caretaker per child

Note: “Double-Diaper” policy is required for students under 3 years old regardless if toilet trained or not. This is a disposable swim diaper covered by a reusable swim diaper.

Water Babies 2 (Age 1.5-3 yrs)
This class will introduce your child to the water and aims to help your child gain comfort while swimming with a caretaker. As students get closer to 3 years old, we will begin to prepare them for youth swim lessons. The class will teach students to blow bubbles, back float, equipment-assisted and no assisted tummy kicks, back kicks, submerging underwater, and how to safely swim to the wall and climb out. The max student-to-teacher ratio is 6:1, with a minimum age of 1.5 years and a maximum of 3 years old. Your child must be 1.5 years old by your first lesson or turning 1.5 years old within your session to attend.

Duration: 30 minutes
Goal: Water comfort.
Class Ratio: 6:1
1 caretaker per child

Note: “Double-Diaper” policy is required for students under 3 years old regardless if toilet trained or not. This is a disposable swim diaper covered by a reusable swim diaper.

Level 1: Little Kids (Beginners 3 – 4.11 years old)
No experience needed! This beginner class focuses on your child’s water confidence while developing their comfort and basic water safety skills. This class will teach fundamental swim skills such as submerging underwater, “Starfish” floats (front and back side), and leading up to kicks (front and back side) for a short distance with no assistance. We will also teach students how to recover after jumping/falling into the water. Your child must be turning 3 years old within your session to attend.

*Requirement: 3 yo – 4.11 yo
Goal: Water comfort with little assistance.
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Ratio: 3:1

Note: If your swimmer is not toilet trained, our “Double-Diaper” policy is required. This is a disposable swim diaper covered by a reusable swim diaper.

Level 1: Big Kids (Beginners 5 years old+)
No experience needed! This beginner class focuses on your child’s water confidence while continuing to develop their comfort and basic water safety skills. This class continues teaching fundamental swim skills learned from Level 1-Little Kids such as submerging underwater and floating. We will work on independent swimming at a longer distance, breathing techniques, and water safety skills such as knowing what to do if we fall in the pool!

*Requirement: 5+ years old OR completion of Level 1: Little Kids
Goal: Safe, Independent swimmers.
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Ratio: 3:1

Level 2
This intermediate class teaches students introductory swim strokes for Freestyle and Backstroke while continuing to develop their comfort and water safety skills.

*Requirement: Must be independent swimmers to enter this level OR completion of Level 1:Big Kids.
Goal: Introductory freestyle and backstroke, and independent swimming for half of the length (12.5 yds)
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Ratio: 3:1

Level 3
Swimmers will enhance their Freestyle by learning side-breathing and developing overall efficiency within the stroke while we also continue to work on Backstroke, and learn Breaststroke kicks. While endurance can be built over time, students entering this level should be comfortable swimming 25 yards and swimming in 6.5 feet depth.

*Requirement: Must successfully complete all Level 2 skills OR must be independent swimmers, know freestyle and backstroke arms and be comfortable in 6 feet-deep water while swimming 25 yards.

Goal: Catch-Up Freestyle w/side-breathing, Backstroke, Introductory Breaststroke, and endurance for 25 yds.
Duration: 30 minutes
Class Ratio: 4:1

Level 4
Swimmers will review Freestyle, Backstroke, and the introductory Breaststroke kick, and continue overall efficiency within the strokes. In this class, we will learn Breaststroke with proper breathing techniques, Butterfly, and somersaults to prepare for flip-turns. Through hands-on instruction, swimmers develop proper body position, breathing, and rhythm.

*Requirement: Must successfully complete all Level 3 level skills OR must be independent swimmers, know freestyle with side-breathing, backstroke, breaststroke kicks, and be comfortable in 6 feet-deep water while swimming 25 yards.

Goal: Endurance to swim Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly unassisted for 25 yards.
Class Ratio: 4:1
Duration: 30 minutes

Beyond Barriers Athletic Foundation Scholarships

Palo Alto Swim & Sport is proud to partner with the Beyond Barriers Athletic Foundation (BBAF). BBAF offers scholarships to those financially in need who want to develop a life-long love for swimming in the Bay area. You can visit their website by clicking the link above to see all of their partners in the Bay area.

Palo Alto Swim & Sport offers BBAF scholarships for the following programs:

Swim School
Camp Rinconada Aquatics Camp
Lifeguard Certification

For more information and to see if you qualify please fill out this form.

BBAF Submission Form

Coaches & Instructors

Our Instructors
Each of our instructors completes training with a master instructor trainer before beginning solo instruction. Our Master Instructors have over 5 years of experience teaching swim lessons. New instructors are cross-trained with current instructors, so all instructors are familiar with current teaching techniques and methods. All our instructors attend regular on-going training throughout the year, to develop them as instructors, swimmers and individuals and strengthen our swim lesson program.

Policies & FAQs

Policies

Cancellations
No makeups, credits or refunds for missed lessons.
Bookings are final and no refunds will be issued.

15 Minute Sunscreen Rule
Palo Alto Swim and Sport requires that swimmers apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes prior to getting into the pool, and that they use the restroom prior to our lessons. This allows us to maintain optimal cleanliness to our facilities.

FAQs

Q: Are there makeup lessons?
A: At this time we do not offer make-up lessons for missed classes. There are no makeups, credits or refunds for missed classes.

For classes booked individually (Adult, Private, One-off) cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance will receive a refund.

Q: Is there a minimum age requirement for swim lessons?
A: Our youngest age group starts at 6 months old. Depending on the class, there are minimum and maximum age restrictions in addition to skill requirements for safety and class efficiency. For more information and class descriptions, please visit Levels and Classes.

Q: What is the minimum age for lessons where the parent is not in the water?
A: 3 years old.

Q: I’m not sure what level my child is at.
A: If it is your child’s first time in swim lessons, they will likely be in one of our Level 1 classes. If your child has some swim experience, you can compare their current abilities to the skills in each level here. During the first group lesson, our instructors will take swimmers through an in-water progression to assess skills and confirm the appropriate level for your swimmer. The instructor and deck coordinator will decide which level best suits swimmers based on their abilities, comfort, and safety. If the instructor deems the group unsafe or not a fit for your swimmer’s swim level, your child may be removed from the class.

When in doubt, register for the lower level than what you’re considering. It’s easier (and safer) for the instructor to assess skills at a lower level because they typically review skills at a slower pace compared to higher level classes. If you would like an assessment at your first lesson, please let the deck coordinator know so that they can get an update from the instructor at the end of class. If we need to change your child’s level we can do so at no additional charge if space is available.

Q: Do you offer Adaptive Lessons?
A: Since we are still building our swim school after pandemic-caused delays, we do not have a program specifically for adaptive lessons. However, an adaptive lesson may be accommodated upon request. Please email info@paloaltoswim.com for more information.

Q: What days are you closed?
A: Swim School is closed on certain holidays. To see our holiday schedule for the current season, check out our schedule here.

Q: It is raining! Is my swim lesson going to be canceled?
A: Lessons continue rain or shine! In the event of lightning or thunder, the pool will be closed for 30 minutes following the last event. If we decide to cancel lessons, the payment method you used to book classes will be refunded at the end of the season.

Q: Can we meet our instructor prior to class?
A: We do not allow personal communication between clients and instructors. If you have a specific question or information you’d like your swim instructor to know, please let the deck coordinator know and we can pass along the information to the instructor.

Classes are taught back-to-back so instructors do not have time to chat between classes. If you need to speak with your instructor please keep the conversation brief so they are not late to start their next lesson.

Q: Can I join my child in their swim lesson?
A: Parents cannot join group lessons for Levels 1-4.

One parent/adult is required to be in the water with their child for Water Babies.

For private lessons, you can bring up to 4 people in your time slot. Please try to bring swimmers of similar abilities for efficient class flow.

Q: What should I bring to the lesson?
A: Swimmers will need their own swimsuit, goggles, and towel. If you do not have your own goggles, you may check our lost and found to borrow a pair for the lesson.

Q: Are there showers?
A: Yes, we have Men’s and Women’s bathrooms with locker rooms equipped with showers. Please keep in mind that children over the age of 6 must use their same gendered bathroom.

Q: My child keeps crying during their lesson. What should I do?
A: Don’t worry, crying is normal! There are many factors that can cause tears. Whether it’s meeting a new instructor, being in lessons for the first time, fatigue, or hunger, we have seen it all in swim lessons. Our instructors will not be bothered or surprised if they get a fussy child. This behavior usually tapers off once swimmers get more comfortable in the environment and feel more confident in their skills. While it’s tempting to put off or cancel lessons because your child keeps crying, don’t! Learning to swim provides life-saving skills that will last a lifetime and should not be neglected.

The best thing to do in this situation is leave your child with the instructor or deck coordinator and walk away out of sight from your child, “Out of sight, out of mind”! Bring something to distract yourself or take a walk around the performance pool (the one further away from the lesson pool).

Please do not sit on the edge of the pool next to the lesson. Sitting on the edge of the pool with a crying child reaching out to you from the platform is unsafe and distracting to the rest of the class. If the staff see an alternative solution to “out of sight, out of mind”, we will let you know, we’re here to help!

Q: My child doesn’t want to put their face in the water, can they skip this skill?
A: No. Learning to swim includes learning how to put their face in the water. While we won’t force a child underwater, we will adapt the skill in different ways to help ease their comfort such as pouring water over their head and blowing bubbles to work up to going underwater.

To help with this discomfort, it’s best to practice these skills at home or during our Public Open Swim. If you don’t have access to a bathtub or pool, you can practice these skills at home by filling a large bowl with water. Have your child practice blowing bubbles, working up to their “balloon face” to hold their breath.

Most children don’t like going under water because they’re inhaling through their nose. While breath control can be learned over time, it’s important to teach them how to blow out of their nose when this happens. You can practice blowing their nose into a tissue, and then remind them to do this if they ever get water up their nose.

You can check out YouTube videos for more tips for at-home practice!

Pool Rules

General Pool Rules

• No swimming allowed unless a lifeguard is on duty.
• Children ages fourteen (14) and under must be supervised by an adult at all times while at the pool facility.
• Children 5 years and under must have a parent/guardian in the pool, within arm’s reach at all times.
• Roughhousing, shoving, and dunking are not allowed. No pushing or pulling into the pool, hitting with noodles or other objects.
• No spins, flips, belly flops, back dives, or back jumps.
• No long breath holding, hyperventilating, or extended underwater swimming is allowed.
• No playing, swinging, jumping, or diving on stairs, ladders, or railings.
• No diving into the Instructional Pool. Jump in feet first, facing forward only.
• Water wings and other inflatable devices are not allowed.  Only Coast Guard approved flotation devices are permissible and must be provided by the patron.
• Non-toilet trained children must adhere to the double diaper policy.  They must wear a water-proof diaper and a diaper cover; a swim suit over the diaper counts as a diaper cover.
• Swimmers must wear proper swim attire at all times.
• No glass or ceramic containers are allowed anywhere in the facility.
• No running or skipping on deck. Walk at all times to avoid accidents.
• No unauthorized swim lessons or coaching.
• Please do not visit with or distract the lifeguards. If you have questions, inquire inside at the Front Desk.
• Only lifeguards who are properly trained are allowed on lifeguard chairs.
• No sitting on, pushing down, or swimming over lane lines.
• Kickboards, pull buoys and fins provided by Palo Alto Swim and Sport are for lap swimming only. They are not allowed in open swim areas.
• Starting blocks are for use by competitive programs only when directly supervised by a qualified coach.
• No smoking (including electronic cigarettes), alcohol, or drugs allowed in the facility.
• No food or drink on the pool deck. Eating is permitted at tables, benches and grassy areas.
• Bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates, scooters and other vehicles are not allowed to be operated in the pool area and must be walked while on deck.
• No dogs or other pets are allowed in the facility except service animals.
• Persons currently having active diarrhea or who have had active diarrhea within the previous 14 days shall not be allowed to enter the pool water.
• Changing clothes on deck is not allowed.
• In the event of an emergency, follow directions from the staff.
• Any action or behavior that is deemed unsafe or inappropriate by the aquatics staff will not be allowed. All aquatics staff have full authority over guests using the pool area and as situations warrant, they may enforce rules not listed.
• The Pool Manager on Duty may close the entire pool complex or any portion(s) of the pool complex, for any safety or maintenance reason.
• Please respect the rights of others to feel safe and secure.
• Please refrain from using profanity or offensive language, loud conversations or music, inappropriate public display of affection, or any other disruptive behavior
• Admission price is for one entry only.  No in and out privileges.
• Palo Alto Swim and Sport, Team Sheeper, Inc. and City of Palo Alto are not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items and assume no liability for the loss or theft of a patron’s personal belongings.
• Lockers are provided to secure personal belongings. They are for day use only and will be emptied at the end of the day.

Facility Rules

• Locker rooms will close 20 minutes after the pool closes.
• Emergency doors are to remain closed and be used in case of emergency only.
• Emergency doors, facility doors, storage areas, and safety equipment are not to be blocked by guests or objects.
• Please dispose of all trash in receptacles provided.
• Restrooms and locker rooms may not be used for loitering or other unintended uses. Cell phone use in locker rooms is prohibited
• Offices and areas marked as “Employees Only” are not for use by the general public unless approved by staff.

Swim School Program

• Program registration is specific to each program and does not include open swim or lap swim before or after the program.
• Only participants who are registered for a class or program may attend.
• Siblings of a participant may not join any class or program without registering.
• During a class or registered program, parents must wait in designated areas.  Please respect the instructors, counselors, or coaches, as well as the other participants of the class by avoiding any interruptions.
• Participants and parents must follow all specific class and program policies unless otherwise specified.
• For programs that require parents to sign in and out their children, ONLY a parent or designated guardian (over 18 years old) will be allowed to pick up and/or drop off the child unless otherwise communicated with staff.

Diving Board

• Diving boards are for Open Swim use only.
• Only one person on the board at a time.
•  Second person in line must have both feet on the cement waiting their turn.  They may not start their dive until the previous diver has cleared the cone zone.
• The dive must be face front and forward off the board.  No side or back or spin jumps.
• One bounce only.
• When resurfacing after the dive, the diver must return to the wall immediately but 8 feet away from the board (on the other side of the cone) and on the right side of the right board and on the left side of the left board.
• Ladders are to remain clear unless being used to exit/enter the pool.

Slide

• Slide may be used ONLY when a lifeguard is standing next to it.
• Slide is for children’s use who are shorter than the height of the slide.
• Slides are to be done sitting down only; no standing nor belly slides.
• Second person in line must wait with both feet on the cement.
• After completing a slide, the slider must clear the slide drop area immediately.
• A swimmer may exit the pool near the slide with a three tile clearance of the slide.
• The pool ladders may be used for entering and exiting the pool only.  No standing on the railing.

Ramp

• The ADA ramp is for use by physically challenged swimmers only.  The railing in this area is to have five feet of clearance at all times.

Thank you for helping keep our swimming pool safe and enjoyable for everyone!