Learn to Swim

What is needed for class?

• Swim Suit – We recommend one-piece swim suits for girls and swim trunks for boys. Rash guards are okay. No sewn-in floats allowed. No swim aids (inflatables, etc.) of any kind are permitted at any time, as they can actually be a drowning risk. Bright Stars provides any swim aids required for class.
• Goggles – Goggles are required (except for Baby Fish/Little Fish classes). Goggles are helpful in getting a child to put their face in the water and in getting them to open their eyes under water. There are goggles on sale in our pro shop and our staff will be happy to assist you.
• All children with hair longer than ear length must wear a swim cap. There are a variety of swim caps on sale in our pro shop and our staff will be happy to assist you.
• Please bring your own towels.
• Protective Layer – For the safety of everyone utilizing the pool, ALL CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 3 AND A HALF, even if they are potty trained, are REQUIRED to wear a protective layer during their swim class.The protective layer that Bright Stars requires is either the iPlay Ultimate Swim diaper- a cloth, non-disposable diaper- that can be purchased at our facility for $15.00 or the Happy Nappy- a neoprene, non-disposable diaper- that can be purchased at our facility for $20.00. (Disposable swim diapers are NOT PERMITTED.) Our washable, reusable swim diapers are amazing! Your child will surely find them to be comfortable.Please understand this policy will be strictly enforced for the health and safety of all of our members. Any type of accidents that may occur in the pool would require a complete shut down of our pool for up to 24 hours, causing many disappointed swimmers (and parents).Please understand, for the health and safety of our swimmers,  WE NEVER make any exceptions to this policy.

What can I expect when I arrive for lessons?

• Swim families enter through Suite 3 (on the side of the building). Upon arrival for your first class, stop at the front desk to confirm we have your registration and you are all set for your class. Bright Stars has family friendly changing areas in our restrooms, which are located across the hall from our pool, through our viewing area. Once you are ready for the lesson, please wait in the viewing area as the deck supervisor will call your class into the pool area a few minutes before class begins. Please do not let children enter the pool area until the deck supervisor calls them. Additionally, adults in the parent participation classes should not enter the pool area until your class is called.

Is there any place for me store my belongings during lessons?

• Bright Stars offers cubbies that are available in the viewing area and in the hallway right outside the pool room. Please note that strollers are not permitted on the pool deck or in the hallway by the pool. Strollers should stay in the viewing area. Bright Stars is not responsible for lost or stolen items. All misplaced items will be kept on site for two weeks and held in the lost and found. Bright Stars is under video surveillance with security cameras located throughout the facility.

Where can I wait during my child’s swim lesson?

• We have a viewing area with windows. Once your child has entered the pool deck for their lesson, please sit back and relax. Bright Stars provides free wifi for all customers. We do not permit parents or guardians on the deck during lessons as it must remain clear at all times in case of an emergency.

Do I have to stay in the facility during my child’s lesson?

• All children must be supervised by parents when not in the water. Siblings in the viewing area must be supervised as well. No child is to be left unattended in the facility. All children under the age of 3 must have an adult in the pool with them. When no lifeguard is on duty, the pool is closed for all swimming. Parents or guardians should pick up their children at the end of class. No child can be left alone in the viewing area. Students cannot leave the facility alone.

What happens if my child must go to the bathroom?

• If your child must go to the bathroom, the instructor will call over the deck supervisor to take the child to their parent to go to the bathroom. The instructor and supervisor cannot leave the deck to take them to the bathroom; a parent or guardian must be present to take them. Parents may return their child to the deck supervisor once they are done utilizing the restroom.

What if my child is having a difficult time, can I come on deck?

• Our deck supervisors will watch for situations where your child might not be actively involved or engaged in the class. Our instructors have a lot of experience with tentative or even upset children, so it is okay to let us handle the situation, but suggestions are welcome!  If you see that your child is struggling, you can talk to the deck supervisor and maybe offer suggestions on how to engage your child (e.g. offering them their favorite toy). Sometimes it’s best to stay out of sight as not to distract your child or the rest of the class. We will work with you to ensure their experience is a positive one!

What if a guardian or caretaker is bringing my child to lessons?

• If another guardian or caretaker will be bringing your child to class, please be sure to share the check in procedures with them so there is minimal confusion.

What if my child is sick and can’t come to class?

A safe and healthy environment is important for all children. Our illness policy is designed to protect the health of your child, the other children, and the staff. Please do not bring your child to swim lessons if he/she has had:

• Vomiting (two or more times in 24 hours)
• Diarrhea (two or more watery stools in 24 hours)
• Eye infection (thick mucus or pus draining from the eye)
• Lice or nits
• A Fever (temperature of 100° (F) or more)
• Unusually tired, pale, lack of appetite, confused, or cranky
• Undiagnosed sores or rash (body rash, especially with a fever or itching)

If your child has an open sore that requires a bandage please do not allow them to swim, remove ALL band-aids before entering water. If the cut or scrape requires a bandage, the child should not swim until the wound is healed.

Please inform instructors of any medical conditions such as diabetes, tubes in the ears, epilepsy, asthma or any physical or mental disabilities prior to the start of lessons. These conditions do not hinder a child from participating but may affect the way a teacher attends to each students needs.