Join us for a day packed with fun, learning, and cruicial water safety skills. Children will travel through interactive water safety stations while learning life-saving skills - collecting a stamp in their passport booklet along the way. Each child also earns a special medal of completion as they become a Water Safety Hero!
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To insure we provide the safest and healthiest environment for participants, we require all children not fully potty trained to double diaper using a disposable diaper under a Happy Nappy® reusable swim diaper. These can be purchased at our swim school when you come to the event.
To make your first day a breeze, arrive 10 minutes early. We'll welcome your family, take a 'First Day' photo, and briefly discuss your child's swim journey.
Please see one of our Welcome Specialist for a special ‘First Lesson Medal’ for your child.
Then, head to the 'Check In' Counter. Use the iPads to check your child in for their lesson. Simply enter your phone number, and the system will guide you through the process.
Swim Zones are color coded. The check-in screen will display your child's swim zone color. Please note that this may change from week to week.
Grab the matching wristband and have your child wear it. This helps us quickly direct them to the correct swim zone and instructor.
*NOTE: Parent/Tot Classes do not require wristbands.
Bring a swimsuit and towel for your child (and yourself for Parent/Tot classes). To avoid changing room congestion, please have your child arrive in their swimsuit whenever possible.
Leave Toys at Home: We provide all the necessary equipment and fun! No need to bring any toys or flotation devices.
Goggles: Goggles are permitted starting in STEP 4 (after completing the Beginners Program) to promote proper water safety instruction.
No Masks or Nose Plugs: For safety reasons, masks and nose plugs are not allowed in the pool.
Water Shoes: Water shoes can be worn by adults only. They interfere with proper kicking technique for students.
Diapering: Children under 3yr, or those not fully potty-trained, must wear a double diaper - a disposable swim diaper covered with a reusable Happy Nappy,® which are available for purchase at our swim school.
Important Notes: For health and safety purposes, Happy Nappy® swim diapers are the ONLY approved reusable swim diapers allowed in our pool.
If your child is wearing any type of swim diaper (simply for your piece of mind), you'll need to place a Happy Nappy® over it (for our piece of mind).
Convenience: Our facility offers multiple family restrooms, changing stalls, benches with hair dryers, and a large changing table for your convenience. Please ensure your child uses the restroom before entering the pool area.
Changing: Please do NOT use the restrooms for changing. Changing stalls are provided at the end of the boardwalk and to the left.
Pool Area Access: Students enter the pool area through 'Dry Doors' in the Viewing Area and exit through the 'Wet Door' in the Changing Area. Please meet your child at the 'Wet Door' after their lesson. (Parent/Tot & STEP Prep classes enter and exit at the 'Wet Door' only.)
Lesson Start: A team member will call students to line up at a 'Dry Door' a few minutes before their lesson. Students will then be guided to their colored swim zone based on their wristband color.
Tot Assistance: Students 3yr & under may have an adult assist them to their swim zone. However, we kindly request a 'drop and go' approach to minimize distractions. Please avoid lingering around the swim zone.
Footwear: Please remove shoes before entering the pool area. Adults participating in Parent/Tot classes can wear water shoes.
Viewing Area: For the best learning environment, we kindly ask families to observe lessons from the designated viewing area.
Beginner Students: Should your child experience separation anxiety during the first few lessons, you are welcome to accompany them on deck. Seating is provided for parents next to the beginner swim zones. We kindly request that you remove your shoes or use the provided shoe coverings before entering the pool area.
Relax and Enjoy: While you watch, enjoy a beverage from our Hydration Station (coffee & tea bar). It's the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy a quiet moment. Simply sign the form on the counter, and we'll automatically charge the card on file.
Cashless Convenience: We are a 'no cash' facility, making it easy and convenient to make purchases anytime.
Pick-Up: We'll bring your child to the 'Wet Door' located in the Changing Area after their lesson.
Rinsing Off: Showers are available on deck for rinsing off after the lesson. Feel free to assist your child if needed, but please remove your shoes before entering the pool area. Keep your child's swimsuit on while rinsing (cameras are in use).
Changing: The changing area is equipped with a large changing table with cubbies, benches with hair dryers, and individual stalls with a bench & tot safety seat.
Important Note: To ensure everyone has access, please refrain from reserving changing stalls before your child exits the pool area.
Maximizing Efficiency: Our swim instructors teach back-to-back lessons to ensure all students get the most out of their class time. This means they remain in the water at all times.
Quarterly Progress Updates: To keep you informed, we offer special parent feedback sessions every quarter/season. During the last 5 minutes of your child's lesson, you'll be invited on deck to chat with their instructor. This is a great opportunity to get a progress update and ask any questions you may have.
Questions in Between: For questions or concerns outside of these feedback sessions, feel free to email your child's instructor anytime at MyInstructor@AlligatorSteps.com. Just include the instructor's name in the subject line, and we'll make sure your message gets delivered.
Prompt Responses: We aim to respond to all instructor emails within 24 hours during business hours.
Focus on Fun & Learning: At Alligator Steps Swim School, we believe every child deserves to learn in a supportive and positive environment.
Student-Guided Approach: Our curriculum is designed to grow with students, allowing your child to learn at their own pace.
The 'STEP UP' Program: Our proven STEP UP curriculum adapts to your child's progression pace. Each swim level (STEP) focuses on mastering 8 key skills.
Progress Updates: Our team conducts monthly evaluations. You'll receive email notifications each time your child masters a new skill!
Demo Videos: Access demo videos for STEPS 1-9 in your Parent Portal. These videos demonstrate each skill and can help support your child's learning outside the swim school.
Colored Wristbands: Colored wristbands at check-in are NOT needed for Parent/Tot classes. You will get one on deck.
Be Prepared: Arrive a few minutes early with your child and yourself in swimsuits when possible. All children under 3yr must double diaper using a disposable swim diaper under a Happy Nappy® reusable swim diaper.
Storing Your Bag: Feel free to store your bag and shoes in the changing area utilizing the cubbies located under the large changing table, or bring them on deck with you - we have a dedicated shelving area for Parent/Tot families. Please leave strollers and infant seats in the lobby.
Pool Area Entry: Parent/Tot families will enter the pool area from the ‘Wet Door’ located in the changing area. For safety purposes, please wait for a team member to welcome you into the pool area.
Water Entry: Water entry procedures vary depending on your child’s age group, so please wait for your instructor's signal to enter the pool. We like to emphasize the importance of waiting for an adult's permission to enter the water when it comes to our littlest students' safety.
Learning at Different Rates: Children will learn to swim at their own pace. Some may be hesitant or anxious at first, which is completely normal.
Build Confidence: Take your time and allow your child to adjust to the water gradually. We build confidence by meeting each child where they are, and avoid pressuring them to perform skills they may not be quite ready for.
Skill Level Bands: Keep an eye on your inbox! We’ll be sending an email soon with details on how skill levels work in our Parent/Tot program. Since parents are in the water, skills and evaluations look a little different than in independent lessons.
