When will they really learn how to swim? That all depends on how you define swimming. It is not necessarily the ability to swim the crawl stroke–although to many folks, that is swimming. In pre-schoolers it can be very different. Swimming can be described as being able to comfortably move through the water. continue

Will my child be drownproofed after taking swim lessons? There is no such thing as drownproofing. Caution must always be in effect in and around water. Adult supervision and barriers between your child and the pool are your best defense for reducing the risk of an accident. However, swim lessons can only increase the chances of continue

What if my pediatrician says I should wait to start until my child is 4 years old? The American Academy of Pediatrics states that children are not developmentally ready to learn to swim until they are 4 years old. I would agree that this is true in terms of learning the formal strokes: freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and continue

What is the best age to start? We have found the optimal age to start babies is between 8 months and 12 months old. At this age the majority of infants are very comfortable in the water and strong enough to begin learning basic skills. However a window of opportunity for ideal learning still exits up to continue

If we take a break over the winter, will they forget everything? No. But sometimes, children’s swimming abilities can become “rusty” without practice. In our experience, for each month your child is away from lessons or cannot practice, it takes approximately 1 to 2 lessons to return to their previous level. So, if you take a 3 month break continue

What should we bring to the first class?

We provide all of the equipment required for swimming class, kickboards, teaching barbells, goggles (if needed) and learning toys. All you need to bring is:o Swim diaper (if under the age of 3 – regardless of whether student is potty-trained) continue

What if my child cries or doesn’t want to learn to swim? Do not ask your child to make that type of choice. You, as the parent/guardian know what is best (i.e. you don’t ask if they want to go to the doctor, school, etc.) Swimming is a lifesaving skill and a very necessary one. With that in mind, our instructors are trained to deal with even the most fearful swimmer. continue

Does my child need a swim diaper?

All students under the age of 3 are required to wear a swim diaper regardless of whether or not the student is potty-trained.

Should my child eat before a swim lesson? We recommend you do not feed your child or give them milk or juice one hour before their swim lesson. If your child is frightened or cannot hold his or her breath, no eating 2-3 hours before is preferred. Nervous children often swallow lots of air and unfortunately (although we take all precautions to avoid this) continue

What if my child does not like swimming lessons? Swimming, like many activities, generates anxiety in some children. This anxiety may be most evident on the first day or two of lessons. As each week progresses, your child’s anxiety should be less and less evident. That’s why we schedule two or three times a week classes. continue

 Each month we will be giving away one session of  10 FREE swim lessons which you may redeem at any of our South Florida Locations. All you need  to enter is a valid email address.  Simply enter your email in the box below and you will automatically be entered in the drawing. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

Enter to Win 10 FREE Swim Lessons

Teaching swim lessons can be a rewarding career, as it promotes skills that improve the health and enjoyment of life, boosts self-confidence, and can ultimately save a life. The Swim Academy has several state-of-the-art outdoor, heated, aquatic facilities in Broward and Palm Beach counties that offer learn to swim programs, competitive training, aquatic education, birthday parties, and much more.

Happy student and instructor at The Swim Academy

We are looking for quick learners and mature individuals. You MUST have an energetic, enthusiastic, friendly personality and have experience with children age 12 months – 5+ years. Some swimming experience is necessary. Experience working with babies and toddlers necessary! We prefer someone who is ”Kid Friendly” over a professional swimmer. Teaching swimming to preschoolers is much different than teaching older kids. PATIENCE is a MUST! Can you turn a frown upside down?

Must be at least 18 years old to apply.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES OF GREAT SWIM INSTRUCTORS:

- Ability to make kids smile and laugh!
- Use patience, care and enthusiasm to engage children and their parents.
- Deal effectively and compassionately with each child
- Have reliable transportation
- Establish a nurturing, fun relationship with babies and toddlers
- Lots of SMILES
- Some Swim experience is necessary. Candidates with Lifeguard Training, Water Safety Instructor (WSI) or previous teaching experience will be given priority
- Job experience working with toddlers & preschoolers (12 months – 5 years old) is a HUGE plus!

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We are currently interviewing qualified candidates for the following positions:

Full/Part-Time Swim Instructors

Must have basic swim background with some knowledge of all competitive strokes. In addition, you must have a positive attitude and strong work ethic and most of all enjoy working with children and families. Candidate must be able to work with and accommodate a variety of personalities. Must have flexible schedule.

PLEASE NOTE: On-site Training and certification is available for selected candidates. Training for swim instructors requires approximately 25-40 hours. Continuing education is required to keep current with technique and certifications.

Certified Lifeguards

We are seeking lifeguards who have the availability to work Weekends for swim parties. Please bring a copy of your current lifeguard certification at the time of your interview

Full-Time/Part-Time Customer Service

Must be familiar with MS Office and all applications. Working knowledge of various computer programs is a must. We will train you on our specific scheduling program. Must be detail-oriented, friendly to all customers, and possess the ability to multi-task. We are looking for office help in the mornings MON-THURS from 8:30AM-1:00PM and evenings MON-THURS from 4:00PM-8:00PM and Saturdays from 8:00AM-5:00PM. Several shifts available.

HOURLY AND SALARY WAGES VARY

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply for an opening, please call or stop the location nearest you to inquire about our employment opportunities or please submit (email) a cover letter and resume, and place the words “I love swimming” in the subject line. In the cover letter, please include why you think you are a good fit for our program and what days and times you are available to work. Please also include any formal or informal experience you’ve had working with babies/toddlers/pre-schoolers (ages 12 months – 5 years)

 send your resume to jobs@theswimacademy.com

• Teach children water safety and swimming skills as early as possible and take refresher lessons annually.
• Always brief babysitters on water safety, emphasizing the need for constant supervision.
• Appoint a “designated watcher” to monitor children during social gatherings at or near pools.
• Equip doors and windows that exit to a pool area with alarms.
• Install a poolside phone, preferably a cordless model, with emergency numbers programmed into speed-dial.
• Post CPR instructions and learn the procedures. Keep rescue equipment poolside. Don’t wait for the paramedics to arrive because you will lose valuable life-saving seconds. Four to six minutes without oxygen can cause permanent brain damage or death.
• Keep a first aid kit at poolside.
• Install four-sided isolation fencing, at least five feet high, equipped with self-closing and self-latching gates, that completely surrounds the pool and prevents direct access from the house and yard.
• Maintain constant visual contact with children in a pool or pool area.
• If a child is missing, check the pool first; seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Don’t use flotation devices as a substitute for supervision.
• Never allow a young child in a pool without an adult.
• Don’t leave objects such as toys that might attract a child in the pool and pool area.
• Never prop the gate to a pool area open.
• Don’t rely on swimming lessons, life preservers, or other equipment to make a child “water safe.”
• Never assume someone else is watching a child in a pool area.
• Don’t leave chairs or other items of furniture where a child could use them to climb into a fenced pool area.
• Don’t think you’ll hear a child who’s in trouble in the water; child drowning is a silent death, with no splashing to alert anyone that the child is in trouble.

In a report published in April 2000, the American Academy of Pediatrics stated that drowning is the leading cause of accidental injury and death in Florida, Arizona, California and Texas. In an updated policy, they also reported “children are not developmentally ready for formal swimming lessons until after their fourth birthday”. This statement has received much debate from those parents who feel strongly in support of this statement as well as from those in opposition to it.

Deciding when to enroll your child in swimming lessons is a personal choice. Whether you feel your child would most benefit from swimming lessons as an infant, toddler or older child, take the time beforehand to do some research and speak to your pediatrician. Fully understand the options you have regarding the type of swimming lessons available before you determine whether or not your child is ready for them. Living here in Florida, this is potentially one of the most important decisions you can make for the safety of your child.

The following article provides some insight to my own children’s experience with swimming lessons at an early age …

My daughter was born in January. It took several months until the weather turned warm and the water in the pool was comfortable enough to enter without shivering. But as soon as the pool temperature reached a cozy 85 degrees in April my daughter had her first experience with water that wasn’t in a little tub or coming out of a faucet. She was so excited to have the freedom to flail her arms and kick her feet. Soon after that, I enrolled her in swimming lessons. She was a young 5 months old when Miss Suzanne (complete with white nose cream, sun visor and 20 years of experience) helped me guide her through the water along with 12 other new swimmers and their Moms. Some of the little ones (they ranged in age from infants to toddlers) screamed from the time they changed into their tiny swimsuits to the time they were re-united with their pampers. Others, like my daughter, found the experience exhilarating. Eventually, they all learned to enjoy swimming lessons. We looked forward to our once-a-week, half-hour group lesson. Miss Suzanne was encouraging yet sympathetic with those who needed a bit more encouragement before letting go of Mom. In just a few months we went from bouncing in the water to swimming underwater from Mom to instructor or from Mom to the side of the pool.

Three years later, my son was born. I enrolled him in a 20 minute twice a week, private swimming lessons. My son was just over a year old when Miss Stacy took him into her pool for the first time. Going in with a stranger instead of Mom took some coaxing at first, but soon became routine. Five weeks later my son was jumping into the pool on his own and swimming back to the wall. At 14 months old, my son was able to rescue himself from the pool. Was I proud? You bet! Was I confident that he could save himself should he ever fall in accidentally? Not at all! To me, swimming lessons meant that my children gained a certain comfort level that allowed them to enjoy the water far more than simply splashing in the shallow end of the pool. The ability to swim and dive was an added bonus.

My children are now 10 and 7. Does their love of water and ability to swim allow me to let my guard down? NEVER! Just as I took precautions like patio door locks and motion-detector sensors while the kids were younger, I still require pool safety rules and adult supervision when they swim now.

There are several good learn-to-swim classes in our area. Most pediatricians can refer you to programs or instructors with proper credentials. Contact your local YMCA and Red Cross; both are well known for their excellent programs. And remember, don’t let seeing your child swim from end to end of the community pool give you a false sense of security. You can never underestimate the speed and curiosity of a child or the silence of a splash.

As a physician I highly recommend researching any program for your child to find the best fit for you and your family. When it comes to swim lessons I chose safety over fun and The Swim Academy was actually the perfect combination of both. The program requires all new parents to observe a class before enrolling and warns that most young children do take a few lessons to adapt to the separation anxiety and get used to working with a stranger, but the instructors all handle this in a very patient and friendly way while still introducing the children to the swimming skills (yes mom’s that includes learning to take a breath and go under). We were there after all to learn to swim. My 16 month old son cried for 3.5 lessons. It was hard to trust that he would ever get past that, but on the fourth lesson he stopped crying and has been happy ever since. He now safely jumps in and floats, swims comfortably to the wall, pops up when he needs a breath, but mostly just plays safely near the steps at home.

Michael & Suzanne Thompkins August, 2007

This is the second time we have used The Weston Swim Academy for our children. Our 20 month old daugter just finished her second set of ten lessons and is swimming safely to the wall and rolling over and floating almost 100% by herself. Our son (now 4 is a fish) took lessons there two years ago. Our children had both been to pre-school so it was easier in the beginning for them to adjust to a new person but all of the instructors are professional and very reassuring to new swimmers. We highly recommend this wonderful program.

Zachary Ginsberg September, 2008

I learned to swim at the Boynton Swim Academy. My mom took me when I was a year old and I was very scared but the teachers were very nice and showed me how to take a breath and go under and get to the wall. I think my mom was holding her breath on the pool deck for those first few lessons too. Pretty soon though she was happy because I stopped crying after about three or four lessons and I was having fun swimming to the side and learning how to float on my back. This year I came back for a refresher class with Miss Gayle and in a few weeks I was jumping in and floating like a champ, I even started learning how to do my “big arms”. I can’t wait to go back next summer. Luv Zack (Olympics 2026)

Gregg Marconi, October 2009

5 STARS My children have been taking lessons at Boynton Swim Academy for over 2 years. My 4 year old son can do laps and even shows me up with his swimming. The teachers are wonderful and reallly care about the children and their safety. “The best swim school in town.” (from Facebook Reviews)

Marisa Vazquez Mason, May 2010 

Gayle, I am very thankful to you and Ashley for sharing your gift of teaching swim to my daughters.  Your whole staff has been nothing but pleasant with us beginning with my very first phone call. I see how far Celia and Lily have come from 2 months ago and it takes my breath away.  My eyes watered up seeing how well they did this week and thinking of the times that Celia went into pools like a lead weight and now she and Lily are just doing so great.  When they back float untouched I am at the edge of my seat and when you push them to swim further and to roll into their float or reach up high and grab onto that edge (and they RESIST but you persist) I am holding my breath and ever so anxious to see if they will be able to rise up to the great challenges…. And they do!!!  It is amazing!!  So thank you, thank you both.  Thank you for being kind and gentle and yet strong and determined and hey, for helping them learn to survive in the water.  I know we’re not 100% there yet but we are so much better than we were 2 months ago, so for that I am grateful.  Best regards, Marisa Vazquez Mason

Boca Raton News Drowning Prevention Feature August 12, 1997

Boca Raton News Water Safety Article June 26, 2005

Our City Weston Magazine Feature May 2010

What should we bring to the first class?

We provide all of the equipment required for swimming class, kickboards, teaching barbells, goggles (if needed) and learning toys. All you need to bring is:

o Swim diaper (if under the age of 3 – regardless of whether student is potty-trained)

o Swim suit & Towel

o Sunscreen

o Positive attitude and Enthusiasm

What if my child cries or doesn’t want to learn to swim?

Do not ask your child to make that type of choice. You, as the parent/guardian know what is best (i.e. you don’t ask if they want to go to the doctor, school, etc.) Swimming is a lifesaving skill and a very necessary one. With that in mind, our instructors are trained to deal with even the most fearful swimmer. Often times crying is not necessarily an indication of fear but rather a sign that your child is having difficulty adapting to a new situation, especially one where he or she is no longer in control of every outcome. Additionally, separation anxiety is a very real factor in your little ones development so only patience and practice will help them work through this. It may take some extra effort on your part, but the payoff is we will have them happy and swimming in no time!

13 month old Boca Raton baby in swim lessons

Does my child need a swim diaper?

All students under the age of 3 are required to wear a swim diaper regardless of whether or not the student is potty-trained.

Should my child eat before a swim lesson?

We recommend you do not feed your child or give them milk or juice one hour before their swim lesson. If your child is frightened or cannot hold his or her breath, no eating 2-3 hours before is preferred. Nervous children often swallow lots of air and unfortunately (although we take all precautions to avoid this) sometimes they will swallow a bit of water which may cause a student to vomit up anything they have eaten prior to a lesson. That old wives tale about swimming after eating actually applies here: swimming on a full stomach may give your child stomach cramps.

What if my child does not like swimming lessons?

Swimming, like many activities, generates anxiety in some children. This anxiety may be most evident on the first day or two of lessons. As each week progresses, your child’s anxiety should be less and less evident. That’s why we schedule two or three times a week classes. Time, familiarity and consistency ease the anxiety. You can also help your child through this period by practicing at home and doing any “homework” assigned by your instructor. The opportunities to use the pool on “their terms” often helps and also remember play is a terrific teaching aid. Stick with it, Mom & Dad, this is an invaluable lifetime skill that you are giving your child.

That all depends on how you define swimming. It is not necessarily the ability to swim the crawl stroke–although to many folks, that is swimming. In pre-schoolers it can be very different. Swimming can be described as being able to comfortably move through the water. Initially, for very short distances. With practice, gradually your child will be able to achieve longer distances and then to become watersafe have the ability to “get air” either by popping up their heads for a new breath, or rolling over and floating. For the average child age two years and older in our program this will take about thirty lessons. Since every child progresses at their own pace, be patient, loving and supportive,  and your child will get there. 

Will my child be drownproofed after taking swim lessons?

There is no such thing as drownproofing. Caution must always be in effect in and around water. Adult supervision and barriers between your child and the pool are your best defense for reducing the risk of an accident. However, swim lessons can only increase the chances of your childs ‘s survival if an unsupervised water entry were to occur. Swim Lessons should never give parents or caregivers a false sense of security. Swim programs must make it their top priority to educate parents on all aspects of water safety.

My pediatrician says I should wait to start lessons until my child is 4 years old?

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that children are not developmentally ready to learn to swim until they are 4 years old. I would agree that this is true in terms of learning the formal strokes: freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke. However, in thousands of swim lesson programs around the world, infants and toddlers can learn to “swim”.  (see above)

The AAP is also concerned about water intoxication, which can be an issue in programs where children are taught by well-intentioned parents as opposed to experienced, certified instructors. Seek out programs which offer credentialed instructors, nationally recognized methods, state of Florida curriculums, and follow safe teaching guidelines.  Before enrolling your child in any swim program ask to view a class in advance and make sure you are comfortable with their teaching methods, the water temperature, the age and experience levels of  their instructors and that they welcome your presence and questions.

The biggest concern is that parents will become complacent once their children can perform water-safety skills. We find the opposite to be true. Responsible, well informed parents who have taken the time and made the investment in swim lessons will continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their children, especially around the water.

What is the best age to start?

We have found the optimal age to start babies is between 8 months and 12 months old. At this age the majority of infants are very comfortable in the water and strong enough to begin learning basic skills. However, a window of opportunity for ideal learning still exits up to 18 months old. At approximately 19 months to 24 months toddlers can begin to enter the “tough twos” phase. It is easier to teach breath control and floating before this stage begins. However, it is never too late to learn to swim. Our instructors (many of whom are mom’s themselves or former pre-school teachers) have a broad range of experience with children of all ages and are able to build a relationship and interact with your child through the one on one lessons. This unique relationship of trust in the water motivates children to participate and flourish at any age.

If we take a break over the winter, will they forget everything ?

No. But sometimes, children’s swimming abilities can become “rusty” without practice. In our experience, for each month your child is away from lessons or cannot practice, it takes approximately 1 to 2 lessons to return to their previous level. So, if you take a 3 month break from swimming, when you first return to the water it may appear that your child is starting from scratch. However, somewhere between the 3rd and 6th lesson, you will be amazed at how their swimming abilities begin to return and quickly improve over the previous season.