FAQ

DO YOU OFFER MAKEUPS?

Yes — we offer one excused makeup per month, as long as the absence is reported at least 4 hours in advance.

Makeups can be scheduled through the Parent Portal, and are based on availability. Please note that makeups are not available for Parent & Me classes, and they expire 30 days from the date issued.

DO YOU DO FORCED SUBMERSION?

Absolutely not! We do not believe in forced submersion, “dunking,” or throwing students into the pool (unless they ask — and sometimes they do! 😄).

Our approach is holistic, respectful, and student-led. We get results without tears and without trauma — because swimming should build trust, not fear.

While we do teach survival-based techniques like roll to breathe (also known as swim-float-swim), we are not affiliated with ISR, Infant Aquatics, or any program that uses aggressive or fear-based methods.

WHAT IF MY CHILD CRIES DURING THE SWIM LESSONS?

It’s totally normal for some children to cry during swim lessons — especially in the beginning. Our instructors are trained to recognize different types of cries and will adjust their approach based on your child’s needs.

Sometimes we may ask you to briefly “hide” if we feel your child will settle better without you visible. Other times, we may invite you to get in the water to help build trust.

We recommend wearing a swimsuit for the first few lessons just in case your support is needed.

We are a student-supportive environment, and we ask parents to partner with us in that mindset. Learning to swim is a team effort, and your calm presence and encouragement go a long way.

In rare cases of hysteria or hyperventilation, we may end the lesson early to protect the child’s long-term relationship with the water.

WHAT IS YOUR BILLING SCHEDULE?

You can enroll at any time! If you join after the 1st of the month, tuition may be prorated to reflect your start date.

Monthly tuition is charged on the 25th of each month for the upcoming month. If you want to stop lessons, just submit a drop request in the Parent Portal between the 4th and 24th to avoid future charges. Please know, your spot will not be held & you will have to re-enroll.

HOW DO YOU DROP OR UNENROLL FROM LESSONS?

Drop requests must be submitted through the CLIENT PORTAL. The drop portal is open from the 4th through the 24th of each month. Requests submitted during this window will take effect at the end of the current month.

Requests made after the 24th will be processed for the following month, and you will be billed for the upcoming cycle. Non-attendance does not count as a drop.

WHY IS ATTENDANCE IMPORTANT?

Swimming progress is all about consistency. Regular attendance helps students build confidence, retain skills, and keep moving forward.

Your lesson time is reserved just for you, and showing up each week makes a big difference in your swimmer’s success.

WHAT AGE CAN MY CHILD START LESSONS?

We start lessons at 6 weeks of age, either in our Parent & Me classes or in private one-on-one sessions, depending on your preference and your child’s needs.

DO YOU OFFER SESSIONS, PACKAGES, OR SUMMER-ONLY PROGRAMS?

No, we are not a summer-only program and do not offer short-term sessions or lesson packages. Phoenix Swim Academy is a year-round swim school that operates on ongoing monthly billing, and your enrollment continues month-to-month until a drop request is submitted through the Parent Portal.

ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH ISR, INFANT AQUATICS, OR ANY SURVIVAL-STYLE/BOOT CAMP SWIM PROGRAMS?

No. Phoenix Swim Academy is not affiliated with ISR, Infant Aquatics, or any boot camp–style programs that promise "quick results" through aggressive or fear-based methods.

We follow a student-led approach that emphasizes trust, safety, and long-term success — not shortcuts.

As proud members of the United States Swim School Association (USSSA), we align with their strong stance against methods used in some survival-style programs, including ISR and similar models. The USSSA:

• Rejects teaching practices that involve pain, fear, distress, or force

• Does not endorse programs that use aggressive or trauma-inducing tactics, regardless of promised results

• Advocates for confidence-building, developmentally appropriate instruction rooted in safety and trust

The USSSA encourages families to research swim programs carefully and choose one that aligns with their values — and so do we. At Phoenix Swim Academy, we believe in teaching students to love and respect the water through a positive, individualized approach.

DO YOU TEACH ADULTS?

Yes! We work with swimmers of all ages and experience levels, including adults. Whether you’re learning to swim for the first time, looking to overcome fear of the water, or just want to improve your technique — we’ve got you.

Lessons are tailored to your pace, your goals, and your comfort level. It’s never too late to learn.

DO YOU TEACH SWIMMERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?

Yes — we welcome swimmers of all abilities. Our instructors are trained to adapt lessons based on each student’s individual needs, learning style, and comfort level.

We believe every swimmer deserves a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment. If your swimmer requires additional accommodations, let us know — we’re happy to work with you to create the best possible experience in the water.

WHAT IS YOUR DIAPER POLICY?

To comply with regulations set by the CDC, Riverside County Environmental Health, and our licensing and insurance providers, all swimmers under age 4 — and any swimmer not fully potty trained — must wear two layers of swim diaper protection while in the pool:

1. A disposable swim diaper

2. A reusable, snug-fitting swim diaper worn over it

This policy is non-negotiable — it is a condition of our licensing and insurance, not a personal preference. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us meet these required health and safety standards.

WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY?

Our goal is simple: to get every student swimming safely and confidently — whether that means becoming water safe, refining technique, or preparing for advanced goals.

We believe in a student-led, trust-based approach that builds confidence without pressure. From first-time swimmers to those training for swim team, military readiness, or stroke development, our lessons are designed to meet swimmers exactly where they are.

No matter your age or experience level, we’re here to help you grow stronger, safer, and more skilled in the water.

New here?

Curious about how things work?

You’re in the right place!

We’ve gathered answers to the most common questions we get — from swim diapers to billing dates to what happens if your little one cries in the pool (spoiler: we’ve got you).

LOOKING FOR PRICING? CLICK HERE

Still wondering something we didn’t cover?

Just reach out — we’re always happy to help!

HOW DO I BOOK A CLASS, AND WHY CAN’T I FIND OPENINGS OR SELECT A SPECIFIC INSTRUCTOR?

All bookings are made through our Client Portal, which shows live, real-time availability. You can browse open classes, select your preferred time, and submit an enrollment request online.

If you're not seeing openings or can't select a specific instructor, it may be because:

• The class or instructor is currently fully booked

• The instructor has an age or level restriction on their schedule

• The time you’re looking for doesn’t currently have availability

We see what you see. The schedule updates automatically as families enroll, transfer, or drop. Most new spots open up toward the end of the month.

- LIVE BOOKING SITE -

CLICK HERE FOR MENIFEE

CLICK HERE FOR YORBA LINDA

Still unsure? Let us know your preferences and we’re happy to help you find a great fit!

GETTING STARTED

IN THE WATER

BILLING & ENROLLMENT

SAFETY & STANDARDS

DO YOU OFFER GROUP LESSONS? CAN MY KIDS WHO ARE UNDER 10 BE IN A CLASS TOGETHER?

We do not offer traditional group lessons. All instruction is either private, semi-private (ages 10 & up only — no exceptions), or Parent & Me (our only group-style class, for ages 6 weeks to 36 months, with a caregiver in the water).

Because each lesson is designed for a specific age and developmental level, siblings will not be placed in the same class unless they both qualify for semi-private instruction. This ensures every swimmer receives safe, effective, and developmentally appropriate instruction.

DO YOU OFFER TRIAL LESSONS?

Absolutely! You can request a trial lesson through our Client Portal by selecting a class time that works for you.

Once submitted, our team will review the request and reach out to confirm or suggest an alternative. Please wait for confirmation before attending — your spot isn’t final until you hear from us.

We’ll get back to you as soon as possible with next steps!

DO YOU OFFER DROP-IN LESSONS?

Yes — we offer drop-in lessons when space allows!

Drop-ins are great for families who want to stay active in the water without committing to ongoing enrollment. To schedule a drop-in, just contact us directly — our team will let you know what’s available and help you reserve a spot.

Please note: drop-ins cannot be booked through the Client Portal.

DO YOU OFFER WALK-INS?

For the safety of our swimmers and the focus of our lessons, all classes must be scheduled and confirmed in advance. We’re unable to accommodate walk-ins at any location.

If you’d like to request a trial, drop-in, or check availability, just reach out — we’re happy to help you get started!

SHOULD SWIMMERS WEAR GOGGLES?

We generally don’t introduce goggles right away, no matter the age. Swimmers need to build comfort and confidence with their eyes open underwater — an essential part of real-world water safety.

In an emergency, goggles may not be available, and we want every swimmer to feel capable and calm without them. We’ve also seen how goggle dependency can cause panic or hesitation when swimmers don’t have them on.

Once a swimmer is confident in the water and their instructor feels they’re ready, goggles can be introduced for stroke refinement or specialty work.

CAN WE PRACTICE ON OUR OWN? WHAT ABOUT FLOATIES?

Yes — we love it when families practice between lessons! Repetition builds confidence and reinforces skills.

That said, a few important guidelines:

– No floaties or water wings, ever. These create a false sense of security, encourage poor body position, and can delay real swimming progress.
– If your swimmer needs support, please ask us! We’ll recommend safe options that align with your swimmer’s skill level and our curriculum.
– Please don’t let others "teach" your child outside of lessons. Well-meaning friends or family often push too hard or use inconsistent methods, and we've seen this cause fear, confusion, or setbacks.

Practicing is great — just make sure it’s gentle, fun, and aligned with what we’re working on in the water.