FAQs | Policies | Forms

FIND ANSWERS TO OUR MOST COMMON QUESTIONS.

 

General Questions

Q. Do you currently have sessions starting?

A.

Our program is a continuous program. You may join our program at any time and the monthly tuition is prorated accordingly. Your child will remain enrolled in our program until you inform us that you are discontinuing lessons.

Q. Do I have to wait to begin lessons on the first of the month?

A.

Swimmers can enroll in swim lessons at any time! Tuition will be prorated. You will only be charged for the portion of the month you are swimming.

Q. Is Fish Tails a year-round swim school?

A.

Yes, Fish Tails Swim School offers swim lessons year-round and is a continuous program. Once you have enrolled in a class, you will stay enrolled until you inform us that you wish to discontinue lessons.

Q. How often do classes meet and how long is each lesson?

A.

Classes are held weekly and are 30 minutes in length.

Q. Do you recommend private lessons over group lessons?

A.

Fish Tails Swim School  offers both private and group lessons. Most students benefit more from being in a group setting, and we find that the more a child enjoys the lessons, the more successful the learning process is.

Q. How long will it take my child to learn how to swim?

A.

Fish Tails Swim School  does not give estimates as to how long it will take. There are several factors to consider:

  • Our technique to achieve the goal of being safer in the water is to teach all students to “live in the water.” Many students can “swim” but do what we call panic swimming. When a student truly learns to “live in the water,” the strokes come easily.
  • Infants and toddlers (even those who do not talk) are very aware of their surroundings, especially the demeanor and feeling of the caretaker or adult. If you are confident, your child will be secure.
  • Consistency is also key in teaching your child to swim. Your child’s progress will depend on your commitment to our program. Children learn best through repetitive motion.

Q. What is the student to teacher ratio in your group classes?

A.

Fish Tails Swim School maintains a small student/teacher ratio.

  • The ratio of our Little Fish 1 – 4 classes have a maximum of three students per teacher.
  • Our Level 1-6 classes have a maximum of four students per teacher.
  • The ratio for Parent-&-Me classes is five student/parent pairs per teacher.

Q. How do I sign-up for swim lessons?​

A.

Parents interested in registering for swim lessons can register here.

If you are unsure of the correct swim level for your child email our staff at info@fishtailsswimschool.com or give us a call 772-460-SWIM.

Q. What payment methods does Fish Tails accept?

A.

We accept Discover, MasterCard, Visa, American Express or cash.

Swim Lesson Questions

Q. What does the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend in regards to swim lessons?

A.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a statement indicating that they have revised their policy on swim lessons for children. In its updated policy, Jeffrey Weiss, lead author of the policy statement, says, “To protect their children, parents need to think about layers of protection. Children need to learn to swim. Swimming lessons can be an important part of the overall protection, which should include pool barriers and constant, capable supervision.”

To read the revised statement in its entirety, visit the AAP website.

Q. What swim lesson options are available?

A.

We offer group, semi-private, and private swim lessons and may recommend a particular class setting based on a swimmer’s age and level of development.

If you are unsure of which class to register for, please contact our office. We are happy to help you find the right program to fit your needs.

Q. What should I bring to our lesson?

A.
  • If a child is not toilet trained or is toilet trained for less than six months, the child must be double diapered. The child must wear a disposable swim diaper under an approved reusable cloth swim diaper. Disposable diapers alone do not pass Board of Health Code for public pools.
  • You should bring at least one large towel for a quick wrap-up after leaving the water. While the water is warm, children often feel chilled as they get out of the pool and enter the changing area.
  • If you opt to change out of the wet bathing suit before leaving, a plastic bag for wet clothes is helpful.

Q. How long does it take to learn to swim?

A.

“Learning to swim” (which means different things to different people) is a milestone at Fish Tails Swim School rather than the finish line. 

How quickly one gets there depends on their comfortability in the water. Each participant has their own unique water experiences—as well as abilities and personalities— that all determine the speed at which swimming is achieved.

Q. How do I change my child's swim lesson day/time?

A.

We understand scheduling conflicts happen. Please email info@fishtailsswimschool.com or give us a call (772) 460-7946 and we will work with you to find a day and time that fits with your schedule.

Q. Can my child keep the same instructor as they progress?

A.

We love when swimmers have a positive connection with their swim instructor! We will do our best to accommodate any instructor requests, subject to the instructor’s schedule and availability.

Q. Are goggles required?

A.

Students have the choice of whether or not to wear goggles. For students who wear goggles, please be aware that there may be a portion of a class or a full class when goggles will not be allowed to be worn. We do this to teach the safety skill of being able to open eyes underwater in any situation.

Make-Up Questions

Q. Do I need to call if my child misses a class?

A.

When possible, we appreciate a call advising of an absence. Prior knowledge of an absence helps us plan our lessons and provide the best experience for all of our customers.

Q. What if Fish Tails cancels due to bad weather?

A.

Because we are an indoor facility, closing due to bad weather is rarely necessary. However, if conditions are such that it is unsafe to be in the water, we will post on our Facebook page and send an email and/or text to your information on file if classes are canceled.

Q. Is Fish Tails closed when the school district cancels classes?

A.

We do not follow any school district closings, but we will update our Facebook page and send an email/text to your information on file in the event that Fish Tails must close.

Q. What happens if the pool becomes contaminated?

A.

In the event of a pool contamination closing, we will notify you as soon as possible via email (and phone when possible). Please understand that this may happen when you are already in class or en route to our facility, and it may be impossible for us to notify you in advance of your arrival.

If Fish Tails Swim School cancels class for any reason, we will provide a make-up option for your missed class.

Q. Do you offer make-ups for missed classes?

A.

We offer one make-up class per month within four weeks of the original absence. We do not guarantee the same teacher, time, or student ratio for group lesson make-ups.

Q. What is your make-up policy?

A.
  • One lesson can be rescheduled per month (due to illness, vacation, etc) within 30 days of the absence.
  • Any lesson canceled by Fish Tails can be rescheduled.
  • Rescheduled lessons are scheduled through the front office or by calling 772-460-SWIM.
  • Absences cannot be credited to the next month’s tuition.
  • Eligible make-ups are valid while you are enrolled. All unused make-ups expire when you withdraw and are not carried over upon re-enrollment.
  • Rescheduled lessons cannot be replaced. We do not reschedule a rescheduled lesson.
  • We do not guarantee the same teacher, time, or student ratio for group lesson make-ups.
  • If our schedule and availability permits, additional make-ups may be scheduled for a $10 fee. 
 
From our years of experience, we have observed that children are most successful in a consistent learning environment. To get the most out of your Fish Tails experience, we encourage consistent attendance in your child’s regularly scheduled class.

Policies

Q. Make-Up Policy

A.
  • One lesson can be rescheduled per month (due to illness, vacation, etc) within 30 days of the absence.
  • Any lesson canceled by Fish Tails can be rescheduled.
  • Rescheduled lessons are scheduled through the front office by calling 772-460-7946.
  • Absences cannot be credited to the next month’s tuition.
  • Eligible make-ups are valid while you are enrolled. All unused make-ups expire when you withdraw and are not carried over upon re-enrollment.
  • Rescheduled lessons cannot be replaced. We do not reschedule a rescheduled lesson.
  • We do not guarantee the same teacher, time, or student ratio for group lesson make-ups.
  • If our schedule and availability permits, additional make-ups may be scheduled for a $10 fee. 
 
From our years of experience, we have observed that children are most successful in a consistent learning environment. To get the most out of your Fish Tails experience, we encourage consistent attendance in your child’s regularly scheduled class.

Q. Refund Policy

A.

Fish Tails Swim School does not offer refunds; however, you may suspend your account for future use.

Our tuition is charged monthly, and your payment reserves your space. If you are planning to discontinue lessons, you must notify us by email at info@fishtailsswimschool.com or by phone (772) 460-7946 by the 24th of the month. For example, if you are discontinuing classes in December, please advise the office by email, cancellation form, or phone call by November 24th to ensure we do not charge you on the 25th of the month for the following month’s lessons.

You will receive an email confirming the cancellation of your lessons. If you do not receive an email confirmation, please let us know as we have not received your cancellation. 

Should you wish to withdraw from classes, a credit for the remaining balance will remain on your Fish Tails account for use towards future lessons or to transfer to another family’s account.

Q. Photography Policy

A.

Photos and videos are occasionally taken at Fish Tails Swim School and are used for Fish Tails Swim School’s publicity purposes and on social media such as Facebook and Instagram. 

Please indicate on your registration form if you would not like your child’s photo or video used.

Q. Diaper Policy

A.
Students who have been toilet trained for less than six months are required to wear a disposable swim diaper and an approved cloth swim diaper. Disposable swim diapers do not provide the necessary protection to be worn alone. Additionally, all cloth swim diapers need to pass the two finger test: if you are able to insert two fingers under the elastic of the legs and waist, the swim diaper is too large and the child will not be allowed in the water.
 
The only exception is if a child wears a HAPPY NAPPY diaper from Splash About. These diapers provide industry-best protection for leak-free swimming and do not require a disposable diaper beneath. Happy Nappy diapers are available in Finny’s Swim Shop.

Q. Nut Policy

A.

Fish Tails Swim School recognizes that nut allergies represent a health and safety hazard, which can have serious consequences for those who have such an allergy. In order to protect those students, staff, visitors and guests of Fish Tails Swim School, we do not allow any nuts or products containing nuts or oils on the property. 

This policy will be in effect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will apply to anyone on the grounds of our facility. If you have consumed or touched nut products prior to your arrival, it is advised to wash your hands before or upon entering the pool area.

Thank you for helping us make Fish Tails Swim School a safe place for all of our families and staff to enjoy.

Forms

Q. Withdrawal Form

A. Here is a link to the Withdrawal Form: https://www.fishtailsswimschool.com/withdrawal-form

Q. Special Abilities Intake Form

A. Here is a link to the Special Abilities Intake Form: https://www.fishtailsswimschool.com/special-abilities-intake-form

Finny's Resources

Q. Water Safety Checklist

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Q. Finny Coloring Sheet

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Q. Gratitude Coloring Sheet

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Q. Birthday Coloring Sheet

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