In order to keep our swim school clean and efficient, rules have been made to ensure that your child will have an optimal swimming experience.

1. Please arrive 5 minutes before lessons to allow for time to change. Lessons will start and end on time. WE SWIM RAIN or SHINE (unless there is lightning)! It is a myth that you can catch a cold from being cold - For more information, please click here to read this article.  If you are unable to make it that day, please call the specific location at either The Water Whisperer Sherman Oaks t. 641-715-3900 ext: 2626067# AND email at:emily@thewaterwhisperer.com or The Water Whisperer Woodland Hills t. 641-715-3800 ext: 24242# AND email at: bubbles@thewaterwhisperer.com

2. Parents should have a positive attitude! Children often mirror their parents' moods.

3. Lessons are purchased in sets of ten and should be paid before the first lesson. Slots are filling up fast, so the earlier payment is received the more likely you are to get your preferred time slot. Once your email inquiry requesting information is received, a registration packet - including time slot requests, directions, lessons, and payment information will be emailed to you.

4. Parents may watch the lesson by appointment only if child is not distracted. If child is distracted, please adhere to the recommendation of the swim instructor and stay to an 'out of eyeshot but within earshot' range specified by the instructor. The Water Whisperer cannot be responsible for anyone on the property except the student (and parent). Whenever possible, please make childcare arrangements for additional children so that you may give your entire attention to the student. Having your complete attention greatly develops your child’s swimming self-confidence.

5. Make-ups are not available. Unfortunately, due to months of planning, The Water Whisperer is unable to accomodate rescheduling.The Water Whisperer is not able to refund any fees for missed lessons.

6. Absolutely no food or sweet drinks at the pool. This is to avoid ant, bee, and roach infestation.

7. No child is ever allowed in the pool without the instructor.

8. All children under the age of 5 and who are not potty trained are required to wear an elastic-edged reusable swim diaper. This can be purchased either location for $20. Please check with us in advance to make sure we have your child's size in stock. To reserve a diaper in your child's size, email The Water Whisperer Sherman Oaks at: emily@thewaterwhisperer.com or The Water Whisperer Woodland Hills at bubbles@thewaterwhisperer.com . Your child's diaper will be reserved upon receipt of payment. They are also available for purchase online. Without a nylon swim diaper, child may not enter pool for lesson. Parent understands this is because normal swim diapers leak and will cause bacteria to enter the pool. Parent further understands that these diapers are also more comfortable than regular swim diapers and allow child's legs to move more freely than regular swim diapers. Additionally, disposable swim-diapers tend to weigh down children by filling up with water. Finaly, nylon reusable swim diapers are more economical, environmental and attractive than regular swim diapers. In addition, while they are called "swim diapers" they are, in-fact nylon, waterproof underwear that can be worn under a bathing suit.

9. Goggles with a plastic hard bridge over the nose are recommended and can be purchased through Emily or your local sporting goods store.

10. Absolutely no running or rough play.

11. Please arrive five minutes early and depart promptly. Due to limited changing space, it is recommended that your child arrive with their swimsuit or swim diaper already underneath their clothing.  This will also help you save time in getting them ready.

12. Please be sure that nannies, grandparents or anyone coming to lessons are aware of all the rules.

13. Bathroom is available, BUT children MUST be accompanied by an adult.

14. Do not feed your child 2.5 - 3 hours before their scheduled lesson. If a child gets sick in the pool once, you will be required to pay a $100.00 pool cleaning fee. If a child gets sick twice, your child may have an issue that will preclude him or her from swimming. No refunds.

15. Parents must disclose if a child has special needs or health issues, not limited to but including ADD, ADHD, autism, retardation, coordination issues, and asthma.

16. Girls or boys with long hair must have it tied up in a ponytail or worn in a swim cap to help her see.

17. Please make sure your child has showered or bathed before the lesson, as cleanliness is paramount.

18. Please do not put sunblock on your child, as it leaves a greasy residue in the pool that can cause bloackage.  Our pool is shaded by UV protected shade sails, and therefore sunblock is not necessary.

~ Fear in learning how to swim is natural. Always remember your children are in safe, loving, CPR-certified, experienced hands.

~ If your child feels scared at first, tell them it is okay to feel scared. Then say, "What do we do when we are scared? We are brave." Validate them when you see them acting brave. Remind them that the water will push their bodies up so they won't sink.

~ Here at The Water Whisperer we acknowledge the child's feelings, give hugs, tell them to "be brave", and then we do it. We teach children to submerge and close their mouths using specific preparatory steps including, "1, 2, 3" and other cues used with puppets and songs that are designed to make the process as simple as possible. We let children know they are safe and that we are there to care of them.

~ Get them excited about swimming! Share your own fun stories of swimming. Tell them how proud you are and about how well they did in the lesson. Tell them how you can't wait to tell other family members and friends about your child's progress.

~ Children need and want boundaries and expectations in combination with love and positive reinforcement. The Water Whisperer always guarantees these ingredients to ensure swimming success.

~ Be patient. Every child is an individual with different learning needs and styles. The Water Whisperer constantly evaluates, diagnoses, and treats your child with the approaches that will get them to successful swimming and water safety.

~ The earlier your child learns to swim, the quicker they become water safe. Postponing swim lessons only leads to more time to develop fear of the water.

~ The more kids practice, the more they will develop swimming confidence and security which leads to…MORE FUN IN THE POOL! After lessons are finished, parents should make sure their child continues to swim on as much of a regular basis as possible.

~ Do your homework! Practice strokes at home! Between lessons, have your child lie face down on the bed with their legs off the edge and kick with straight legs. They can do arm strokes while lying on their tummies too. Have your child practice relaxed floating on their backs in the tub. Before adding soap, have them blow bubbles, dipping their face in the water with closed mouths or going under and grabbing things, depending on where they are in their lessons.

~ If your child has a breakthrough, please arrange for a treat or external reward to inspire continuous motivation. Learning to swim is an intrinsic reward, but external rewards only speed up the process.