Swimwear
Babies must wear a form-fitting, one-piece swimsuit (like a shirt and bottom all in one) over an approved swim diaper. Certain types of wetsuits are also appropriate for babies and young children. Please reach out to me if you think your student needs a wetsuit.
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| Her mom loops this student's long ponytail to keep it from hanging in her face. Note the swimsuit straps that stay put. |
Students in Toddler level and above must wear swimsuits that are form-fitting; allow complete freedom of movement; provide reliable coverage of private body parts; and do not float up, fall down, shift, sag, fill with water, or fill with air. Swimsuits must not have pockets, ruffles, bows, skirts, tutus, glitter, beads, or anything that can move, distract, or come off in the pool. Separate rash guards should be avoided because they often ride up, roll up, or fill with air, creating a distraction. For those needing UV protection, one-piece sunsuits such as these work well.
Male suits must have a functional drawstring that passes all the way around the waist to keep them up, and it must be tied securely. Jammers are the most comfortable and hassle-free.
On female suits, shoulder straps must connect to one another or cross in back. One-piece suits are preferred, but if they don't work for your student, select a two-piece suit that meets the criteria here. Note that bottoms must have a functional drawstring, and it must be tied securely.
Students who are transgender or gender nonconforming are welcome to wear what feels right for them, as long as it meets the criteria here for coverage and performance. This website may be a helpful resource. I support everyone living as their authentic selves, and believe the pool should be a safe space. Please reach out to me if you have questions or concerns about what your student should wear to swim lessons.
Be aware that bright colors and floral patterns can attract bees and other insects during outdoor lessons. My recommendation is to wear solid, unobtrusive colors.
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| The little ponytails near the front keep this student's wispy hairs from washing into her face. |
Students' hair must be so short that it does not move when wet (such as a buzz cut), securely held back out of the way with elastics, or contained completely in a silicone swim cap. When the student's goggles are on their forehead as pictured at left, they must sit on skin or on a swim cap - not on hair. When the student's goggles are on their eyes as pictured below, the seals must sit completely on skin - not on hair or on the cap.
A swim cap makes lessons easier in numerous ways, including:
- controlling hair without time-consuming braiding, etc.
- holding goggle straps in place
- preventing goggles from pulling hair
- minimizing hair tangling
- keeping hair drier
- reducing chlorine damage to hair
- preventing sunburn on parts
- providing a measure of heat retention/protection from drafts. A cap is especially helpful for outdoor lessons in chilly or breezy conditions.
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| Silicone caps are durable, easy to use, and come in a wide array of colors. |
Loose hair is not allowed because it impedes the seal of goggles; obstructs vision; interferes with breathing; gets painfully and distractingly pulled by goggle straps; and falls out in the water, where it makes the pool dirty, wraps around people's appendages, and clogs filtration systems.
Ponytails must not be placed where they interfere with goggle straps. Those longer than 3" must be braided and/or looped. Ponytails and braids must not be able to reach the face.
Goggles
Goggles
Students ages three and up must have their own pair of high-quality goggles. Some toddlers benefit from goggles; I determine this on a case-by-case basis.
Good goggles are a tremendous asset, while poor ones are a hindrance. Acceptable goggles have the following features:
- Large lenses that provide a wide field of vision.
- Wide, flexible silicone seals, which are long-lasting and conform nicely to different faces.
- Flat straps made of silicone or another rubbery material to prevent slipping.
- A split strap - one piece by the lenses, two on the back of the head - to keep the goggles in place.
- Quick-adjust buckles at the sides of the lenses that can be operated by pressing a button while wearing the goggles.
- Clear lenses for indoor lessons. If desired, tinted lenses may be used for outdoor lessons.
- Aquasphere, Speedo, or Tyr brand.
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| This 5-year-old loves his Aquasphere goggles. |
Goggles with any of the following issues should not be brought to swim lessons:
- Straps that must be adjusted by removing the goggles and feeding the strap through a buckle.
- A single strap.
- Parts that cover the nose (these are actually masks, not goggles).
- Aged, warped, cracked or otherwise compromised seals.
- Round or fabric straps.
Students must shower before lessons to remove sweat, dirt, food, paint, makeup, hair/body oils, hairspray, or anything else that can pollute the water. Sunscreen must be a waterproof formula, and may not be applied within fifteen minutes of the lesson start time; late application will delay the lesson. Note that the outdoor pool is in the shade until approximately 10:30 AM. If mud, sunscreen, or anything else runs off a student onto the deck or into the pool water, the student will be required to go shower before beginning their lesson. Gooey noses, bandages, temporary tattoos, and stickers are not allowed in the pool.
Toilet/Potty Training
Students should use the restroom just prior to their lessons. I am unable to accompany children to the restroom. If they need a potty break during the lesson, the parent/guardian will need to take them.
Students should use the restroom just prior to their lessons. I am unable to accompany children to the restroom. If they need a potty break during the lesson, the parent/guardian will need to take them.
Individuals who are not fully toilet-trained must wear an approved swim diaper for lessons. Disposable and reusable swim diapers are acceptable. Conventional disposable diapers are not allowed in the pool. Pool pollution can sicken people, requires expensive cleanup, and cancels lessons for the remainder of the day.
Food
It's normal for students of all ages to swallow some air during lessons, which results in burping. To limit the chances of stomach contents being brought up with the air, it's imperative to have no food or drink (aside from plain water) during the hour prior to the lesson. Dairy products should be avoided for two hours prior. Because their digestive systems are less mature, students under seven years old should avoid the following foods throughout their session:
apple, apple juice, applesauce
This student found a fun way
to show his love of swimming.- celery
- excessive refined sugar
- honey
- papaya
- passion fruit
- peach
- pineapple
- spinach
Poolside Footwear
Summer students need secure slip-on footwear (e.g. Crocs or similar) dedicated for use around the pool. This is essential for safety on the (sometimes) hot pool deck and for navigating the wood chips between the pool and the restroom. The shoes must be clean inside (so that the student's feet are clean for lessons) and out (to keep the deck clean).
Do Not Bring
Toys, barrettes, bobby pins, headbands, jewelry, nose plugs, ear plugs, water shoes, snorkels, masks, flotation devices, gum, candy, and baby oil/anything that makes the student's skin slippery are not allowed.
Nails
It is the nature of swim lessons that my students and I have a lot of close contact; I regularly get grabbed and kicked. To prevent scratching me, students' fingernails and toenails must be kept short and even. My nails are kept short to ensure my students' comfort.
Tardiness
Plan to arrive fifteen minutes prior to the start of your lesson to allow your student time to use the restroom and get ready. In fairness to subsequent students, I am unable to extend lessons for students who arrive late or are unprepared.
Drop-off & Pick-up
Nails
It is the nature of swim lessons that my students and I have a lot of close contact; I regularly get grabbed and kicked. To prevent scratching me, students' fingernails and toenails must be kept short and even. My nails are kept short to ensure my students' comfort.
Tardiness
Plan to arrive fifteen minutes prior to the start of your lesson to allow your student time to use the restroom and get ready. In fairness to subsequent students, I am unable to extend lessons for students who arrive late or are unprepared.
Drop-off & Pick-up
Please escort your student to meet me at the poolside so they're ready to begin their lesson at their scheduled time. Please do not have them navigate the deck/steps on their own.
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| Summer swim lessons begin and end right here at the pool steps. |
Parents/guardians are required to remain on the premises throughout the lesson.
At the scheduled end time, be at the same spot where their lesson began, ready to pick up your student. Again, please do not have them navigate the deck/steps on their own. At this time, I must transfer responsibility for your student's safety back to you; I am unable to provide supervision for children after their lesson finishes. A timely pickup respects my time and that of subsequent students.
Sickness
Students, families, and I share a collective responsibility to protect everyone's health and keep swim lessons going. Students must not come to lessons with any of the following conditions:
- fever, vomiting, or diarrhea in the last 24 hours
- coughing or sneezing (other than allergies)
- nasal discharge (other than allergies)
- open or weeping wounds
- positive test for coronavirus
- waterborne parasites such as giardiasis or cryptosporidiosis within the last two weeks
Students are
expected to try their best at all times.
Students must be ready to start their lessons on time. Those who are unprepared will be unable to begin their lesson. If the situation cannot be remedied by the student/parent/guardian within the first five minutes of the lesson time, the student will forfeit that day's lesson.
Students/parents/guardians and any individuals accompanying them are required to treat all individuals, facilities, and equipment with respect and
courtesy at all times. Unacceptable behaviors include but are not limited to: disobeying lifeguards, pool supervisors, or other staff; breaking pool rules; failing to abide by policies and procedures; insulting me; ordering me around; arguing with me; ignoring me; yelling/screaming at me; and kicking, biting, pushing, hitting, and clawing me or others. Those
who are noncompliant or who harm, disrespect, mistreat, threaten, abuse and/or
endanger individuals, facilities, or equipment may be given a time out, have a
lesson terminated, and/or be dismissed from the program. No refunds will be issued
in such instances.
Cancellations
In the event of a confirmed case of coronavirus or a coronavirus exposure among my students or my own household, lessons may need to be suspended to follow current CDC guidelines for isolating or quarantining.
In the event of a confirmed case of coronavirus or a coronavirus exposure among my students or my own household, lessons may need to be suspended to follow current CDC guidelines for isolating or quarantining.
I have on a very few occasions had to cancel lessons due to my own scheduling conflicts. Although it has yet to happen, I may cancel lessons in the event of my illness.
The town of Chapel Hill reserves the right to cancel or change the date and/or time of my pool rentals at Homestead Aquatic Center. Lessons at HAC may also be cancelled due to mechanical problems, pool pollution, facility closures, and scheduling conflicts.
Outdoor lessons may be cancelled due to mechanical problems, pool pollution, or unsafe conditions such as storms and cold. I follow the recommendations of the National Lightning Safety Institute for pool closures: we will evacuate the pool and seek shelter if there is lightning followed by thunder within thirty seconds, or if a distinct clap of thunder is heard, even without lightning. Pool activities will be suspended for thirty minutes after the last thunder is heard.
The town of Chapel Hill reserves the right to cancel or change the date and/or time of my pool rentals at Homestead Aquatic Center. Lessons at HAC may also be cancelled due to mechanical problems, pool pollution, facility closures, and scheduling conflicts.
Outdoor lessons may be cancelled due to mechanical problems, pool pollution, or unsafe conditions such as storms and cold. I follow the recommendations of the National Lightning Safety Institute for pool closures: we will evacuate the pool and seek shelter if there is lightning followed by thunder within thirty seconds, or if a distinct clap of thunder is heard, even without lightning. Pool activities will be suspended for thirty minutes after the last thunder is heard.
If your lesson is cancelled, I will notify you by text as soon as possible. Little warning is possible for weather cancellations. I rarely cancel lessons according to the forecast, but according to the current weather.
Makeup Lessons
If more than half of your lesson is cancelled, I will do everything in my power to offer a makeup lesson. I am unable to offer makeup lessons due to student absence.
Outdoor makeup lessons will be offered on the next Saturday I have available, in their normally scheduled order, with the first lesson starting at 8:45 AM. Be sure to leave Saturdays open on your calendar during your session.
Indoor makeup lessons must be coordinated with the facility, which cannot be done in advance. Options are few due to limited pool availability. I will strive to schedule makeups as soon as possible, but not longer than one week after the end of your session, and as close as possible to your usual lesson time. Be sure to leave the week following your session open on your calendar.
If I am unable to offer a makeup for a cancelled lesson, you will receive a refund for that lesson. Not attending a makeup lesson constitutes forfeiture of that lesson.
Payment/Refunds
Payment in full is required at the time of registration. Venmo and Zelle are accepted.
Payment in full is required at the time of registration. Venmo and Zelle are accepted.
Students who pay their tuition but do not complete their registration qualify for a refund, minus a $50 processing fee.
Students who complete their registration then cancel it at least 45 days prior to the start date will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 45 days of the start date do not qualify for a refund.
I will issue a refund for any lesson that is cancelled and for which I'm unable to offer a makeup lesson.
Photos/Videos
I may take photos and videos of students for instructional and promotional purposes. At your request, I'll gladly share them with you. Photos and videos may be used anonymously on this website or for other educational and promotional means.
I may take photos and videos of students for instructional and promotional purposes. At your request, I'll gladly share them with you. Photos and videos may be used anonymously on this website or for other educational and promotional means.
You are welcome to take photos and videos during swim lessons for personal use.
