FAQ

As soon as you know your child will miss a day please send us an email.

Swimsuit and towel.  Some swimmers like to wear flip flops on the deck.

Goggles are great for swimming laps, but it is not an ideal piece of equipment while learning to swim.  The instructors at Water You Wading For will introduce goggles once swimmers are comfortable getting their faces and eyes wet.  The instructor will let you know when your child is ready for goggles.  Instructors will occasionally introduce goggles during lessons.

During summer at our outdoor pool- please put sunblock on your child at least ½ hour before entering the water to help the lotion set in.

If your child is not toilet trained, please have them wear swim diapers while in the outdoor pool. Indoor pool does require swimmers to be fully potty trained. 

Yes.  All instructors are life guard, CPR and first aid certified through American Red Cross. Head instructor, Ms. Amy, is certified to teach and train instructors how to teach swim lessons through the American Red Cross.  She is also CPR and First Aid certified.  Every instructor shadows Ms. Amy until they get the hang of teaching.

For some children, a swim lesson could be their first instructional experience without mom or dad.  It is normal to have some nerves before the first lesson.  But, having positive talks with your child about what to expect and staying away from negative words may help your child transition into the lesson more smoothly.  Positive prep talk with your child may help.  Instructors will not do anything your child is not ready for, so we may take the first lesson sitting on side with feet in the water.  A suggestion for parents is to “disappear or become invisible".  Children tend to stop crying quicker when parents are “reading a magazine” or “going to the bathroom.” We have much experience with children of all types of needs and are most comfortable proceeding with the lesson as you see fit. 

The more you practice with your child, the better they will progress.  If your child is a beginner swimmer, practice blowing bubbles and getting their faces wet (before shampoo of course) in the bath tub.  This means no more shielding the eyes with towels.  Have your child blink instead of using hands to wipe eyes.  Hands are needed to move through the water while swimming. When children come up for a breathe and start wiping eyes, it makes them sink in the water.  Your swim instructor will be able to give you more tips on what to work with at home to help your swimmer out.

During the fall, winter and spring seasons, Water You Wading For holds swim lessons at the Hand Therapy Associates office indoor, heated therapy pool.  The address is 6311 W. 95th street, Oak Lawn.  The pool is kept at 90*.  The pool is small and makes children comfortable learning to swim.

During the summer, both our indoor and outdoor location at the Evergreen Racquet and Fitness Club at 2700 W. 91st Street in Evergreen Park are utilized. 

Home Pools:  If you have a pool in your backyard, belong to a country club or know someone with a pool, you may have a qualified swim instructor come to you!  It is convenient and has flexibility.  Contact us for more information regarding an at home swim less