It's completely normal! Our expert coaches are trained to handle this with calm and patience. We will never force them. We'll simply scale back, focus on a comforting activity like gentle swaying or a song, and prioritize their emotional well-being above all else.

All you need is a well-fitting swim diaper for your baby (a requirement for most pools) and a towel. For added warmth in cooler condo pools, we can recommend some great thermal suits for babies.

Yes, that is perfectly okay. You do not need to be a swimmer to participate. All our parent-accompanied lessons are conducted in shallow water where you can comfortably stand. Your role is to be a source of comfort and trust for your baby, and our expert coach will be right there to guide and support you both.

We believe in a gentle, child-led approach to submersion. It is an important skill for water safety, but it is never forced. We use specific verbal and physical cues to prepare your baby, and only proceed with a quick, happy submersion when both you and your baby are showing signs of being comfortable and ready.

Yes, you are right. Babies are born with a remarkable set of involuntary reflexes to help them in the water. The one you're referring to is called the bradycardic response, or more commonly, the mammalian dive reflex.

When a baby's face, particularly the area around their nose and mouth, is submerged in cool water, it triggers an involuntary response:

1. Their heart rate slows down to conserve oxygen.
2. They automatically hold their breath by closing their epiglottis, which prevents water from entering their lungs.

This is the most important part of your question, and the answer is: YES, you absolutely still need to teach breath control.

Here's why:

1. The Reflex is Temporary: The dive reflex is strongest in the first 6 months of life and typically diminishes or disappears completely between 6 and 12 months of age. You cannot rely on a temporary, involuntary reflex for long-term safety.
2. The Goal is a Conscious Skill, Not an Unconscious Reaction: A reflex is automatic; the baby has no control over it. The entire goal of a good baby swimming program is to use the "magical window" when this reflex is active to transition the baby from an involuntary reaction to a conscious, learned skill.

This is the art of great baby swim coaching. We do this through conditioning. By consistently using a verbal cue, like "Ready... Set... Go!", right before a gentle, quick submersion, the baby learns to associate the cue with the action of holding their breath. Over time, they will begin to hold their breath on command, even after the natural reflex has faded

You can expect a gentle, joyful, and sensory-rich experience that is designed entirely around your baby's comfort and your connection with them. Our lessons are less like a formal class and more like a guided discovery session.

A typical 30-minute lesson will follow a calm, predictable rhythm:

1. The Gentle Welcome: We begin slowly, getting used to the water with familiar songs, smiles, and gentle splashing. The first few minutes are all about creating a calm, happy, and secure atmosphere.
2. Purposeful Play & Discovery: This is the heart of the lesson. Through a series of fun, age-appropriate activities—like reaching for floating toys to encourage kicking or singing "Twinkle, Twinkle" during an assisted back float—we will guide you and your baby through foundational movements. Every activity has a purpose, designed to build their motor skills and water confidence.
3. The Calm Cool-Down: We always end the session on a positive and relaxed note, perhaps with a gentle sway or a final soft song. This ensures your baby leaves the pool feeling happy, safe, and looking forward to their next water adventure.

Throughout the entire lesson, you will be with your baby, acting as their safe space, while our expert coach guides you both every step of the way.