Welcome to Vista Swim Academy! Below are our most common questions to help you feel confident, prepared, and excited for your child’s swim journey. If you ever need help beyond these FAQs, our office team is always happy to assist.

Q. How old does my child have to be to begin lessons?

We welcome swimmers as young as 6 months in our Parent & Me program.
Independent group classes begin at 2.5 years old, once swimmers are developmentally ready to follow simple instructions and participate without a parent in the water.

Q. What is the student to teacher ratio?

We keep classes intentionally small to support safety, comfort, and faster progress.

• Parent & Me / Adult Lessons: Max of 5:1

• Standard Group Lessons: Max of 3:1

• 2T “Toddler Transition” Class: Ultra-small 2:1 ratio

Q. What is the 2T “Toddler Transition” class, and how do students move into it?

The 2T class is a small-ratio (2:1) transition class designed for toddlers who are ready to begin learning independently, but still benefit from extra support and a slower, more intentional separation process.

Students must be recommended and approved by a Parent & Me instructor before moving into 2T.
This ensures your child is developmentally ready for:

• Participating without a parent in the water

• Following simple instructions

• Short periods of separation

• Learning in a structured, small-group setting

Our goal is to support each child’s individual readiness — not to rush them into a class before they’re confident and comfortable.

Q. Is your pool heated?

Yes! Our indoor pool stays between 90–92°F year-round — warm enough for comfort, confidence, and consistent learning.
Because of the warm water, you may notice a bit more humidity in the pool area. We encourage you to visit our temperature controlled lobby for your comfort.

Q. What if my child is nervous, tearful, or doesn’t like the class?

This is completely normal — especially for toddlers and beginners.
New environments, new teachers, and structured learning can feel overwhelming at first.

Most swimmers adjust within 4-6 lessons.
If after 3 classes your child is still significantly struggling, we’ll work with you to find the best next step (a different time, a different instructor, or a gradual transition plan).

Our goal is to build trust, confidence, and a lifelong love of the water.

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

Every child learns to swim at their own pace. Progress depends on age, comfort, confidence, consistency, and developmental readiness. Many children show improvement within a few weeks, while mastering strong, safe swim skills takes longer and develops gradually over time. Our goal is steady, confident progress — never rushing milestones before a child is ready.

Q. Why does learning to swim take time?

Swimming is a motor skill, just like walking or riding a bike. Children need repetition, muscle memory, comfort, and consistency to build strong, dependable swim skills.

Q. Why are year-round lessons important?

Consistent lessons — especially through fall and winter — create safer summer swimmers.
Students who swim year-round maintain stronger skills, avoid regression, and head into peak swim season with confidence and competence.

Q. Are makeup classes offered?

Yes — we offer one make-up class per month when notified at least 24 hours in advance of an absence.

Make-up reminders:

• Must be scheduled at a different time than your regular class

• Expires 30 days after the missed lesson

• Cannot be used to replace a regularly scheduled class

• Accelerated lesson weeks (Swim Blitz) do not include make-ups

Q. What happens if there is a pool closure?

If we must close due to inclement weather, a sanitary concern, or a chemical imbalance, we will reschedule your class based on your family’s availability.
Because these events are unavoidable and out of our control, refunds or credits are not offered.

Q. What if we arrive late?

Your swimmer is welcome to join their class at any point during the scheduled time; however, we cannot extend lessons for late arrivals.

Please note:

• Arriving more than 10 minutes late without notifying us may result in your class time being forfeited, especially for swimmers scheduled near the end of the day

• Consistent, on-time arrivals help your child transition smoothly and make the most of their lesson

If you’re running behind, simply give us a quick call or message — we’re happy to help when we know you’re on the way.

Q. What is Swim Blitz?

Swim Blitz is our accelerated program that bundles multiple lessons in a single week. Swim Blitz weeks are typically offered over School Holidays & Summer Break.
It’s a great way to boost progress, refine skills, and build confidence quickly.
(Please note: Swim Blitz sessions do not offer make-ups.)

Q. How is billing handled?

Monthly tuition is billed on the 25th of the preceding month.
For example: March tuition bills on February 25th.

Billing reflects the number of lesson weeks in the month.
Tuition not paid by the 30th is subject to a late fee.

Q. Do you offer refunds?

We do not offer refunds on tuition.
If your schedule changes or you find yourself missing classes, please reach out — we are always happy to help you find a better time or assist you in completing your pre-paid lessons.

Q. Do you offer multi-student discounts? 

Yes. Families with three or more swimmers enrolled from the same household receive a 10% discount on all monthly tuition.

Q. How do I withdraw from classes?

To avoid being charged for the next month, we must receive written notice (email) by the 15th of your final month.

• Drop requests submitted between the 15th–25th incur a $25 late-drop fee

• Requests submitted after monthly billing on the 25th are non-refundable

Q. What should my child wear to swim lessons?

• A secure, well-fitting swimsuit

• Goggles (optional but helpful)

• Hair tied back or in a swim cap

• All children under age 3 must wear a Happy Nappy Duo reusable swim diaper, even if fully potty-trained. This is available for purchase at our facility

  Q. Is there a parent viewing area?

  Yes! We love having families watch their swimmers progress.

  Parents may sit in our mezzanine viewing area or in the D01 lobby.

  For safety and to maintain a focused learning environment:

  • No standing or sitting on the pool deck

  • No standing or sitting on the wooden benches surrounding the pool — these are not spectator areas and pose a slip/fall risk

  • Please keep walkways clear and observe quietly from designated viewing spaces

  If your family has unique circumstances (medical, sensory, etc.), please reach out — we are more than happy to discuss approved accommodations.