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FAQ's
These FAQ's will give you a brief overview of our program. For more detailed information please go to our Handbook which is available online. Hard copies of the Handbook are given to each family upon new registration.
Where is the pool located?
The Indoor-Year Round Facility:
Vista Del Monte Aquatics Center
3775 Modoc Rd, Santa Barbara 93111
The Outdoor-Summer Only Facility:
Hidden Oaks Pool
4760 Calle Camarada
Santa Barbara, CA 93110-2053
What are the hours of operation?
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.
Pool Hours:
Mon: 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Tues: 6:15 pm - 8:30 pm
Wed: 4:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Thurs: 6:15 am - 8:30 pm
Fri: 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sat: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Where should I park?
For Vista Del Monte:
Please park in the Santa Barbara Christian School/ Emmanuael Luteran
Parking Lot adjacent to the Vista Del Monte Facility. See Map
Hidden Oaks:
What should I bring to lessons?
Swim suit, Swim diaper (ages 0-4), Towel, Dry clothes and/or Pajamas, shampo (conditioner, soap, body wash etc.), a toy belonging to the child that will provide comfort in new situation.
What if my child cries or is afraid?
First of all, it is perfectly normal for some children to
be fearful of the water. Some children will cry and protest before
they become acclimated to the pool and the routine of lessons. Our teachers
are trained to deal with even the most fearful swimmers. We have many toys,
songs and games especially created for fearful swimmers. If you need help
getting your child into the pool, ask our staff for assistance. We will gladly
get your child happy and swimming in no time! We do ask that once your child
is in the water with his or her teacher that you observe through the window
in the lobby, where you will not be visible to your child and he or she will
have the chance to bond with his or her teacher.
What if my child is sick?
If your child has had a fever or vomited in the last 24 hours, they are too sick to come to swim class. If your child has a bacterial or other infection, we ask that you take 48 hours of antibiotics before you come to swim class. If they have a simple runny nose or non productive cough, swim lessons can actually be good for them. (See “Why Swim Year Round” in the Handbook) In fact, the warm water can help clear the sinuses and make them feel better!
Is it safe to put my baby under water?
It is perfectly safe to put your baby underwater, assuming there are no unusual medical circumstances. We begin by submerging babies no more than a few seconds at a time and no more than 3 times per class until we are certain they have developed breath control and are not swallowing the water. As always, if you have a specific concern, please consult your pediatrician.
What is "Free Swim"?
Free swim is offered every saturday from 3-4pm. We have a lifeguard on duty but expect that parents keep a close eye on their children. Free swim is open to all WFSS registered swimmers and their immediate family.
What if I miss a lesson?
It is currently our policy to not offer makeup lessons, but rather to extend to you the use of Free Swim on Saturdays. Children learn very fast through educational play and we encourage you to take advantage of this time. If your child is sick or plans to be absent for their lesson(s), please call the office immediately so that we can make arrangements for your reserved time and communicate with our teachers in the water.
How does scheduling work?
Our schedule is “perpetual”-meaning that classes continue indefinetly until you wish to switch times or take a break. Please call or email the office for any scheduling for lessons. Most of the lessons are booked by the time our swim cycle has begun, but there can be openings at any time. If you need to change the date or time of your currently scheduled lessons, please call or email the office as soon as possible. Our booking managers will help you find a class that works with your schedule or place you on a waiting list until that spot opens up.If a spot opens up in your requested time slot, you will have 24 hours to reserve the spot. If we have not heard back from you within 24 hours, we will assume that the class is not convenient for you, and offer the slot to someone else. If you wish to cancel lessons, we require a 30 day written notice; this can be emailed. It is your responsibility to make sure that the office has receieved your cancellation letter. So, please call to confirm that your request has been received before the 30 days has expired. If inadequate notice is received, you may be billed for up to 4 weeks of lessons.
How do I pay for lessons?
Lessons may be paid for by check or by credit card. Payments can be mailed to our mailing address: 1222 Camino Rio Verde, Santa Barbara, CA. 93111. You may mail your payment or drop it off at the front desk. If payment is not received by the time your lessons start, you may be dropped and your spot filled by another student. There is a fee of $25 for all returned checks.
When do I pay for lessons?
Lessons will be billed by the amount of lessons taken during that particular cycle. If you are joining us in the middle of a cycle, your lessons will be prorated to reflect the number of lessons taken during that cycle. Payment is due before first lessons begin. If you are experiencing a hardship, please call the office. We may be able to break your payments into two, instead of one lump sum.
Will my child get ear infections if they get water in their ears?
In general, the pressure inside the ears is sufficient to keep water from going too deeply into the ear canal. Our water is also chlorinated and likely cleaner than bathwater. If you have a specific concern, please contact your Pediatrician.
My child has tubes in their ears should I wait to start lessons?
It is not necessary to put off swim lessons because your child has tubes in her ears. Make sure that you inform your instructor on the first day of lessons (and any time you have a substitute or new instructor) that your child has tubes in her ears and indicate it on your registration form. We will take the simple precaution of not allowing your child to dive to the bottom of the deeper end of the pool where the pressure could force water deeper into the ear canal. At the front desk we also sell “Ear Putty”, a type of moldable earplug, and other devices to help keep water out of the ears.
May I request a specific teacher?
We cannot guarantee specific teachers, nor can we waitlist for specific teacher requests. Our office managers are familiar with all of our teachers as well as their teaching styles. All of our teachers are equally trained but bring their own personalities and individuality to the lessons. Our office managers and Wendy will work to make sure that you have a match for your child.