Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • All registrations are online.

    New Families: Click 'Swim Lessons' above and drop down to the type of lesson you’re interested in joining.

    Returning Families: Log in to your Parent Portal account. Keep in mind that you may need to email us to unarchive your account if it’s been a while since you last swam with us.

    *The Parent Portal also lets you view classes, add swimmers, and update billing information.

  • Since we are a year-round swim school, our enrollment is perpetual. Your student will start the same week you enroll them!

  • All new students age 3yr+ will need to register for STEP 1 for a placement evaluation.

    Group Lessons are by age and ability. If your child is 3-5yr, look for (P) after the class name indicated Preschool Ages. If your child is 6-10yr, look for (S) after the class name indicating School Ages.

    Private Lessons are available for ages 15mo - 12yr and do not require a special evaluation class; we simply evaluate them at their first scheduled lesson.

    If your child is already a strong and independent swimmer, please reach out to us prior to registering so that we can place them in a higher level for their initial evaluation.

  • For your convenience, we offer automatic monthly tuition payments. Simply store your preferred credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Discover) in your Parent Portal account.

    Payments will be processed on the 25th of each month.

    Please note that your initial payment may be prorated based on the remaining days in the month and will include the Annual Registration Fee.

  • An Annual Registration Fee (covering all siblings) is required. This fee supports administrative costs and also includes:

    • First Day Medal

    • Logo Swim Bag or T-Shirt (after 4th lesson)

    • Online Make-Up Lesson scheduling

    • Monthly Progress Reports & Skill Assessments

    • Graduation Ribbons, Certificates, Fast Track Medals & trips to the Treasure Box

    • Access to special events & priority registration

    • 50% off Open Family Swim

  • We offer year-round swimming with complete flexibility. No contracts required! You're free to swim with us as long as you'd like. Your spot is guaranteed until you notify us of any changes.

  • No Contracts: We understand that every family's needs are different. There's no set enrollment length, and you can cancel your swim lesson subscription anytime.

    Focus on Your Child's Progress: Decide on the number of lessons that best suit your child's learning pace.

    Simple Cancellation Process: To drop lessons, just send an email to Swim@AlligatorSteps.com by the 20th of the month. We'll stop your auto-pay and unenroll your child at the end of that month.

  • In our experience, children ages 4yr+ typically take 16-18 lessons to complete each swim level (STEP). By the end of STEP 2, children will begin swimming short distances independently. This translates to approximately 35 lessons to reach this milestone.

    Remember, every child learns at their own pace. Some may progress faster, while others may need more time. Learning to swim is a journey that requires dedication and consistent effort.

    NOTE: For our youngest swimmers (ages 0-3yr), progress can vary widely. Factors like their initial comfort level in the water play a significant role in their development, making it difficult to predict a specific timeline.

  • Just a swimsuit and towel!

    Children under 3yr, or not fully potty-trained, require a double diaper: a disposable swim diaper and a Happy Nappy reusable swim diaper cover (available for purchase at your first lesson).

    Leave all toys and flotation devices at home. Goggles are allowed for STEP 4 and above. No masks or nose plugs.

    NOTE: We will send out a Welcome Letter upon registration with more details to include where to go, what to bring and what to expect at your first lesson.

  • 15% off a second weekly class for the same child.

    10% off for Active Duty Military families after their first month of enrollment.

  • Students can begin swim lessons as early as 6 months! However, we offer a variety of classes for children up to the age of 12yr.

  • Each swim level (STEP) includes 8 skills for your child to master. We conduct monthly evaluations and email you updates. Track their progress and access helpful demo videos in your Parent Portal at anytime.

  • We allow children to wear goggles in STEP 4+, once they complete our Beginners Program. We believe in developing well-rounded swimmers who can adapt to any situation. While goggles are great fun, learning to navigate underwater without them builds essential survival skills for unexpected situations.

    *NOTE: Masks and nose plugs are not allowed.

  • Swimming is a valuable life skill! We know the first few lessons can be challenging for some young children. Our team uses a playful approach to build confidence and turn those initial jitters into excitement. Most children adjust within 4 lessons.

    However, we recognize that separation can be a hurdle for some young children. If this is the case for your 3 year old, we offer a special class called 'STEP Prep.' This class allows you to join your child on deck to provide support and guidance until they are ready for independent lessons. Our primary goal is to ensure a positive and enjoyable swim experience for all our students.

  • Our Beginner Group Lessons have a 4:1 ratio. We believe that the smaller class size helps facilitate learning for our students that are just starting their swim journey, and provides them with a positive learning environment.

  • Yes! Click on the ‘SWIM LESSON’ link above and drop down to each option for more information about that program. Each page also includes a live schedule and registration link.

    *Our specialty lessons/programs are led by experienced instructors with specialized certifications.