To make your first day a breeze, arrive 10 minutes early. We'll welcome your family, take a 'First Day' photo, and briefly discuss your child's swim journey.

Please see one of our Welcome Specialist for a special ‘First Lesson Medal’ for your child.

Then, head to the 'Check In' Counter. Use the iPads to easily check your child in for their lesson. Simply enter your phone number, and the system will guide you through the process.

Swim Zones are color coded. The check-in screen will display your child's Swim Zone Color. Please note that this may change from week to week.

Grab the matching bracelet and have your child wear it. This helps us quickly direct them to the correct Swim Zone and Instructor.

*NOTE: Parent/Tot Classes do not require wristbands.

Gear Up: Bring a swimsuit and towel for your child (and yourself for Parent/Tot classes). To avoid changing room congestion, please have your child arrive in their swimsuit whenever possible.

Leave Toys at Home: We provide all the necessary equipment and fun! No need to bring any toys or flotation devices.

Goggles: Goggles are permitted starting in STEP 4 (after completing the Beginners Program).

No Masks or Nose Plugs: For safety reasons, masks and nose plugs are not allowed in the pool.

Water Shoes: Water shoes are for adults only. They can interfere with proper kicking technique for students.

Diapering: Children under 3yr or those not fully potty-trained must wear a double diaper: a disposable swim diaper covered with a reusable Happy Nappy® swim diaper cover. Happy Nappy® swim diapers are available for purchase at our swim school.

Important Note: For health and safety, Happy Nappy® swim diapers are the ONLY approved reusable swim diapers in our pool.

Convenience: Our facility offers multiple family restrooms, changing stalls, benches with hair dryers, and a large changing table for your convenience. Please ensure your child uses the restroom before entering the pool area.

Changing: Please do NOT use the restrooms for changing. Changing stalls are provided at the end of the boardwalk and to the left.

Pool Area Access: Students enter the pool area through 'Dry Doors' in the Viewing Area and exit through the 'Wet Door' in the Changing Area. Please meet your child at the 'Wet Door' after their lesson.

Lesson Start: A team member will call students to line up at a 'Dry Door' a few minutes before their lesson. Students will then be guided to their colored swim zone based on their wristband color.

Tot Assistance: Students 3yr & under may have an adult assist them to their Swim Zone. However, we kindly request a 'drop and go' approach to minimize distractions. Please avoid lingering around the Swim Zone.

Footwear: Please remove shoes before entering the pool area. Adults participating in Parent/Tot classes can wear water shoes.

Viewing Area: For the best learning environment, we kindly ask families to observe lessons from the designated Viewing Area.

First-Time Separation: If your young child is having difficulty separating during their first few lessons, please speak with us at the Front Desk. We can issue a Deck Pass so that you can join them on deck - we want their experience to be positive and enjoyable.

Relax and Enjoy: While you watch, enjoy a beverage from our Hydration Station (coffee & tea bar). It's the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy a quiet moment! Simply sign the form on the counter, and we'll automatically charge the card on file.

Cashless Convenience: We are a 'no cash' facility, making it easy and convenient to make purchases anytime.

Pick-Up: We'll bring your child to the 'Wet Door' located in the Changing Area after their lesson.

Rinsing Off: Showers are available on deck for rinsing off after the lesson. Feel free to assist your child if needed, but please remove your shoes before entering the pool area. Keep your child's swimsuit on while rinsing (cameras are in use).

Changing: The Changing Area is equipped with a large changing table with cubbies, benches with hair dryers, and individual stalls with a bench & tot safety seat.

Important Note: To ensure everyone has access, please refrain from reserving changing stalls before your child exits the pool area.

Maximizing Efficiency: Our swim instructors teach back-to-back lessons to ensure all students get the most out of their class time. This means they remain in the water at all times.

Quarterly Progress Updates: To keep you informed, we offer special parent feedback sessions every quarter/season. During the last 5 minutes of your child's lesson, you'll be invited on deck to chat with their instructor. This is a great opportunity to get a progress update and ask any questions you may have.

Questions in Between: For questions or concerns outside of these feedback sessions, feel free to email your child's instructor anytime at MyInstructor@AlligatorSteps.com. Just include your child's instructor's name in the subject line, and we'll make sure your message gets delivered.

Prompt Responses: We aim to respond to all instructor emails within 24 hours during business hours.

Focus on Fun & Learning: At Alligator Steps Swim School, we believe every child deserves to learn in a fun and positive teaching environment.

Student-Guided Approach: Our curriculum is designed to be student-guided, allowing your child to learn at their own pace.

The 'STEP UP' Program: Our unique 'STEP UP' program adapts to your child's growth. Each swim level (STEP) focuses on mastering 8 key skills.

Progress Updates: Our team conducts monthly evaluations. You'll receive email notifications each time your child masters a new skill!

Demo Videos: Access demo videos for STEPS 1-9 in your Parent Portal. These videos demonstrate each skill and can help you support your child's learning at home.

Colored Wristbands: Colored wristbands at check-in are NOT needed for Parent/Tot classes.

Be Prepared: Arrive a few minutes early with your child and yourself in swimsuits when possible. All children under 3yr must double diaper using a disposable swim diaper under a Happy Nappy swim diaper cover.

Storing Your Bag: Feel free to store your bag and shoes in the Changing Area utilizing the cubbies located under the large changing table, or bring them on deck with you - we have a dedicated shelving area for Parent/Tot families. Please leave strollers and infant seats in the lobby.

Pool Area Entry: Parent/Tot families will enter the pool area from the ‘Wet Door’ located in the Changing Area.

Water Entry: Wait for your instructor's signal to enter the pool. Water entry procedures vary depending on your child’s age group. We emphasize the importance of waiting for an adult's permission to enter the water.

Learning at Different Rates: Remember, children learn to swim at their own pace. Some may be hesitant or anxious at first, which is completely normal.

Build Confidence: Take your time and allow your child to adjust to the water gradually. We prioritize building confidence and avoid forcing any skills.

Comfort Level Bands: Your instructor will provide a colored band to indicate your child's comfort level with submersions. Start with a red band for the first few lessons to focus on proper cueing techniques.

Monthly Billing: Tuition is automatically debited on the 25th of each month using the card on file.

Consistent Billing Cycle: All families are on the same billing cycle, regardless of their enrollment date.

Prorated First Payment: Your initial payment may have been prorated (unless you enrolled at the beginning of the month) and included a $45 Annual Family Registration Fee.

Subscription-Based: Swim lesson enrollment is like a subscription service (similar to Disney+). You'll continue to be billed monthly until you notify us by the 20th of the month that you wish to stop lessons.

Variable Lesson Counts: Most months include 4 lessons. In months with 5 days/lessons, your tuition will increase accordingly to reflect the extra lesson.

Flexibility: Alligator Steps Swim School offers a convenient Lesson Trade-Off Program!

How it Works: If your child needs to miss a lesson, log into the Parent Portal at least one day in advance and mark them absent. The system will then automatically issue a make-up lesson credit valid for use within 30 days of the absence.

Same Day Call-Outs: Please note that same day absences (ex: due to last minute illness) does not qualify for a make-up lesson due to high class demand.

Trade-Off Requirement: To participate in the program, you must be able to offer your child's spot in advance to another family needing a make-up lesson in exchange for your own make-up credit.

Ready to Level Up? When your child successfully masters all 8 skills in their current STEP, they'll graduate with a ribbon and move on to the next challenge.

Monitor your child’s progress at any time through your Parent Portal account.

The time it takes to complete a STEP varies for each child. On average, it's around 16-18 lessons. Keep in mind that learning styles differ, and some children may need extra time, particularly if they're new to the water or feeling a bit anxious.

NOTE: While Parent/Tot classes are grouped by age, we regularly assess your child's progress. Skill checks are performed every 6 weeks and we celebrate their achievements with awards.