Dragon Swim Academy: Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When should my child learn to swim? Swim lessons should begin as early as possible. Drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death in children under 4-years-old. Initially, your child will be learning to roll over, float on their back to breathe and other important safety skills. Mastering these skills create the foundational base required to eventually reach the Olympics (or at least, swim like an Olympian).

  2. Can my child wear a floatation device? Floats, swimmies, water wings, puddle jumpers, life vests, etc. are strictly PROHIBITED during lessons.  Flotation devices prevent your child from learning the proper techniques and mechanics of swimming.  Your child’s instructor will ensure that your child stays afloat until they can do it independently.

  3. Does my child need to have swimming experience to be a Dragon Swim Academy Student? No. Windermere Lakers offers a Program for swimmers of all levels, from toddler to high school. All swimmers, however, are required to be potty trained before they can attend lessons at Dragon Swim Academy.

  4. Do I have to attend Windermere Prep to participate in Dragon Swim Academy? No, Windermere Laker Aquatics swim lessons are open to all. 

  5. Does my child need to wear a specific kind of bathing suit/a one-piece/etc.? Though swimmer are required to wear a bathing suit for Dragon Swim Academy lessons, they are welcome to wear whatever kind of bathing suit makes them the most comfortable, and supports the ability to move freely in the water.

  6. Does Dragon Swim Academy offer discounts for siblings? No. Since each child receives the same experienced instruction in our classes, we do not offer discounts for Dragon Swim Academy swimmers.

  7. My child has no previous swimming experience. How long will it take for my child to be "safe" in the water? We recommend at least 8 private lessons back to back for those who are new to swimming, however, there is no set pace for your child's swimming improvement.  Some children might need 12 – 16 lessons to become "pool safe". These initial lessons provide time for the child to understand necessary skills, develop a relationship with their swim instructor, and feel safe in the pool. We consider a child "pool safe" when they can swim independently, float on their back for an extended amount of time without panic or fear, and can successfully swim back to the side of the pool without assistance. The most important role of a parent or guardian during swim lessons is to be positive and patient with their swimmer's success.

  8. Is Dragon Swim Academy a Year-Round Program? Yes! Dragon Swim Academy offers both group and one-on-one lessons year-round, though we typically take time away from the pool during Thanksgiving, Winter Holidays, Spring Break, Memorial Day, and Labor Day. These breaks will be announced well in advanced.

  9. Is the pool heated/temperature-controlled? Yes! During the winter, our instructors work to keep our pool between 80 and 83 degrees. During the summer, we use a sprinkler system to cycle cool water from the bottom of the pool to the top.