SIGNING UP
When can I sign up? The registration times are listed next to the session title. For Weekend lessons, the sign ups are always the Monday at 9AM after the conclusion of a session. For Weekday lessons, the sign ups are always the Saturday at 9AM after the conclusion of a session.
Can I make an account ahead of time? The system does not allow you to make an account until the registration opens.
How much do the lessons cost? Each session is $210.
How do I know if my registration went through? You will receive a confirmation email.
Is there a wait list? There is not.
Can I cancel my lesson? Unfortunately, we don't allow cancellations or offer refunds. Please check that you are available for a session before signing up. If you have any other questions about this please email [email protected].
Are enrollments automatically reoccuring? No, you need to re-register at the end of each session.
LEVELS
What level do I sign up for? Level descriptions are listed next to each level. If you need more clarification please email [email protected]. Returning swimmers will receive a report card on the last day of class. The front of the report card will note what level they should take next session.
There are no more spots in my swimmer's level, should I sign up for a different level to get a spot? No, please do not intentionally sign your swimmer up for the wrong level. We will not be able to move your swimmer into a full class and we will not allow them to stay in a level that is inappropriate/unsafe for them.
How many kids are in each class? We set the classes to 8 swimmers per class. Occasionally one swimmer may be moved into a class for safety reasons. We make accommodations for first time families that aren't certain of what level would be the best fit.
How many teachers are in each class? Level 1 and level 2 have one lead instructor and two to three+ teaching assistants. Upper levels have one lead and one teaching assistant.
What if I sign my swimmer up for a level that is not the right fit? We want to maintain a safe learning environment for everyone, therefore swimmers may be moved around to levels that better suit their ability. If you are unsure your swimmer is fit to their level, feel free to talk to the teacher before the start of the class. Prior to signing up, you can email [email protected] with level questions.
When can my swimmer pass a level? Your swimmer is able to move to the next level once they've mastered all skills listed on the report card for that designated level. Skills are often foundational, building blocks for other levels. Completion of one level is a requirement before beginning the next.
How long does it take to pass each level? Every swimmer is different and there is many variables that contribute to how quickly skills are picked up. Some swimmers may work through a level in one session and others may take multiple attempts to master all the skills in that level.
What do I do after they finish all six levels? Your swimmers is fully red cross safe! We have a pre-competition team that practices on the weekends called Big Fish. When your swimmer completes level 6 their report card will say "PASS" and you will receive an email in the next week about steps to join Big Fish. Big Fish is currently at CAPACITY (November 2025 update)
CLASS DAY
What if we miss a class? Unfortunately, we can't offer makeup classes because most classes are full and we don't want to over book a full class. But feel free to check in at the front desk to see if there is space.
What do I need to bring to class? Swimmers will need a swim suit, goggles, and a towel.
SWIMMING POOL
The pool is located at 2001 37th Avenue, SF CA 94116.
The pool is an 8 lane, 25 yard pool. The shallow end is 3.5 ft and the deep end is 13 ft. During lessons, 4 lanes are used for upper levels (4 to 6) to swim laps and the other half of the pool is used for the lower levels (1 to 3). The water is about 79 degrees.
Level 1 is taught in the shallow end.
Level 2 is taught in the middle of the pool. Swimmers swim from the wall to the middle of the pool which is marked by a lane line. The water is about 4.5 to 5.5 ft deep in this area.
Level 3 is taught in the deep end (13 ft).
Is the pool heated? Yes.
LOCKER ROOM
There is a boys and a girls locker room with showers and bathroom stalls.
Since this is a high school campus, there are no family locker rooms. If you need to assist your child of the opposite gender, please ask the front desk and a private bathroom can be opened for you.
Boys/men are not allowed in the girls locker room. Girls/women are not allowed in the boys locker room.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Can I watch the lesson? Yes, parents are welcome to stand and sit on the north side of the pool deck, on the metal bleachers. We ask that the cement bleachers along the west side of the pool remain empty to allow teaching space and to minimize the distractions to the ongoing class.
Do you have private lessons? Unfortunately, FOG does not offer private lessons at this time.
Do you provide towels and goggles? No, please bring your own towels and goggles. We do have a spare goggle bucket as backup but there is not always a pair available.
Is there an age requirement? Yes, swimmers must be 5 years old on the first day of class. This program is not suitable for babies and toddlers. Our lesson program is designed to teach all foundational skills of swimming, starting with the basics in level 1. Our early levels are created for beginning swimmers that are ready to learn and are at an appropriate learning level where they can follow teachers instructions and understand feedback.
Can my swimmer wear a swim diaper? No, swimmers must be potty trained.
My swimmer does not speak english, can they take lessons? Lessons are all taught in English. Parents will not be able to participate in translating during the actual lessons. We like to keep the teaching areas open for the teachers and minimize the distractions to the other students. Swimmers will need to be able to learn with the English and visual instructions. Some of our instructors speak Chinese but we can't guarantee they will have a Chinese speaking instructor.
Please email [email protected] with additional questions.
