Frequently Asked Questions
Check back regularly as we update this list as we get common questions.
Where is WEST located?
15622 Country Club Drive, Mill Creek WA 98012
Driving Directions:
From I-5: Take exit 183 and head east on 164th St SW. Cross the intersection with Bothell-Everett Hwy (527) and continue up Mill Creek Rd. Make your first left onto Village Green Dr. Take your 4th left onto Country Club Drive. Take your 2nd left into the Swim Club parking lot and the pool is on your right.
From Bothell-Everett Highway (527), turn at Mill Creek Rd. Make your first left onto Village Green Dr. Take your 4th left onto Country Club Drive. Take your 2nd left into the Swim Club parking lot and the pool is on your right.
How do I register for Group Lessons?
WEST offers online registration at www.westswimteam.com under the Lessons tab. Registration is first come, first served.
When can I register?
Registrations occur following evaluations during the third week of class during the normal schedule and during the second week of class during the summer schedule.
How are classes arranged?
Classes are organized by skill level and age. Beginner Level classes have a 4:1 instructor to swimmer ratio. Intermediate and Advanced levels have a 5:1 instructor ratio. We often have multiple instructors teaching the same class to accelerate swimmer progress, train new staff and maintain our low instructor to swimmer ratio.
What ages do you teach?
We teach all ages but Group Lessons are for children ages 3-12. For swimmers older than 12 we recommend private lessons, lap swim or Recreation Teams.
What levels do you teach?
We offer progressive 5 levels: Beginner 1, Beginner 2, Intermediate 1, Intermediate 2, and Advanced.
How long are classes and when are they offered?
Group lessons are 25 minutes (unless specified otherwise) and start on the hour and half hour with a 5 minute buffer between classes. Group Lessons are offered year-round, Monday through Saturday and Private Lessons are offered daily.
What is the temperature of the pool?
Temperature ranges between 81-82° Fahrenheit
What should I bring to the pool?
Swimsuit – we recommend a one-piece suit for girls.
Goggles – we strongly recommend the use of goggles. Goggles are helpful in getting a child to put his or her face in the water and they can allow a child to feel more comfortable in the water, a major component in learning to swim.
Towel – for drying off and staying warm after class.
Swim cap – we recommend the use of a cap for swimmers with long hair.
Warm clothes – especially during the colder months.
Can parents interact with children during class?
No, we ask that parents please refrain from interacting with their child or the instructors during class to limit distractions. Separating the child from his or her parents creates a more learning conducive environment. If you have questions or need help, please speak to the Lessons Supervisor on deck.
When are evaluations?
Evaluations are done on the third week of the session during the normal schedule and during the second week during the summer schedule. Swimmer skill progress cards are visible in your account through the website. Please select “My Account”, select the “Member”, then “Class” and then click the Skill button. If there are any questions regarding evaluations, please email the lessons manager.
If my child missed class are there makeup classes or refunds?
No, it is your responsibility to attend the classes you have signed up for. We do not offer any refunds and our program structure does not allow for any make-up classes. If we have to cancel a class, we will issue a credit. If you need to cancel a class, it must meet our Extended Illness Policy to receive any credit. The maximum credit allowed is 50%.
How will I know if lessons are canceled?
In the event of a last-minute cancellation, email notifications will be provided and a credit will be issued for that class. Cancellations will also be posted to the website and social media. Calls will be made in extreme circumstances.
Can I cancel my registration at any time?
If you cancel your class, you will NOT receive a refund or credit.
Does WEST offer financial aid?
Yes, we offer scholarships for those that qualify. We use the Everett School District’s Free & Reduced Lunch program to determine how much financial aid each family qualifies for. These are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, please inquire with the Lessons Manager for an application.
Can I change my registration at any time?
Any changes must be submitted and approved by the Lessons Manager prior to the first day of class and are subject to space availability. Swimmers may ONLY register for the appropriate level they qualify for and incorrect registrations will be cancelled.
Will my child get the same instructor?
There is no guarantee your child will get the same instructor. Our instructors all rotate to teach each level of the program, keeping them better engaged with each class and more aware of swimmer progression through the program.
When will we know who the instructor is?
You can find your swimmer’s name along with the instructor on the master class roster posted to the window in the lobby. Instructors may be shuffled around to solve for absences on a given day.
When does this session end and the next session start?
Our classes run concurrently and try to follow the start and end of each month during the normal schedule. Summer classes run every two weeks between the end of June and the middle of August. Session dates are posted to the Youth Group Lesson Flier available on the website and throughout the facility.
What do I need to do to register for the Competitive Team or Recreation groups?
Your student would need to be evaluated by filling out the Team Inquiry Form (Found on our Competitive Team page under ‘Joining the Team’. We recommend that swimmers with no competitive experience register for Advanced and get evaluated during the lesson. There may be a waitlist for their training group, and a swimmer will be added to this waitlist as soon as their registration packet is turned in. There is no set time a swimmer may be on the waitlist, as it does fluctuate throughout the year.
Do I need goggles and caps for my students?
Goggles and caps are not required but strongly encouraged as they make the swimmer more comfortable in the water. Long hair can pose a safety risk and should be tied back or covered by a swim cap.
When will my child move up to the next level?
There is no ‘set’ amount of time it takes for children to learn a skill and each child will progress at their own rate. Progress is determined by a number of factors including fitness level, athleticism, motivation and more. Due to the low number of class levels in our program and our commitment to developing strong swimmers by the time they graduate from lessons, swimmers will spend longer at each level than most other swim lessons programs. It can easily take 5+ years to complete all 5 levels, so this averages to approximately 1 year at each level with some taking slightly longer and some not quite as much time.
Can I register for multiple spots during the same session?
No. Our program is designed to prepare children for club or recreation swim teams at an appropriate progression rate. Multiple and simultaneous registrations for the same swimmer will be canceled without credit or refund. If you feel your swimmer needs more time in the water, please consider Private Lessons or talk to one of our Lessons Managers for recommendations.
Other Questions?
If you have any other questions, please email [email protected].
