CGBD Dolphin Swims
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Why do you promote using a swim lessons curriculum?
We promote using the SwimAmerica curriculum because it helps both the student and the parent gauge the swimmers' progress through lessons.
Should we be consistent with the lessons?
Children and adults learn to swim at a much faster pace with consistent year-round swim lessons. Seasonal lessons and inconsistent attendance leads to the loss of gained swim skills, which results in wasted time and money. Consistent lessons also provide school students with a consistent day and time until families choose to make a change.
Am I able to sign up for lessons at Ft. Eustis if I am not military?
Ft. Eustis lessons are now open to all families!
How do I obtain a pass for access to Ft. Eustis swim lessons?
If you are not military, Department of Defense, or retired military please follow the steps below to receive your pass and email us at [email protected] if you have any questions.
- Take a picture/scan of the front of your driver’s license.
- Email the picture/scan of the driver’s license to both Sean Griffin ([email protected]) and Nolan Munro ([email protected].mil).
- Please wait 5 days for your pass to be processed.
- Go to the Ft. Eustis Visitor’s Center at the entrance to the Base. The Visitor’s Center’s operational hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.
- All base passes last one calendar year.
You will complete the final steps of the process once you arrive at the Visitor’s Center. The telephone number for the Visitor’s Center is (757) 878-1878
How are children placed at a specific level?
The level evaluation is based on both age and swimming ability. Once your child’s level has been assessed at the beginning of the first class, we will then place them in an appropriate class for their age and skill level.
Where should I go to watch my child’s lesson?
Ft. Eustis Location
Parents are allowed on deck. All swimmers will be accompanied by the site supervisor onto the pool deck. Please meet the site supervisor at the front door to check-in your swimmer. Parents are allowed to come on deck once their children are in the swim lessons line. Parents are welcome to sit in the chairs closest to the locker rooms. We ask parents not to walk around the deck or talk to their swimmers during lessons.
Please take your swimmers to the restroom before you arrive at lessons. If a bathroom emergency arises, the site supervisor will bring your child to you and you may take them to the restroom.
At the end of the lesson, the children can be picked up at the graduation/treat table.
All Other Locations
Parents are allowed to come on deck once their children are in the swim lessons line. Parents are welcome to sit in the chairs closest to the locker rooms. We ask parents not to walk around the deck or talk to their swimmers during lessons.
Please take your swimmers to the restroom before you arrive at lessons. If a bathroom emergency arises, the site supervisor will bring your child to you and you may take them to the restroom.
At the end of the lesson, the children can be picked up at the graduation/treat table.
What time should I arrive?
It is important for your child to be in the swim lessons lineup location at least 5 minutes prior to the start of class.
Children can get anxious if hurried. Please allow plenty of time before class to get dressed, use the restroom, etc. For safety reasons, please do not let children sit poolside unless the instructor is present at the wall.
What swimming accessories should we bring to lessons?
Swim Caps - For swimmers with long hair, we ask that it be tied back and away from the face with a rubber band so it does not interfere with learning to breathe. If your child is prone to a chill, a swim cap might help. Every child receives one free latex cap when they begin the Dolphin Swims program.
Goggles - Your swimmer is welcome to bring goggles. We ask that your child wear swim goggles that are similar to the picture below.
What is the makeup policy for CGBD Dolphin Swims?
- If we cancel a class due to pool maintenance issues, we will work with the facility to provide a makeup date.
- If we cancel a class due to weather, we will do our best to work with the facility and Mother Nature to offer a makeup class.
- If your swimmer will miss a regularly scheduled class, please notify [email protected] at least 24 hours in advance of the absence to be eligible for a makeup class (Please see our sick and injured policy if that applies to you). A makeup class is ONLY scheduled if there is availability in your children’s level.
- Makeup classes are limited to once a month during the last week of the session. Makeup classes during the session will not carry over to the next session.
- If you miss your makeup class, we will not reschedule the makeup.
What is the cancellation/sick policy:
Children who have been ill should be kept at home. This is in the best interest of their health as well as the health of other class participants and the instructor. Wtih a doctors note, we are happy to schedule a makeup the last week of the session.
Am I allowed to switch lesson days/times?
We will do our best to accommodate any requests to switch lesson dates and/or times. We realize that life is unpredictable and things occur. Please email us [email protected] as soon as possible to request the change.
Do you issue refunds?
If you have to cancel after signing up for a CGBD Dolphin Swims session, we will provide you with a 100% credit to be applied toward another session as long as you cancel at least 7 days prior to the start of the session. No credits will be given for classes canceled 7 days or less before the start of a session.
We will provide an 100% refund if you have to cancel for medical reasons or for a move out of the Hampton Roads area (proof is required).
If an individual has a medical/family emergency and misses a swim lessons class, makeups will be provided where space is available.
All credits are nontransferable.
Should we use the bathroom before lessons?
We encourage all participants to arrive early enough to use the restroom before class begins. For all participants who are not potty trained, we require the use of a swim diaper in the pool.
Why does my child work on the same thing every class?
Repetition is the key to learning for most young children. Repeating games and skills give children something to look forward to. Swim lesson participants also feel a greater sense of success by mastering a skill they have been replicating.
Should I leave if my child is upset?
Absolutely not! We encourage all of our parents to stay and allow the instructors to try to use various strategies to work with your swimmers. Many of our instructors have years of experience working with swimmers of all levels in and out of the pool. We completely understand that children can have bad days. It is our job to keep working with them on the goals of the class. We won’t give up on your swimmer!
Why is my child sometimes out of the water when the class is short?
Our youth swimming classes are 30 minutes and very efficient and effective. When your child is on the side of the pool, they are watching other students. Usually, there are multiple classes in the water and they are able to watch more advanced classes. Seeing others do what they are learning is an excellent teaching tool. Our instructors interact with all students in a methodical manner, and there is no wasted time during class.
Are electronic devices allowed?
For the safety and privacy of all our participants, families are only permitted to take pictures at the end of the class. You may take a picture of your child and may coordinate with the instructor if you would like to have a photo of them completing a certain skill. Cameras and cell phones are not permitted in the locker rooms for any reason, except when they are turned off and stored.
We follow all USA Swimming Safe Sport rules.
What happens if someone vomits or has an accident in the pool?
In the event of an accident (i.e. a bowel movement or vomiting), the pool will be evacuated. The appropriate procedure for such an incident will be administered according to regulations.
