Babies can begin swimming as soon as their umbilical cord has fully healed. Starting early helps them feel more comfortable and confident in the water from the very beginning.
We offer swim lessons year round and you are welcome to enroll at any time. We can assist you with signing up in person, over the phone, or you’re welcome to sign up directly through the website at www.watersafe.com.
Lesson length depends on the program you choose and can range from 15 minutes to 1 hour. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Private Lessons: 15 minutes
- Group & Semi-Private: 30 minutes
- Parent-Taught: 30 minutes
- Pre-Comp Levels 1–3: 30 minutes
- Pre-Comp Levels 4–5: 1 hour
- Adult Group Lessons: 30 minutes
- AquaSculpt: 1 hour
All of our instructors are fully trained in the SmartFish Method. Each instructor completes an intensive four-week training program covering every program we offer. They’re also taught how to be adaptable and flexible so they can meet the individual needs of every student.
Yes. Your child will have the same instructor each week to provide consistency. On the occasion that your instructor is unavailable, we’ll make every effort to provide a substitute or notify you if the lesson needs to be rescheduled, so your child’s learning experience continues smoothly.
All class sizes vary by program:
- Private: 1 student
- Parent & Tot: up to 6 students
- Semi-Private: up to 3 students
- Group: up to 6 students
- Pre-Competitive: up to 15 students
We recommend swim lessons, 1-2 days per week. This results in the best retention of skills. The most important factor is year-round consistency. Water safety is not seasonal.
Yes. Going underwater is an important part of safe swimming. We introduce it gradually and supportively, and we’re happy to make small accommodations to help new or nervous swimmers ease in confidently.
Every student learns at their own pace. Timing can vary based on their comfort in the water and their willingness during lessons. We encourage ongoing communication between parents and instructors so we can create a personalized plan that supports each student’s progress.
Crying is a completely normal part of the learning process during swim lessons. When a child is trying something new or adjusting to an unfamiliar environment, it’s common for crying to occur. We’re trained to teach through those moments, and your child can still learn effectively. We encourage you to openly communicate your comfort level with your instructor so we can support both you and your child throughout the process.
All children under 4 must wear both a disposable swim diaper and a Happy Nappy reusable swim diaper, even if potty trained.
Additional required gear depends on the program:
- Parent & Tot: Warm Belly Wetsuit
- Pre-Competitive: Fins (Finis brand preferred)
Happy Nappies, Warm Belly Wetsuits, and fins are available in our Pro Shop.
Goggles are not recommended for new swimmers as we want them to build confidence without them. Your instructor may introduce goggles during lessons when appropriate.
Every swimmer should bring a towel, and a change of clothes after class if you prefer.
Children learn best when their bodies are well. Please use the app to cancel and reschedule lessons if your little ones have any of the following symptoms within 24 hours of their scheduled lessons:
- Fever of 100.4 or higher
- Green mucus
- Severe cough
- Sore throat
- Skin rash
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
We offer unlimited make up lessons that do not expire
We adjust pool temperatures based on the weather to make sure swimming stays comfortable. Our indoor pools are usually between 91°F and 94°F, and the outdoor pool is generally between 86°F and 93°F.
Public showers are available at all locations for swimmers to use after their lessons. For the comfort and safety of all guests, appropriate swimwear is required while using the shower facilities.
Of course! We want you to capture these amazing swimming memories. All we ask is that you avoid taking photos of other swimmers. And don’t forget to tag us on social media when you post on Instagram @swimwatersafe
Swimming is a life-saving safety skill, and consistency is key to maintaining it. Year-round lessons help students retain their progress and stay confident in the water. If you take an extended break, it’s normal for some skills to fade, so we always encourage staying enrolled or swimming consistently whenever possible.
You only need to get in for lessons if you are participating in our parent tot program.
No matter what language you speak, our instructors are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Si, hablamos español!
We find the most effective way to understand a child’s unique needs in the water is through a direct conversation. To determine how Watersafe can best serve your family, please call us at 562-596-8608.
Yes. A parent or guardian must remain on deck for the entire lesson for all children under 14 years old. Your presence helps ensure your child’s safety, and you are responsible for supervising them before and after their time in the water. Safety is our priority, and having you nearby supports a smooth and secure lesson experience.
At Watersafe we do monthly sessions and automatically re-enroll you each month. Lessons are continuous until you notify the admin team that you would like to drop.
Each program we offer has different gear requirements. Please click on the link to find the required gear for your program. All gear can be purchased on-site in our pro-shop.
The Smart Fish Method is a gentle, developmental approach to teaching water safety and swimming. It mirrors the way children learn new skills at home through small, supportive steps taught with consistency and care. We focus on building strong foundations before progressing, helping swimmers feel safe, confident, and capable in the water.
Using this method, children learn to:
- Hold their breath before going underwater
- Roll onto their backs for comfort and easy breathing
- Kick, roll, and return safely to the wall before attempting longer swims
The Smart Fish Method prioritizes safety, confidence, and lifelong water skills, helping children grow at their own pace while building strength, coordination, and comfort in the water.
While swim lessons provide a layer of safety, there is no substitute for adult supervision. Children should be diligently watched at all times while in and around the pool or other bodies of water.
Advantages of Formal Swim Lessons for Children
- Improve water safety and reduce drowning risk
- Build confidence and comfort in the water
- Develop motor skills, coordination, and fitness
- Teach listening, patience, and social skills
- Support independence and emotional growth
- Help families enjoy water activities more safely
Floating devices can be helpful during lessons when used intentionally as teaching tools, but they shouldn’t replace learning real swimming skills. Our goal is always for students to build true independence in the water. Outside of lessons, flotation devices can be used as an added precaution, but any child who is not fully confident or competent in the water should always be closely supervised.
Yes, both parents/guardians are more than welcome to participate in the fun with your little swimmer.
Goggles can be used at a young age, but it’s best to start lessons by helping students get comfortable with submersions before introducing them. Many children become dependent on goggles or don’t want to swim without them, so building confidence underwater first is important. Once they’re comfortable, goggles can be a great too
A swim cap can be helpful for several reasons. It keeps hair out of the face—even for very young swimmers—and it can also help goggles stay securely in place. Caps can be used as early as the very first lesson.
Watersafe Swim School stands out because of our rich history, our proven method, and the heart behind everything we do. Founded in 1977 by Ginny Ferguson, Watersafe is also the birthplace of the Smartfish Method—our structured, research-based curriculum that’s now taught in swim schools around the world. This method emphasizes excellence through a personalized approach, meeting each student exactly where they are so they can progress with confidence.
We specialize in drowning-prevention lessons for infants and toddlers, and we offer learn-to-swim programs for all ages and abilities. Our lessons run year-round in warm, heated pools to ensure comfort and consistency in the learning process.
But what truly sets Watersafe apart is our people. Our community includes families who have trusted us for multiple generations and a dedicated team that embodies the values we care about most. Every member of our leadership team began in an entry-level role, growing with the organization and helping shape the culture we’re so proud of today. We’re homegrown, deeply rooted, and committed to creating a safe, positive, and inspiring environment for every swimmer who joins us.
Watersafe does offer a few seasonal programs. Currently, we offer a junior lifeguard prep program in the spring in order to prepare students for junior lifeguard try outs. We also offer Aqua Sculpt, a water fitness class for adults in the summer. All seasonal programs are subject to change based on pool capacity and availability.
Crying on the first day, or even the first few months, is very common. Kids are adjusting to a new place, new faces, and new routines. Our team is trained to support nervous swimmers, and your calm presence helps them feel safe. We welcome any feedback or tips to help comfort your little swimmer. Consistency is key, and while the early weeks can feel tough for both swimmers and parents, it’s important to remember that learning to swim is an essential survival skill. Working together helps your child gain confidence quickly.
We encourage all families to communicate with their child’s instructor at the beginning and end of each lesson.
Simply pick a day and time that works best for your family and this will be your regular weekly class. You can check our live availability on the website, but if you’d like a little help, our friendly Admin team is always happy to help get you scheduled by call, text, or email
If your child is unable to attend a lesson, please notify the front desk by 8:00 AM on the day of the class. Doing so will ensure that you receive a make-up lesson, which you can schedule at your convenience based on availability.
Make-up classes are offered for lessons that were cancelled within the required notice period and may be scheduled at any time, depending on availability. Please note that make-ups cannot be used as tuition payment; however, they will remain on your account even if the student is not currently enrolled. Make-up lessons never expire and can be used whenever regardless of enrollment status.
If you wish to take a break from swim lessons please let the admin team know before the 1st of the month in order to avoid automatic re-enrollment and payment for the upcoming month. If you need to drop from lessons mid month please let the admin team know as soon as possible and you will receive make ups that never expire for any remaining lessons in the month
You can log in through our website by clicking the Login button at the top of the page, or through our Watersafe Swim School app (available in all app stores). Your username is the email you have on file with us. If you need to set up a password, just click “Forgot Password” on the login page.
You can find the Watersafe Swim School app in any app store. A download link is also included in your welcome email for easy access.
https://watersafe.app.link/pkBP03H4Uvb
We ask that you notify our administrative team before the 1st of the month if you need to withdraw your child from lessons, as tuition is processed on that date. You can let us know by call, email, text, or in person.
To receive a makeup, please notify us of your child’s absence by 8:00 a.m. on the day of the lesson. You can report absences and schedule makeups through the Watersafe app or by contacting our Admin Team.
How to submit an absence in the app:
- Tap My Account → select your student.
- Tap Absences → Schedule Absence.
- Choose your date(s) and submit.
- Absences made in the app require 24 hours’ notice. Same-day absences must be submitted to the office
How to schedule a makeup in the app:
- Tap My Account → select your student.
- Tap Absences → Schedule Makeups.
- Select an eligible absence → choose from the available class times → submit.
- App availability shows the earliest openings starting two days out.
Makeups are filled into classes where other student’s have cancelled and availability varies daily. Our Admin Team is always happy to help you find a spot.
The remainder of your child’s lesson is always guaranteed. However, if you notify an administrative staff member, we will do our best to find another available time so your child can receive their full lesson, even if it cannot be with their regular instructor.
Yes! As long as there’s an available class, you’re welcome to start at any time. We’ll simply prorate the tuition based on when the student begins.
Year-round lessons help children stay confident and safe in the water. Consistency builds muscle memory, strengthens skills, and prevents regression, especially for younger swimmers who learn best through repetition.
No, we do not offer recreation swim, lap swim, or pool rental.
Schedule Day is when we release available lesson times for the upcoming month. It takes place on the last Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. You can enroll online, in the app, in person, or by phone. Your current time spot automatically rolls into the new month as long as you stay enrolled there is no need to re-register.
Pricing varies by program. Private and Semi-Private lessons are $165/month, Group lessons are $136/month, and Pre-Competitive programs range from $130–$190/month depending on the level your swimmer qualifies for. Children under 4 months old swim for free, and every family pays a one-time registration fee of $100 (returning families pay $70).
We require a debit or credit card to be saved on your account, and tuition is automatically processed on the 1st of each month. There is no contract —enrollment is month to month.
The registration fee is due upon sign up. It is $100 for new families, and $70 for returning families. The fee is per family and not per student.
No. Once billing has processed, registration fees and tuition are non-refundable. If you choose to discontinue after tuition has run, we can add makeups to your account for any paid lessons you won’t be attending. Makeups never expire and can be scheduled even if you are no longer enrolled.
The registration fee supports a wide range of benefits for your family, including flexible scheduling and makeup lessons, progress ribbons, certificates, and medals, access to programs like All-You-Can Swim, use of our app, and participation in events such as Achievement Meets and Pre-Competitive Swim Meets. It also helps fund ongoing facility enhancements, safety improvements, and year-round training for our instructors to ensure high-quality teaching and customer service.
You can withdraw at any time by letting us know before the 1st of the month. Just contact us by email, text, phone, or stop by the front desk. If you’d like to stop lessons mid-month, we’re happy to mark your remaining classes as absences, add makeups to your account, and discontinue your enrollment for the following month so you won’t be billed further.
We do not offer a sibling discount, but siblings are welcome to share makeups. If you’d like to transfer any unused makeups to a sibling, just let our Admin team know and we’ll be happy to help.
We offer a 10% discount for military and first responders. We also run occasional promotions throughout the year, and promotion types vary.