Your swimmer’s first lesson can be both exciting and nerve-racking but have no fear! Whether you have a toddler, teenager, or adult. It is never too late for your child’s first swim lesson. We have put together a helpful guide on how to prepare your child for a first adaptive swim lesson. Our instructors have specialized training in the Swim Whisperers® approach, which prepares them to be flexible in their plan and discover strategies that will improve your swimmer’s participation and success.

What to Bring

  • Swimsuit
    Make sure you have a suit that is comfortable for your child, well-fitted, and allows for free movement.

  • Swim Diapers
    Accidents happen! You can make sure to avoid potty training interruptions to your child’s adaptive swim lesson by selecting a swim diaper that is best for your child.

  • Goggles
    In each lesson, your child will swim with and without goggles. Goggles help protect their eyes and can make them feel more comfortable when putting their face in the water.

  • Comfort Items
    Familiar objects can provide a sense of security to make the experience more enjoyable, consider a bathtub toy. Be creative and bring motivating items that are specific to your swimmer.

  • Shower Supplies and Towel
    Don’t forget to bring some shower supplies such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash to help wash off the chlorine. Towel time after the pool with a little song will not only keep your child warm and dry after their lesson, but also create a good exit routine.

How to Prepare for Your Adaptive Swim Lesson

  • Visit the Pool in Advance
    For some swimmers, doing a “dress rehearsal” prior to their first lesson can help reduce anxiety and teach the expected routine. This will help familiarize your child with the sensory-rich surroundings such as light, sound, and temperature.

  • Intake Phone Call
    Expect a phone call with your instructor. You discuss your swimmers’ specific needs, abilities, overall goals, and any potential challenges. Share details about previous water experiences, sensory preferences, communication styles and any medical concerns.

  • Establish a Routine
    Establishing a routine for before and after your child’s lesson will help create a sense of comfort and understanding. Consistent lesson times, choices, and therapeutic activities help create a successful swim lesson. Our instructors have specific training to improve swim skill benchmarks by incorporating routine throughout the lesson.

  • Safety
    Before the first lesson, talk to your child about water safety, teach and practice basic water safety routines, and follow the rules. For example, ask before you get in the bathtub, and ask twice when you get to the pool.

  • Patience
    Recognize that progress may be gradual, and each swimmer is unique, patience is key. Our instructors are skilled in discovering the underlying roadblocks and developing strategies to overcome them.

  • Visual Aids
    Consider using a visual schedule or social stories to explain what will happen during the session. This will help your swimmer understand that there will be a predictable beginning, middle and end of each session.

After preparing for your child’s lesson and packing your bag, you can look forward to an engaging and fun experience! Our instructors will assess, identify, and implement strategies during your first lesson to continually address the underlying problem.

What to Expect

  • Warm Welcome
    Your instructor will greet you with a warm smile and introduce themselves. They will help both you and your swimmer acclimate and feel comfortable throughout your swimmer’s first lesson. Our trained instructors utilize specific strategies for overcoming any obstacles they may encounter as they teach your swimmer, to ensure a positive experience.

  • Swim Whisperers® Difference
    Expect peace of mind when your child is working with one of our specially trained instructors. The Swim Whisperers® Difference is rooted in training developed by an occupational and physical therapist refined over 15 years. This specialized approach ensures your child receives the best possible lesson.

  • Water Familiarization
    If your child has had a bad experience, it’s their first lesson, or is fearful in the water, do not worry! Our adaptive Swim Whisperers® toolbox equips instructors with strategies and techniques to overcome these obstacles.

  • Fun and Encouragement
    Expect a supportive, fun, and encouraging environment during the swim lesson. Our instructors are dedicated to working with an open mind, discovering new ways to teach swimmers who face various difficulties.

  • Building Confidence
    Whether your child loves the water or is reluctant to get in, their first swim lesson aims to build confidence. We believe that the impossible becomes possible through our specialized approach.

Your child’s first lesson is an exciting milestone that will be a fun and rewarding experience. By knowing how to prepare and what to expect, you can splash right into your child’s first adaptive swim lesson with confidence and excitement! Never hesitate to express your additional and specific concerns you may have. Collaboration is essential for us to discover the underlying roadblocks and ensure a comfortable and effective learning process.Their contact information has been provided to you in your session confirmation email.

About the Swim Whisperers® Methodology

Every swim instructor at Swim Angelfish is dually certified in the Starfish Aquatics Institute learn-to-swim instructor program AND certified in our very own Adaptive Swim Whisperers® methodology.

Ailene Tisser, MA, PT, Founder

Ailene Tisser, a pediatric Physical Therapist with over 30 years of experience and co-founder of Swim Angelfish® and the Swim Whisperers® method, specializes in aquatic therapy and adaptive swim for children with special needs. Trained in NDT, DIR/Floortime, and certified as an Autism Specialist and Primitive Reflex Specialist she fosters water safety, confidence, and independence in her young clients. Ailene is also passionate about educating aquatic professionals, setting a standard of excellence for adaptive aquatics training and professional development.

Cindy Freedman, MOTR, Founder

Cindy, MS, OTR/L is an occupational and recreational therapist with over 30 years of experience specializing in pediatrics and aquatics. Driven by a passion for helping children with special needs reach their full potential, Cindy co-founded Swim Angelfish, an organization dedicated to providing adaptive swim and aquatic therapy services as well as professional training. Her expertise in sensory integration, reflex repatterning, and aquatics, coupled with her love for water and experience as a national champion diver, has enabled her to make a profound impact on the lives of countless children. Cindy is certified as an Autism Specialist by IBCCES, and shows an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with special needs.