FAQ's   |   Facility Information   |   Policies

In order to provide a healthy and safe environment for all, Sea Otter requires both a disposable and a non-disposable swim diaper for every child ages 3 years and younger, as well as any child that is not fully potty trained. Thank you for helping to keep our pool a safe and healthy place to learn to swim!

What are we to do and expect on the first day of lessons?
We request that you arrive 10 minutes early on the first day. This allows for your swimmer to adjust to the new surroundings. We ask that you also check in on your first day with the deck supervisor. Our instructors have teacher boards with their classes & names of swimmers, so they will call your swimmers name when class is starting. Please wait to enter the pool area until your child's is called.

What can I do if my child cries at lesson time?
Please rest assured, you are not alone!Many new young swimmers cry during his or her first lesson (s). Remember they are in a new environment ,with a new teacher and you are not the person holding them! It can be helpful to talk to your child about swim lessons while at home. Acknowledge your child's fear and use phrases such as: “When you go swimming, you'll have so much fun with your teacher!.” or “I will be cheering you on.” If your child does cry on the first day, be assured that they are in good hands. Our instructors are trained to begin a positive routine that works will with kids of all ages. Moms and Dads- we have found that it is best if you walk the child to the teacher then find a seat where your child can see you. Together we can make swimming a fun and successful experience. Please come talk to us in the office if you have concerns about your swimmers adjustment to lessons!

How soon can I expect my child to swim?
Every child develops differently and learns at different rates. Our main goal with swimmers is have fun and experience success. The learning curve for young children fluctuates. One day will seem like great success then the next day may seem as if they have regressed. That is perfectly normal for children learning a new skill. Each child is given the instruction and support from our staff to progress as quickly as possible.

About our facility

Bathrooms
Please escort your swimmer to the restroom- this often aides in returning to lessons quickly! And, it’s a good idea to have each swimmer go to the restroom before each lesson. Thanks for you help!

Showers
We ask in the warm months that all swimmers rinse off head-to-toe in our on-deck shower before entering the pool. In the cooler months- just hop into the warm water!

Observation
As long as weather permits, we ask that all observers watch from outside the pool gate. This helps your swimmer focus on their lesson and gives our instructors the opportunity to bond with each swimmer.

Retail Shop
We sell goggles for all ages, disposable and non-disposable swim diapers, wetsuits, fun swim toys and seasonal items as well.Our office and deck staff will gladly assist you with any of your needs or questions
 

Sea Otter Policies
Please take a moment to read through this important information!
Please help us maintain a fun and successful learning environment:

We ask that all non-swimmers be supervised at all times at Sea Otter - in the pool area and in the play yard.

• Swimmers ages 3 and younger, potty trained or not must wear both a disposable swim diaper and a plastic-lined diapers. We understand that accidents happen- but in order to provide a safe and healthy swim environment we have had to adopt the following policy: In the event your child has a fecal accident in the pool and is not wearing the appropriate swim diaper(s), will be excused from the program, and no refund will be granted. Please see our "Potty Protocol" info sheet!
• Due to our Use Permit we ask the following: Please park in the main lot directly in front of the swim school. The back lot and the church lots are NOT available for Sea Otter swimmers use. We have a very strict "one car per family" parking policy - we kindly ask that you adhere to this parking policy. If you have family or friends that would like to come watch your child's lesson, please "car-pool" to the swim school.
• Observations should be done on the observation deck or outside of the pool fences/gates.
• Please, for sanitary and "child safe" reasons we ask that there be no pets on the premises. With the exception of guide dogs for the seeing or hearing impaired.
• Parents , please DO NOT leave any age child unsupervised at Sea Otter- please do not run "errands" or leave the school for any reason during your child's lesson.
• NO SMOKING on the premises-we want our swimmers healthy!
• Please, no running, skating, or bikes on the premises
• While we maintain a strict no-refund policy, in the event of major illness or significant issue we are happy to work with each situation on an individual basis.
• In the event of lessons canceled due to an "act of God" i.e. lightning, flood, storm. Sea Otter will either issue an "in-house credit" for canceled lessons or offer a Saturday Swim time slot.
• In the event that only one student is scheduled for a semi-private class , please know the teacher will teach a 20 minute private class for the price of a semi-private lesson!
• Lesson Changes: We will do our best to accommodate changes to your schedule (often times our sessions are "Sold Out" making changes difficult) If we can accommodate your first change, any changes thereafter are accessed a $10.00 fee will be for each class change initiated by the participant. If we make a mutually agreed upon change there will be no charge, of course!
• If you arrive late for your lesson, the instructor will teach the remaining time assigned to your regular schedule. He or she will not be able to extend the lesson or make up the lost time.