How long will it take for my child to learn to swim?

Because every learner has different abilities, fears and apprehensions, there’s no fixed answer to this question!

At The Swim Lab, we believe building kids’ water confidence and body awareness come first. We first build up each child’s knowledge about how to enter and exit the pool safely, ability to blowing bubbles from nose and mouth, and independently using a kick board to move around the pool with confidence. Thereafter, the time a child takes to learn to swim varies, as each child develops differently and at a different rate – and that’s not a bad thing!

How long is a swimming lesson?

All our swimming lessons are capped at less than 60 minutes so as to cater to children’s attention spans, energy levels and developmental needs – Preschooler classes are 45 minutes per class, whereas Beginner and Intermediate classes are 50 minutes long.

Does my child need to complete the whole program?

It’s ideal that each child completes their respective programme, but we recognise that their learning progression ultimately depends on their goals!

If your child’s objective in learning to swim is to build survival skills, we recommend completing Beginner Level 8. By then, the child will be able to swim the front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke with confidence.

If their objective is to join a competitive team, or to learn the butterfly, or to keep fit through swimming, we recommend they complete the Intermediate programme.

Is your Learn-To-Swim curriculum the same as SwimSafer 2.0 program?

The Swim Lab curriculum differs from SwimSafer in that our lesson plans are more expansive and less compressed, and focus on strong swim fundamentals, and also cater to preschoolers. If you’re keen to find out more about the specific details, please reach out to our team anytime!

Can your Learn-To-Swim certificate exempt my child from SwimSafer 2.0 program in school?

Our certificates have been recognized by many schools to fulfil the same criteria as SwimSafer 2.0. However, we definitely recommend that parents check with their school administration regarding exemption criteria. Should you like advice about the level a child has to complete at The Swim Lab in order to be exempted from the closest SwimSafer 2.0 equivalent, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team.

Can children jump levels if they learn faster?

They definitely can – our team encourages children to learn to swim as best and as fast as they can, based on their own learning goals! Assessments are held every 12 weeks, and during this time your child’s coach may recommend for them to be assessed for accelerated progression where appropriate.

How big are your classes?

We cap our classes small enough for children to benefit from both individualised attention based on their developmental needs and the social experience of learning with their peers!

For preschooler classes we maintain a ratio of 1 coach : 4 preschoolers.

For beginners classes, we maintain a ratio of 1 coach : 6 kids.

For intermediate, we maintain a ratio of 1 coach : 8 kids, or 2 groups of 5 kids.

Can my 4 year old toddler be in the same class as my 7 year old child?

We totally understand that you may want to group your kids of different ages in the same class. However, this is not advisable because different teaching pedagogies are designed for the developmental levels of kids from different age groups. That said, your children can attend classes in the same timeslot, subject to availability.

Do you offer private lessons?

We do offer private lessons, subject to the availability of our coaches! However we firmly believe that group lessons provide the ideal environment for children to learn from each other and to benefit from interaction with their peers. Private lessons take place in our current pool locations – we are unable to make house or condo visits.

When can my child start class?

Our classes run in 12-week terms. If this your child’s first term at The Swim Lab, they should first participate in a free placement trial, and join an ongoing term between Weeks 1-4. If that’s not feasible, we recommend that they join the class at the start of the next term. The schedule for upcoming terms can be found here!

What happens if my child is sick or unable to attend a lesson?

We understand that kids fall ill – it happens (unfortunately)! Should your child fall sick with an illness covered by a valid Medical Certificate and have to miss a swim class, parents will receive a 1-lesson credit that can be used to offset your child’s fees for the following term.

For example: If one class (out of 12) are missed in Term 1, you need only to pay for 11 classes in Term 2.

Should your child have to miss a swim class for a reason that is not supported by a Medical Certificate – such as a scheduling conflict – we’re happy to offer your child a makeup class.

How do I book a make-up class for my child?

Each child is entitled to a maximum of 2 make-up classes each term.

After your child has missed the class, you will receive an email with a link to book a make-up class online. You are welcome to pick any available date that suits your child’s level and your family’s schedule.

Make-up slots are constantly being added, so if you don’t see a slot that suits you, don’t fret! There is no expiration date to your make-up class booking, as long as your child is still enrolled at The Swim Lab.

What if my child misses more than 2 classes in the term without MC?

Make-up classes are strictly capped at 2 per term, and there is no limit to the number of credits issued for wet weather cancellations or absence supported by MC. Our one-week break between terms is also designed to give children time to rest and play between terms!

We encourage all children to come to class regularly for maximum learning progress, and would be happy to help you explore a change in your child’s regular lesson timing if it would help their attendance.

Are classes cancelled due to wet weather still chargeable?

Should your child’s class get cancelled due to wet weather, parents will receive a 1-lesson credit that can be used to offset your child’s fees for the following term.

For example: If two classes (out of 12) are missed in Term 1, you need only to pay for 10 classes in Term 2.

What does The Swim Lab consider bad weather?

Your child’s safety is our priority, and our wet weather policies center around the safety of every child in our community. We define bad weather as lightning activity, haze of >150 PSI, or as very heavy rain in close proximity of the pool, resulting in the facility being closed by the pool management, lifeguard or Swim Lab team.

Should there be light rain, our coaches will evaluate whether lessons can and should continue.

What happens if there is bad weather before class?

We recognise that weather can vary significantly – while it might be raining at your location, the weather may be fine in other areas of Singapore! This is tricky, we know.

Official Wet Weather announcements can only be made 15 minutes before the start of class. For example: A swim class scheduled for 1600 will be cancelled if inclement weather persists at 1545.

What happens if there is bad weather during class?

Swim classes will be cancelled if there are 15 minutes of consistent inclement weather, starting from the time class is scheduled to start.

For example: A swim class scheduled at 1600 will be canceled if inclement weather persists at 1615.

In the case of wet or inclement weather, we consider a class that is cut short by 30 minutes or more as not delivered. In this case, parents will receive a class credit for the next term.

How qualified are your coaches?

All our coaches have gone through an 80-hour Swimming Instructor programme jointly certified by Sports Schooling and International Sports Academy, which includes training about theory, practical, on-the-job training, and a completed first aid and CPR/AED. But our coaches’ learning doesn’t stop there – coaches undergo continuous professional development during their tenure at The Swim Lab – including regular practical workshops, training in child-centered pedagogy, and more. Get to know more about our coaches here!

Can my child have the same coach throughout their time at The Swim Lab?

We understand that kids can bond and grow attached to their favourite coach!

While we try to minimise coach changes as far as possible, there are instances when switching your child’s coach may be necessary – when your child advances to the next level, for example. That said, all our coaches are equipped to deliver the same fun-filled and child-centered swim experience for your child; every coach completes the same 80-hour Swimming Instructor programme – spanning sports theory, practicals, on-the-job training, first aid and CPR/AED – in addition to being trained in child-centered pedagogy and practices. So in the event that your child should have to switch coaches during their time at The Swim Lab, we’re confident that it’s only a matter of time ‘til their new instructor becomes their new favourite swim coach! You can learn more about our coaches here.

Can I choose the gender of my child’s swim coach?

We welcome parents to indicate their preference for the gender of their child’s swim coach, and our team tries our best to accommodate these requests as far as possible. However, we can’t guarantee that this preference will be able to be met as it’s contingent on scheduling complexities.

Can I change my child’s coach if my child does not enjoy, or progress in the class?

All our coaches are equipped to deliver the same effective and consistent fun-filled and child-centered swim experience for your child. As such, we don’t change coaches based on individual requests. However, if there is a specific and valid reason for this request, our team will be happy to explore how we might accommodate this to meet your child’s needs.

What happens if my child’s coach is absent or on leave?

Life happens, and coaches need the occasional break too! Parents will be informed if their child’s instructor will be absent or on leave, and a suitable relief instructor will be assigned to cover your child’s class.

Rest assured that all coaches are fully equipped to deliver the lessons and block plans they’ve been assigned to, and are all set to deliver the same effective and consistent child-centered swimming experience for your child

Why does my child get transferred to a new coach after assessments?

We understand that kids can get attached to their coaches, and may feel reluctant to be transferred to a new coach – our team minimises coach changes as far as possible for this reason.

However, there are instances when switching your child’s coach may be necessary after an assessment, and this is because while our coaches undergo the same holistic and comprehensive training in swim instruction, child-centered pedagogy and more – they also bring to the table their own strengths and specialised teaching techniques. In the event that your child should have to switch coaches during their time at The Swim Lab, we’re confident that it’s only a matter of time ‘til their new instructor becomes their new favourite swim coach!

Do you offer free trial classes?

We do! All new students participate in a friendly free trial with the objectives of matching your child’s ability to a suitable level, and to introduce your family to our programme and swim facilities.

I would like to sign my child up for lessons at The Swim Lab. When and how do I need to make payment?

First off – welcome to The Swim Lab community, we’re excited to have you join us! We ask that parents make payment in full via PayNow or bank transfer before the start of term so as to secure your child’s spot.

Can I get a refund if we leave in the middle of the term?

Unfortunately, the fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable. We hope you consider your child’s enrolment carefully and invite you to contact us should you have any questions or concerns prior to registration.

Is there a registration fee?

Yes, there is a one time registration fee of $50. Upon registration, your child will receive a swim cap, drawstring bag, and towel that will come in handy as they learn to swim with us!

How much are your course fees?

Please refer to this page for comprehensive information about our fees.

What should my child bring to a trial class?

We welcome each child to come to class as they are – whether they bring their excitement, fear, nerves, or boundless energy! That said, please also ensure that your child brings appropriate swimming gear, goggles, swim cap, towel, sunscreen, and a set of fresh clothes to change into. A swim cap and towel will be included in your child’s registration pack!

If a child is unable to attend the assessment date, can they be assessed at a different date?

Unfortunately, we’re not able to assess kids at a different date because assessments involve external assessors. But don’t worry – if your child is deemed to be progressing well by their Instructor, they will still learn the appropriate skills for the next level. At The Swim Lab, assessments are designed to formalise what children have learned – so skipping an assessment does not mean in any way that they might will fall behind or miss out.

How do I know which level to enrol my child in?

Enrolling your child at the appropriate level for them is incredibly important – and that’s why each child who joins us first participates in a free trial, where our friendly coaches assess their water confidence and abilities, and go on to assign them to the most appropriate level. As part of our community, swim assessments take place every 12 weeks to ensure children are learning at a level appropriate to them.

Are all students required to wear a cap?

We highly recommend that children wear a swim cap to prevent hair from getting on their faces. All children will be issued their own swim cap upon registration!

Does my child need to try out to qualify for the Development Squad?

No. The Development Squad is open to all Swim Lab swimmers Level I3 and above. 

My child is not an existing Swim Lab student. Can he/she still join?

Yes! Please contact us to arrange a free assessment of your child’s current swim level. If your child is assessed to be equivalent to Swim Lab LTS Level I3 and above, he/she is welcome to join our Development Squad.

What are your qualifications in running a development program?

Our Sports Schooling team has extensive experience coaching swimmers from toddler to competitive. While The Swim Lab is focused on Learn to Swim, our sister brand X Lab coaches two competitive swim clubs: X Lab Pro and the XCL Wolves.

The Development program is jointly designed by Sports Schoolings’ Heads of Learn to Swim and of Competitive Swimming, to ensure that it effectively provides intermediate Learn to Swimmers with the right introduction to competitive swimming and other aquatic sports.

How long should my child spend in the Development Squad?

While each child’s progress and motivations are different, we expect most swimmers to complete the main goals of the Development Squad in 12 months. These include: reaching Learn to Swim Level I8 (thereby completing the Learn to Swim program), having attended at least 2 entry-level competitive meets, and demonstrated increase in strength and endurance.

Can my child try the Development Squad for a short period?

Sure! To encourage your child to give the Development Squad a try, we’re offering 20% off their first term. If after the first term, your child chooses not to continue in the Development Squad, they are welcome to rejoin the regular Learn to Swim program at their new assessed level.

Where would my child go after graduating from the Development Squad?

The Development Squad is designed to open multiple pathways for your child.

Swimmers interested in pursuing competitive swimming are welcome to progress to our X Lab Competitive Squad. For swimmers interested in other aquatic sports (e.g. water polo, artistic swimming, diving), we would be happy to advise and recommend the swimmers to the respective specialist clubs.

Having too much fun to stop? Swimmers who wish to continue in the Development Squad are welcome to do so!

Does my child need any special equipment for the program? 

Development Squad swimmers will require the following equipment:

• Hand paddles
• Pull buoy
• Short fins
• Mirror goggles

Swimmers are welcome to purchase their own equipment, or use their existing equipment. Otherwise, we would be happy to advise on where to purchase the above.