Existing Customers

Policies

At any given time, we may have over 2,400 students in our program. We believe it is the customers’ responsibility to make themselves aware of our policies when enrolling their child. Questions and clarification can be requested at any time. In order to keep our business running smoothly, we ask that all customers adhere to and abide by our policies. Please do not ask for exceptions.

Please, it is the customer’s responsibility to know the student’s lesson number. If in doubt, please ask at the front desk. Please check our list of students on lesson #7, 8 and 9 (located on the pool entry gate in Pacific Beach and on the window over the sign-in counter in San Marcos).
To enable us to schedule ahead, you must pay in advance of each series – ON OR BEFORE LESSON #7. Otherwise, we assume the student is discontinuing on lesson #9 and they will be removed from the schedule. Please let the desk (not the instructor) know as early in your series as possible whether you are continuing for another series or taking a break at the conclusion of your current series.
One (1) makeup per series of nine (9) lessons. No makeups for prorated lessons. Makeups are Saturday afternoons by appointment. There are no cancellations once a makeup appointment has been confirmed. Makeups and any unused lessons are good for one year from the date of your last lesson.
For the health and safety of everyone, all students under the age of four (4) must wear two (2) snug-fitting swim diapers. No disposables. Absolutely no exceptions!
Please sign in at the front desk before each swim lesson.
Absolutely no refunds.
Food is not allowed on the premises.
Please call our office prior to each absence. You may save any remaining lessons by removing the student from the schedule at any time with prior notice. There is no guarantee of same schedule or same instructor when rescheduling.

THIS POLICY LIST WILL HOPEFULLY ELIMINATE ANY CONFUSION AND ALLOW US TO OPERATE MORE EFFICIENTLY WHILE CONTINUING TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A QUALITY SERVICE.

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Students with Apprehension or Anxiety

In most cases, swim lessons represent one of the first opportunities for structured lessons in a child’s life. Swimming with a stranger who is asking them to test their abilities can often trigger fears. When and if apprehension, anxiety, reluctance, and crying should occur, our staff is well-trained and well-equipped to help aid their concerns. We know that structured environments are often difficult for young children to accept, as they are known to continually attempt to test their boundaries and exert their independence. Ultimately, in the instance where a resistance to lessons represents itself in the form of crying and/or verbal refusal to comply with the lessons, we want to confirm that there is a positive: they will get over it!

Much like taking a reluctant child to the doctor’s office or dropping them off at their first day of school, parents must set the tone when they know what is best for their child. Giving in and telling a toddler, “you don’t have to swim if you don’t want to” sets the stage for a child who is being given too much control. Most parents wouldn’t tell their child, “ you don’t have to let the doctor give you that immunization shot if you don’t want to” or “you don’t have to go to school (do your homework, read, etc.) if you don’t want to.” The same approach works here.

So how do you, as a parent, handle a child who cries? Be firm, yet supportive. Let them know that you are proud of them, yet let them know that they need to stay in the pool and listen to their teacher. This experience tests parents. This is your time to focus on the positive and for you, as the parent, to instill confidence. Trust us: your child is fine, a little crying does not mean they hate swimming, they will not be traumatized by a few uncomfortable moments of anxiety.

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What to practice – OR NOT PRACTICE – on your own

We are a program that teaches children how to swim and that is our entire mission. We do not teach parents how to teach their children, but we do inform parents of new swimmers that there are certain skills and aquatic endeavors which will benefit young swimmers, as well as those that will prove to be detrimental. Ultimately, when it comes to swimming, “it’s not practice that makes perfect, it’s perfect practice that makes perfect” (Murray Callan). Children tend to abandon proper technique when left to their own devices (i.e. hanging out in a pool at a party or while on vacation). Then, our instructors find that they need to spend several classes “fixing” the habits that students have picked up while swimming on their own.

When first beginning our program, it is best not to allow your child to swim elsewhere during the first few series. Let the structured lessons at our pool be their only association with aquatics. No pools, no ocean, no Jacuzzis; keep bath water shallow and bath time brief. This is the best way to maximize the skills and drills that the instructor is attempting to ingrain in the student and, ultimately, the best way to make the most of the money you’ve spent. If only exposed to us, children will look forward to coming to swim with us.

Down the road, communicate with your child’s instructor about whether or not swimming elsewhere is a good idea. They will let you know if the skills your child possesses are engrained enough to allow them to distinguish the difference between play time and instruction time.

Additionally, children who experience apprehension/anxiety/reluctance should steer clear of other swimming experiences more so than other students. If they are allowed to swim elsewhere, on their terms and with their loved ones, they will feel that they have to swim with a (virtual) stranger at their lessons. This attitude will change eventually, but within the first series or two, consistency is crucial. Therefore, it is critical that within the first series or two (or more), the only swimming is done at Murray Callan Swim School.

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	Home Information Scheduling & Pricing Photos News Articles FAQ About Our Program About Our Pool History & Biographies Existing Customers Testimonials Local News Coverage Employment Contact Us	Existing Customers Policies Students with Apprehension or Anxiety What to practice – OR NOT PRACTICE – on your own Policies At any given time, we may have over 2,400 students in our program. We believe it is the customers’ responsibility to make themselves aware of our policies when enrolling their child. Questions and clarification can be requested at any time. In order to keep our business running smoothly, we ask that all customers adhere to and abide by our policies. Please do not ask for exceptions. Please, it is the customer’s responsibility to know the student’s lesson number. If in doubt, please ask at the front desk. Please check our list of students on lesson #7, 8 and 9 (located on the pool entry gate in Pacific Beach and on the window over the sign-in counter in San Marcos). To enable us to schedule ahead, you must pay in advance of each series – ON OR BEFORE LESSON #7. Otherwise, we assume the student is discontinuing on lesson #9 and they will be removed from the schedule. Please let the desk (not the instructor) know as early in your series as possible whether you are continuing for another series or taking a break at the conclusion of your current series. One (1) makeup per series of nine (9) lessons. No makeups for prorated lessons. Makeups are Saturday afternoons by appointment. There are no cancellations once a makeup appointment has been confirmed. Makeups and any unused lessons are good for one year from the date of your last lesson. For the health and safety of everyone, all students under the age of four (4) must wear two (2) snug-fitting swim diapers. No disposables. Absolutely no exceptions! Please sign in at the front desk before each swim lesson. Absolutely no refunds. Food is not allowed on the premises. Please call our office prior to each absence. You may save any remaining lessons by removing the student from the schedule at any time with prior notice. There is no guarantee of same schedule or same instructor when rescheduling. THIS POLICY LIST WILL HOPEFULLY ELIMINATE ANY CONFUSION AND ALLOW US TO OPERATE MORE EFFICIENTLY WHILE CONTINUING TO PROVIDE YOU WITH A QUALITY SERVICE. [Back to Top] Students with Apprehension or Anxiety In most cases, swim lessons represent one of the first opportunities for structured lessons in a child’s life. Swimming with a stranger who is asking them to test their abilities can often trigger fears. When and if apprehension, anxiety, reluctance, and crying should occur, our staff is well-trained and well-equipped to help aid their concerns. We know that structured environments are often difficult for young children to accept, as they are known to continually attempt to test their boundaries and exert their independence. Ultimately, in the instance where a resistance to lessons represents itself in the form of crying and/or verbal refusal to comply with the lessons, we want to confirm that there is a positive: they will get over it! Much like taking a reluctant child to the doctor’s office or dropping them off at their first day of school, parents must set the tone when they know what is best for their child. Giving in and telling a toddler, “you don’t have to swim if you don’t want to” sets the stage for a child who is being given too much control. Most parents wouldn’t tell their child, “ you don’t have to let the doctor give you that immunization shot if you don’t want to” or “you don’t have to go to school (do your homework, read, etc.) if you don’t want to.” The same approach works here. So how do you, as a parent, handle a child who cries? Be firm, yet supportive. Let them know that you are proud of them, yet let them know that they need to stay in the pool and listen to their teacher. This experience tests parents. This is your time to focus on the positive and for you, as the parent, to instill confidence. Trust us: your child is fine, a little crying does not mean they hate swimming, they will not be traumatized by a few uncomfortable moments of anxiety. [Back to Top] What to practice – OR NOT PRACTICE – on your own We are a program that teaches children how to swim and that is our entire mission. We do not teach parents how to teach their children, but we do inform parents of new swimmers that there are certain skills and aquatic endeavors which will benefit young swimmers, as well as those that will prove to be detrimental. Ultimately, when it comes to swimming, “it’s not practice that makes perfect, it’s perfect practice that makes perfect” (Murray Callan). Children tend to abandon proper technique when left to their own devices (i.e. hanging out in a pool at a party or while on vacation). Then, our instructors find that they need to spend several classes “fixing” the habits that students have picked up while swimming on their own. When first beginning our program, it is best not to allow your child to swim elsewhere during the first few series. Let the structured lessons at our pool be their only association with aquatics. No pools, no ocean, no Jacuzzis; keep bath water shallow and bath time brief. This is the best way to maximize the skills and drills that the instructor is attempting to ingrain in the student and, ultimately, the best way to make the most of the money you’ve spent. If only exposed to us, children will look forward to coming to swim with us. Down the road, communicate with your child’s instructor about whether or not swimming elsewhere is a good idea. They will let you know if the skills your child possesses are engrained enough to allow them to distinguish the difference between play time and instruction time. Additionally, children who experience apprehension/anxiety/reluctance should steer clear of other swimming experiences more so than other students. If they are allowed to swim elsewhere, on their terms and with their loved ones, they will feel that they have to swim with a (virtual) stranger at their lessons. This attitude will change eventually, but within the first series or two, consistency is crucial. Therefore, it is critical that within the first series or two (or more), the only swimming is done at Murray Callan Swim School. [Back to Top]