Aquatic FAQs

ARPD is an independent authorized provider of Starfish Swimming. Starfish Swimming is a nationally recognized swim instruction curriculum developed by the Starfish Aquatics Institute (SAI). Learn more about SAI at www.starfishaquatics.org.

The Starfish Swimming curriculum is designed for students ages 6-months to adult. Benchmarks are established at each stage in the program that combines both swimming and safety skills. Students participate in experiential learning activities that allow them to explore the water in a creative and comfortable environment. Correct swimming techniques are taught from the very beginning, providing an easy transition to a swim team.

As a parent or caregiver, you play a vital role in your child’s swimming development. You have already taken the first step by registering your child for swim lessons. Now, you must continue to communicate with your child’s instructor and practice, practice, practice!

The bathtub is a great place to start practicing! Bubbles, breath holding, looking underwater, floating, and kicking can all take place in the bathtub! A few trips to the pool between swim lessons are nice, too! You shouldn’t feel the need to push children to do everything they are doing in swim lessons. Just give them the opportunity to get wet, splash around, and explore the water on their own terms.

• Your support, encouragement, and practice outside of swim school class time will help your child progress and have a great swim school experience.
• Whenever you are in, on, or near the water, be sure to follow the Starfish Safety concepts.
• Encourage supervised water play at home in the shower, bath, hose, etc. Guide activities that get your child wet from head to toe - including the hair, eyes, and face.
• Follow your child’s progress via their report card or Starfish TokenTrackers™. The curriculum is divided into stages that each focus on a core competency. Your child may be working on skills from more than one stage.
• If you have the opportunity to practice at a pool, encourage your child to demonstrate the skills they have mastered.

The first day of swim lessons can be tough, even for confident swimmers. We know it’s hard to watch your child cry when they hit the water. Some kids adjust quickly, while others may take a few weeks or even months to get comfortable. Our instructors are skilled at helping children through this, but there are also things you can do at the pool and at home to make the experience smoother and more enjoyable for your little one.

Swim lessons are often the first time your toddler will be in a class without you, which can feel uncertain for them. To ease this transition, talk about swim lessons a few weeks in advance so your child knows what to expect. Let them know they’ll be with a teacher and that you’ll be watching and cheering from the poolside. Set small goals for the first day, like getting into the water cheerfully and following the instructor’s directions. These goals will help build confidence and provide plenty of chances for positive praise!

On the first day of swim lessons, it's crucial for parents to stay calm and excited. Rushing or stressing can make your child anxious before they even reach the pool. Arrive early so you and your child can watch a class and see how fun lessons can be. If you're in the first class, ask if you can observe another day. If your child is scared or upset, stay calm and don’t make a big deal out of it. Our experienced instructors know how to help, and your positive support will make the transition easier for your child.

It’s normal for toddlers to be upset during their first swim class, and some may cry throughout. Don’t worry—tears are common and staying in the water for the whole class is a big achievement. Celebrate this success and let your child know how proud you are. Share personal stories of overcoming challenges and practice skills like blowing bubbles and pouring water over their head during bath time. Always consult with your child’s instructor for the right techniques, and never leave your child alone in the tub.

Our goal is to ensure every child is safe in the water and knows basic self-rescue skills. With your support, we can achieve this for all our students.

1. Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled lesson.
2. You will need to check in at the front ARPD Counter for each lesson.
3. Please have your child rinse off in the shower area first.
4. Head to the grass until your class is called.
5. A brief orientation will be held for parents on the first day of class to explain how lessons will run and introduce the swim lesson instructors. Plus, the first safety skill: “Asking to get in the water.”
6. Your child will enter the water when the swim instructor permits them to do so. All students will then enter the pool deck and be placed into their testing groups. Once testing is complete, each child will be placed into a specific group and receive their color.

Lessons are taught in a structured group setting. The motivation and inspiration that students get from watching peers excel and learn new skills has proven to be a powerful tool in teaching children how to swim. All children will be given individual attention, but since it is in a group setting, that cannot be constant.

If your child is taking a Private lesson, staff will still work through the color charts.

Your instructor may miss class due to illness or an emergency, but we will make every effort to keep the number of substitutes to a minimum.

Children must be the appropriate age on the first day of class. No exceptions.

TokenTrackers™ are plastic discs awarded when students achieve specific skills or benchmarks during their swim lessons. These tokens serve as a tangible and motivating recognition award for the participants, aiding parents or caregivers, and swim instructors in tracking progress and identifying areas for continued development. TokenTrackers™ are cherished by participants of all ages and proudly displayed on swim bags using carabiners, creating a mobile showcase of their achievements.

Each child receives one TokenTrackers™ per skill completed in Swim School. They will also receive one carabiner to hold their tokens. Replacement tokens will NOT be given out. If you lose the carabiner, there will be a $5 fee for a replacement.

For every level passed in Stroke School, a key chain with the stroke will be given.

Online report cards will be emailed to parents within 24-48 hours after the last class. Please allow staff time to upload the information. This ensures parents can track their child's progress and reach out to pool managers with any questions.

**For Your Safety and Pool Cleanliness**

Showering before you swim helps protect against recreational water illnesses (RWIs) that can result from swallowing or inhaling contaminated water. These illnesses may cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

A quick shower removes sweat, body oils, and germs that can disrupt the pool's pH balance. Maintaining proper pH levels ensures chlorine works effectively, keeping the water clean and reducing the need for additional chemicals.

Showering helps remove sweat, oils, lotions, and pollutants that can affect water clarity and strain the pool’s filtration system. This keeps the pool looking and feeling its best.

Personal care products often contain chemicals that can interfere with pool water chemistry. Showering before swimming minimizes these effects, helping to maintain the pool’s balance.

Thank you for helping us keep our pool safe and clean for everyone!

Classes may be combined or canceled if fewer than two (2) children are registered. If a class does not meet the minimum enrollment, it will be canceled. Participants will be notified and given the choice to register for another available class or receive a full refund.

Currently, parents can watch swim lessons but must stay behind the gate and away from the pool. This rule helps prevent parent coaching and keeps swimmers focused on their instructors.

Shouting: Do not shout instructions to your child from the side of the pool while they are in class. It is essential to allow the teacher to lead activities without interruption.

Please make sure your student is on time for lessons. Lessons begin and end at very specific times. Please arrive early enough so your student has time to stop by the bathroom, get changed, and get rinsed off before the lesson begins. If your student is more than 10 minutes late for a lesson, he or she will not be allowed to join that lesson. Nor will a refund or make-up be given.

Q: What happens when it rains?

A: Lessons go on unless there's thunder or lightning. We’ll notify you via email or phone if there's a cancellation.

Q: Does my child need a swim diaper? 

A: Yes, children under 3 must wear a disposable swim diaper and a vinyl cover.

Q: What if my child is crying?

A: It’s normal for kids to cry. Our teachers are prepared to work with unhappy children. Please let the instructors handle it and stay out of sight to avoid disrupting the lesson.

Q: Should my child wear swim goggles?

A: We recommend not using goggles at the beginning. Once comfortable with opening their eyes underwater, instructors will advise when to start using them.

Q: Why hasn’t my child leveled up yet?

A: Students must master key skills at each level before advancing. Younger students may need more time on basic skills, while older students may spend more time on advanced skills. Ask your instructor for tips on practicing at home to help with leveling up.

Q: Is it OK to eat before a swim lesson?

A: Yes, a small snack or light meal is fine. Just wait about 20 minutes to digest before swimming.

Q: How many students are in each class?

A: 3-6-year-old lessons 2-3 students

7-11 year old lesson up to 6

Q: Can you guarantee my favorite instructor?

A: We aim for students to experience different instructors. As students progress, they may work with instructors who specialize in advanced techniques. We ensure every child has a positive experience.

Q: Can I get a refund if I don’t like my instructor? 

A: Unfortunately, we do not give refunds after the first lesson is given, but you can contact a pool manager to switch instructors to find a better fit.

Q: What if I guessed the wrong level for my child or if my child progresses differently than expected?

A: We evaluate students on the first or second day and adjust levels as needed. If no space is available, we’ll work with you to find a different time or day or credit your account for future lessons as needed.

Q: Should I sign my child up for private swim lessons?

A: Private lessons are ideal for children overcoming fear, advanced swimmers needing technique work, or those who thrive in one-on-one settings. They fill up quickly, so sign up early when registration opens.

Q: Do you offer make-up lessons?

A: No, we do not offer make-up lessons.

Q: Are the pools heated?

A: Yes, all ARPD outdoor pools are heated. To stay warm, have a towel ready for after lessons and consider a rash guard for additional warmth.

Q: Are private lessons good for training for a triathlon? 

A. Absolutely! Your instructor can work on proper stroke technique along with helping you build endurance and increase your swimming pace.

Q: Where are you located?

A: All Classes are at the Encinal Swim Center: 230 Central Avenue, Alameda CA 94501