What age can babies start survival swim lessons?
Watch Me Swim instructors primarily teach babies, toddlers and young children from 6 months through 6 years old. Older children may be considered case by case. Contact your preferred instructor to discuss your child’s age, readiness and needs.
Do you offer ISR lessons or infant self-rescue swim lessons?
Watch Me Swim offers infant self-rescue and survival swim lessons that teach babies and young children to roll, float, breathe and, when developmentally ready, swim toward safety or the swim-float-swim sequence.
Founder Kari Bahour is a former Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) Master Instructor. Drawing on her extensive training and experience, she developed the Watch Me Swim program with an individualized, behavior-based approach tailored to each child’s development, readiness and confidence.
Watch Me Swim operates independently of Infant Swimming Resource.
What will my child learn in survival swim lessons?
Infants learn to roll onto their backs and float independently to rest and breathe. Developmentally ready children learn swim-float-swim: swim independently, roll onto their backs to rest and breathe, then return to swimming toward safety. Instruction is tailored to each child’s development, ability and confidence.
Why are baby and toddler swim lessons only 10 minutes, and how often do we attend?
Lessons are private, one-on-one, and typically last 10 minutes. Short, frequent lessons provide focused practice while limiting fatigue. The standard survival swim schedule is Monday–Thursday at the same time each day.
How many weeks of survival swim lessons will my child need?
New students generally attend for 4–8 weeks, depending on the instructor, the child’s age and individual progress. Each child develops skills at their own pace. Weather or absences may extend the calendar. Your instructor will explain the expected commitment.
What if my child cries during swim lessons?
Some children cry as they adjust to a new instructor, water on their faces or unfamiliar environment. Instructors use a patient, individualized, behavior-based approach with positive reinforcement, adjusting lessons to each child’s readiness and responses. Ask your instructor how you can support your child during this adjustment.
Will swim lessons make my child drown-proof?
No. No child is drown-proof. Infant self-rescue and survival swim lessons are one layer of drowning prevention. Children still need active adult supervision, secure pool barriers and other water safety measures.
Does my child need refresher swim lessons?
Infants and young children benefit from periodic refresher lessons, often every 3–5 months, as growth and physical changes affect their skills. Refreshers generally last 1–3 weeks, depending on the child. Your instructor will recommend timing and duration based on your child’s development and current skills.
Where does Watch Me Swim offer swimming lessons?
Watch Me Swim has instructors serving families in Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Tennessee.
Florida: Riverview, Tampa, Brandon, FishHawk, Valrico, Plant City, and the Mulberry/Lakeland area
Illinois: Westmont
Pennsylvania: Orefield
North Carolina: Charlotte
Tennessee: Nashville
Visit our Locations page to find an instructor near you and check current availability.
How do I register, and how much do swimming lessons cost
Tuition, registration fees, hours and seasonal availability vary by instructor and location. Visit your preferred instructor’s page and contact the instructor or scheduling team to confirm an opening and complete registration. Your start date and daily lesson time must be confirmed before your space is reserved.
Are scholarships or vouchers available for swim lessons in Florida?
Florida families may qualify for scholarships through Water Smart Tots Foundation, Watch Me Swim’s nonprofit partner; Florida Department of Health swim lesson vouchers; eligible Step Up For Students funds; or other approved funding. Eligibility and acceptance vary by instructor, location and program availability. Some funding covers only part of the program. Contact your chosen instructor or scheduling team to confirm coverage and any remaining costs. Funding approval does not automatically reserve a lesson time.
Can I train to become an infant self-rescue swim instructor?
Yes. Watch Me Swim offers instructor training in its infant self-rescue and survival swim curriculum for individuals interested in becoming instructors and building their own swim school businesses. Training is led by founder and former ISR Master Instructor Kari Bahour.
To learn more about training opportunities visit our Careers page.
Do you offer adaptive swim lessons for children with autism or other disabilities?
Yes. Watch Me Swim welcomes children with autism and other disabilities. Our individualized, behavior-based teaching approach uses positive reinforcement and adapts instruction to each child’s communication style, sensory needs, developmental readiness and abilities. Contact your preferred instructor before registering to discuss your child’s needs and how we can support their learning.
