Question 1

WHAT AGES DO YOU TEACH SWIMMING LESSONS?

Accepted Answer

Keri (Birmingham) teaches students age 6 month through adult.
Children under the age of 3 must have a parent (or babysitter or guardian) with them in the water for the lesson.  Infants must be able to hold their head up well before beginning swimming lessons.  (This is a great article about baby and toddler swim classes and what to expect: ARTICLE(https://www.rookiemoms.com/you-probably-ought-to-do-baby-swim-lessons/)
Adult lessons are taught privately.  
The small group lesson is almost always the best option for children, however we do have some private lesson options although they are limited.

Question 2

WHAT IS THE COST FOR SWIMMING LESSONS?

Accepted Answer

Group Lessons are 5 students and 2 teachers.  They last 45 minutes each.  The cost is $41.25 per day and the sessions are typically 4 days in a row. ($165 for the 4-day sessions)
Private Lessons are 1 student and 1 teacher.  They cost $50 for a 30 minute lesson and $100 for a 60 minute lesson.  (Keri will allow 2 students in a private lesson.  Please let Keri know if you have an additional person as part of the private lesson.)
Note: Private 30 minute lessons will now be $50. If you add an additional person the charge is $20 to add the second.

Question 3

DO YOU OFFER PRIVATE LESSONS?

Accepted Answer

Yes :)
~ Private lessons are a great option for the following:  
1) a child over the age of 10
2) a person (child or adult) with a disability or  specific need
3) all adults learning to swim
4) adults wanting to learn or improve their strokes.  
~ I recommend signing up for 3-4 private lessons.  If you decide you need or want more after that, we can get them scheduled.
~ I am willing to have two individuals in a private lesson.  There is no extra charge for the additional person.  Please simply put both names on the form when you sign up online.
~ Private lessons are 30 minutes each.  The cost is $30 per 30 minute lesson. 
~At this time, I have very limited time available for private lessons. (Fridays mostly). I do not teach on weekends.

Question 4

HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE IN A CLASS?

Accepted Answer

5 students, 2 teachers
 
Each child gets LOTS of swim time and plenty of one-on-one time with an instructor.
 
The classes are not for adult or teen lessons.  Adults, teens, and older children should book a private lesson.

Question 5

CAN I STAY AND WATCH MY CHILD DURING SWIM LESSONS?

Accepted Answer

You are absolutely welcome to stay and watch! We do not have a strict preference, provided your presence does not distract the child or negatively affect their behavior.

In fact, we encourage parents to stay if the child remains focused, as it allows you to see exactly what we are learning. This helps you understand how to support your swimmer and practice those specific skills outside of lesson time.

Question 6

HOW LONG DOES A LESSON LAST?

Accepted Answer

Group Lessons:  4-5 consecutive days at 45 minutes per session
(You may sign up for multiple weeks. See the registration schedule for more specific information)
 
Private Lessons:  30 minutes
(You may sign up for as many as you'd like.  I recommend 3-5 lessons for adults (we can always add more lessons as needed), & older children teens learning to swim. I do not recommend private lessons for younger children unless that child has a disability.)

Question 7

DO YOU TEACH CLASSES AFTER WORK HOURS FOR WORKING PARENTS?

Accepted Answer

Yes.  Keri & Katie (in Birmingham) do have after work hour classes available.  Please check the schedule to see the times and options.  
Unfortunately, I am not able to offer as many options for families where mom and dad both work outside the home.  Afternoon thunderstorms often force us to cancel our afternoon and evening classes ... and there aren't enough afternoon and evening hours before dark to fit everyone in. Hopefully, there will be dates/weeks that work for you :)

Question 8

WHAT WILL I/MY CHILD LEARN/DO IN A LESSON?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the age of the swimmer.
-Baby Swim Class (children under 3 years of age):  This is a parent-child class and is as important for the parent as it is for the child (maybe moreso).  We will use toys, games, and songs to accomplish the following:  comfort in the water, teach your child to hold his or her breath when going under the water, kicking, arm movement, and back float... along with many other important water safety skills.  As the parent, you will learn how to continue teaching your baby and toddler to swim, float, and be safe in and around the water.
-Ages 3 and older (beginner swimmers):  We use games and other fun activities to teach children to swim correctly (in a good swimming position and with correct arm strokes).  We teach the breast stroke and crawl stroke first.  They will learn to backfloat, maneuver in the water, and many other water safety skills.
-Age 5 and older Non-beginner children:  We will work on perfecting their strokes, correctly taking a breath while swimming, learn new strokes and kicks, treading water, and many other skills which help your swimmer become proficient and safe in and around the water.
-Adults and Teens:  Wherever you are in your swimming ability (if you are at ground zero or if you already swim but need coaching in your strokes or skills), I will work with you until you are swimming like a fish!  :)

Question 9

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO TEACH ME/MY CHILD TO SWIM?

Accepted Answer

That depends on many different factors.  For children:  personality, development and coordination play a part in how long it takes a child to learn to swim.  Fear is also huge factor.  A person can not learn to swim until he or she is willing to put their face in the water and can learn to hold their breath.
For the most part, if a child is over the age of three and unafraid of putting their eyes/face in the water for 5-10 seconds, I can usually teach them to swim very quickly! Every person is different, however.  We try to challenge each swimmer wherever they are in the swim process.
 
I recommend signing your child up for 2 (or even 3) weeks of swim lessons unless they are already a good swimmer. If they are swimming well, 1 week is often sufficient (or 3-5 private lessons) so we can simply work on his or her strokes, breathing, and other safety skills.
If signing up for multiple weeks of lessons, it is fine to choose consecutive weeks... however... Sometimes, it works out better to have a week in between so you can provide some opportunity for practice between weekly lessons.

Question 10

WHAT IF IT IS RAINING FOR MY LESSON?

Accepted Answer

If it is only raining, we will continue with the lesson.  If there is lightning within 5 miles, we will have to postpone, cancel, or reschedule.  I will try my best to notify you via text or email if a lesson is canceled due to weather.  Please extend lots of grace. Navigating swim lessons and thunder storms is a tricky business!

Question 11

HOW MANY LESSONS SHOULD WE SIGN UP FOR?

Accepted Answer

A group session consists of 4 consecutive 45 minute lessons.  
-For Baby Swim, 1 week is often enough for parents to learn what they need to know in order to continue working with their 6 month-2 year old on swimming and floating skills.  
-For children 3-8 years, 2 (or 3) weeks is recommended unless your child is already swimming well and only needs to work on improving strokes, breathing, and other safety skills.
 
-For adults, teens, and older children, and all ages of children with disabilities, Private Lessons are the better option.  3-4 private lessons is recommended. We can always book more lessons as needed.

Question 12

CAN WE CANCEL LESSONS FOR A REFUND?

Accepted Answer

We require 1 weeks' notice if you need to cancel swim lessons.  There is a transaction fee that I am charged for the cancellation and I do pass that charge on to you.  (It's around $7-$12.)
If your child is sick for the lesson, we can try and reschedule but no guarantee.  Please let me know as soon as possible if you/your child needs to cancel for sickness and I can try fill the slot with another student if I have time to do so. If I am able to do this then I will gladly refund you. :). Thanks

Question 13

HOW DO I REGISTER FOR CLASSES?

Accepted Answer

The link will be available on the registration page of this website beginning February 1, 2026.  You can register and pay online.

Question 14

WHICH CLASS SHOULD I SIGN MY CHILD UP FOR?

Accepted Answer

Many times a child is just about to have a birthday... or has JUST had a birthday... and parents are having a difficult time figuring out which class to sign up for.  Don't stress about it too much!  It's almost always safe to go with the younger age group when deciding.  But sometimes a child is coordinated, mature enough, and ready for the older group!  So- I trust your judgement as the parent to choose the best class for your child.  After the first day, if the class is not a good fit, I can talk to you about options for him or her.  Hope this helps!  :)
 
The strokes classes are only for children who are already swimming and need to learn correct strokes and breathing.  If your child is not swimming independently with their face in the water, please do not sign up for a strokes class.

Question 15

CAN ALL MY CHILDREN BE IN ONE SWIM CLASS TOGETHER?

Accepted Answer

Although I know that would probably be the most convenient thing for you as a parent (driving them to me and entertaining the siblings while each child has a lesson), trying to put all of your children in one class may not be what is best for them.  Children often do best when they are in a small group of peers (not siblings) as they try to learn or improve a skill.  Also, a 2 year old and a 5 year old have very different needs and abilities when it comes to swimming (even if they have equal levels of fear or bravery).  So... unless the siblings are very close in age - or are twins/triplets - I do not recommend trying to fit them all in the same class.  Although it may be hard to juggle, I believe you will see much better results if you will sign them up for their age group (or close to it).

Question 16

WILL YOU COME TO SOMEONE ELSE'S HOME TO TEACH LESSONS?

Accepted Answer

Keri (classes in Birmingham, Alabama) teaches solely from her home in Homewood.  She is not able to teach at other locations.

Question 17

WHAT IS THE SCHEDULE FOR THIS YEAR?

Accepted Answer

Check the homepage. We update every year!

Birmingham, AL

Registration for Spring/Summer 2026 opens FEB. 4, 9pm