Frequently Asked Questions - The Aqua Life

Frequently Asked Questions

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How many students are in your group/semi-private lessons?

The great thing about our lessons is that your child will be continuously learning! We are keep our class size small with a maximum of 2-3 students per class.

What level should I register my child in? What equipment will he/she need?

LEVEL AGE PREREQUISITE REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Parent & Tot 1-3 yrs None.
  • reusable swim diaper
  • Power Swimr ™ (for all children 2-5yrs old)
Swim 101 3+ yrs None. Must be 3 years old.
  • Power Swimr ™ (for all children 2-5yrs old)
Swim 201 4+ yrs Swim 10m on front and back without the aid of a floatation device with face in the water, breathing as needed.
  • (goggles recommended)
Swim 301 4+ yrs Swim 20m of backstroke and 20m freestyle with side breathing.
  • (goggles recommended)

What’s the earliest age I can enroll my child in your lessons?

As soon as your child is 12 months old, they are ready to enroll in our Parent & Tot classes.

Even if my child is potty-trained, why must they be double-diapered in Parent & Tot classes?

Let’s be honest, swim diapers alone just don’t cut it! Children must be double-diapered in our Parent & Tot class for the healthy & safety of all others who share the pool, should there be an accident.

What is the Power Swimr? Why does my child need one for Swim 101?

The Power Swimr is a teaching tool for new swimmers – like training wheels for the water! Using removable foam layers, it supports your child in the water, giving them the confidence they need to focus on learning. It also supports the body in the proper horizontal position needed to learn good technique in the water.

We require all students aged two to five to wear one – generally by the age of six, it is no longer enough to support most children. This means that some students in both our Parent & Tot and Swim 101 classes will need to wear a Power Swimr.

We import the Power Swimr specifically for our program, so you simply order it from us. The cost is $39+HST, and it will be charged to your existing account. To order, please email info@theaqualife.ca

Sizing:

Small fits children 20-35 lbs

Medium fits children 35-55 lbs

Large fits children 55-80 lbs

Will lessons ever be canceled?

While we do our best to avoid cancelling classes, we may sometimes have to do so if there is a problem in the pool and it is not healthy or safe for your child to be in the water. If we need to cancel for any reason, the cost of 1 class will be credited to your account.

What if I miss a class?

Due to limited pool time, we do not offer makeup classes for those lessons you choose to miss. Similar to any other activity (such as soccer, swim lessons with the city, or hockey) participants are not afforded the opportunity to “make up” missed class time.

What is your refund policy?

Classes paid for are non-refundable. However, when you give us 30 days written notice of withdrawal from a class, you will not be charged for any additional classes.

What if I’m unsatisfied with my child’s lessons?

While it is a very rare occurrence that a parent is not happy with a child’s lesson, there are times when an instructor and a child are not the right match. We do remind parents that a child might at times project their initial discomfort in the water onto their instructor. This will sort itself out after a few lessons once they grow more comfortable. If you are unhappy with your lessons, please contact us so we can work together to come up with a solution and keep you or your child progressing in the water.

How do I pay for lessons?

Your credit card will automatically be charged on the 20th of every the month for the upcoming month’s lessons. For example, October’s tuition would be processed on September 20th.

I’ve decided to withdraw my student, how should I proceed?

In the event that you need to withdraw your student from class, please email support@theaqualife.ca 30 days prior to your withdrawal. For example, if you wish to withdraw from lessons at the end of November, you must email us notice by October 31. All withdrawals must take place at the end of a month. While you can withdraw from lessons mid-month, you will not be refunded for lessons missed.

I’m ready to return to lessons, how do I re-enroll?

When you’re ready to return to the pool, email support@theaqualife.ca 2 to 3 weeks before you’d like your child to start and we will send you options for available classes.

What should I bring to my child’s lesson?

Preparing your son or daughter’s swim bag ahead of time can make arriving at the pool a lot less stressful for you and them. Here are some essentials we suggest you bring to your child’s lesson:

  • Swimsuit / Swim shorts (that tie up)
  • Beach Towel
  • Goggles (adjusted ahead of time)
  • Power Swimr (Parent & Tot and Swim 101 swimmers, aged 2-5yrs)
  • Flip-flops
  • Swim cap OR hair elastics & 2 barrettes
  • Plastic bag for wet items
  • Shampoo (& Conditioner)
  • Soap
  • Comb/Brush
  • Water & a healthy snack

Is there anything we can do at home to help my child’s learning process?

Practice is key to any successful learning! Check out our blog for great tips {hyperlink to blog} on helping your child learn to swim. If you have access to a pool at home, we encourage you to help your child practice their new skills. If you don’t, you can practice many of their new skills in the bathtub.

Where should I park?

Brookstreet – Kanata: There is 3-hour complimentary parking underground and behind The Brookstreet Hotel. The underground parking is great for when it is raining or snowing – you can come right in without getting wet.

Holiday Inn – Kanata: There is free parking out front of the Holiday Inn main entrance.

Holiday Inn – Orleans: There is free outdoor parking beside the hotel.

How do I get to the Brookstreet pool (Kanata)?

To get to the Brookstreet Hotel, 525 Legget Drive, in Kanata from Hwy 417:

  1. Exit Hwy-417 at Eagleson Road / March Road
  2. Take March Road (heading North)
  3. Turn right onto Solandt Road
  4. Take the 1st left onto Legget Drive
  5. Destination will be on the right

There is 3hr complimentary parking underground and in back of The Brookstreet Hotel. The underground parking is great for when it is raining/snowing – you can come right in without getting wet.

When you enter the hotel on the main floor, make your way upstairs to the Flex Studio Fitness Center. At the reception desk, sign in and proceed to the change rooms (to the left of reception). Once changed into your swim suit, walk through the cardio room to the hallway leading to the pool downstairs.

How do I get to the Holiday Inn pool (Nepean)?

To get to the Holiday Inn Suites, 2055 Robertson Road, in Nepean from Hwy 417:

  1. Take the exit at Moodie Drive and head south
  2. After roughly 1.8km turn left onto Robertson Road
  3. In 260m you will find the Holiday Inn Express & Suites on your left

There is complimentary parking out front the hotel entrance.

How do I get to the Holiday Inn pool (Kanata)?

To get to the Holiday Inn Suites, 101 Kanata Ave, in Kanata from Hwy 417:

  1. Exit Hwy-417 at Kanata Ave
  2. Take Kanata Ave (heading North)
  3. Turn left onto Lord Byng Way
  4. Destination will be on the left

There is 3hr complimentary parking underground and in back of The Brookstreet Hotel. The underground parking is great for when it is raining/snowing – you can come right in without getting wet.

Enter through the main entrance and make your way past the front desk. Turn right towards the workout room and the pool. Enter through the door and turn left and walk around to go to find the change rooms on your left.

What if I am not comfortable wearing a swimsuit? What can I wear?

A one piece bathing suit is strongly recommended for comfort and stability.

There is a fantastic swimsuit called the Burkini which gives you the freedom to move in water while still offering more coverage than a standard swimsuit.

You can order it here.

How long is each lesson?

Each class lasts for 30 minutes: 27 minutes are dedicated to instruction and the last few are for the instructor to give feedback to students and their parents.

Can I use the pool facilities outside of my swim lesson time?

Access to the pool is only allowed in the care of your instructor for the time allotted for your lesson. Use of the pool, hot tubs, sauna or gym are not included in your swim lessons.

Who should I contact with any other questions or concerns?

Email support@theaqualife.ca or call 613-793-0323 with any questions. Please do not contact any of the venues where lessons are hosted, as they are just the supplier of the swimming pool and are owned and operated separately from the Aqua Life Swim Academy.

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