Question 1

How Do I Register?

Accepted Answer

Families can register at bearpaddle.com, by calling us, or in person at any of our locations. Families can also register through their Parent Portal. Families with a Parent Portal can also view available classes, add swimmers, and update any family information! New families will be charged a $35 registration fee. Returning families will be charged a $25 re-enrollment fee.

Question 2

How Do I Know Which Swim Level is Best for My Student?

Accepted Answer

We have designed our curriculum by age and ability. If you are unsure what Swim Level to register your Student in, we welcome you to schedule a Complimentary Swim Lesson at one of our locations.

Question 3

How Do I Pay For My Swim Lessons?

Accepted Answer

Swim Lesson fees are charged per lesson per month on the first day of each month. Swim Lesson prices include one 30-minute lesson per week. Families will not be charged for their first swim Lesson until the start date is confirmed. Upon registering for lessons, families will be charged a $35 enrollment fee (returning families will be charged a $25 re-enrollment fee). Fees may be prorated based on your first day of swim lessons and pre-planned Bear Paddle closures. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, cash, or check. Prices vary by location.

Question 4

How Long Is My Student Signed Up For?

Accepted Answer

Classes are month to month, meaning classes continue until an in-person 30-day withdraw notice is submitted.

Question 5

Do You Offer Discounts Or What Is Included With Monthly Fees?

Accepted Answer

We offer a 10% discount for siblings. With your membership, active families benefit from FREE family swim every Saturday and Sunday, unlimited make-up lessons, monthly skill assessments and progress reports, and Progress Patches.

Question 6

What Does My Student Need To Bring To Swim Lessons?

Accepted Answer

All Students will need to bring a swimsuit and a towel. All of our Students under the age of three are also required to wear a disposable and reusable swim diaper. Our Pool Deck has all the necessary teaching tools for your Student to use during their swim lesson, however your Student may bring their own goggles.

Question 7

What Should I Expect On My First Day?

Accepted Answer

We will ensure your Student is in the right Swim Level. Both the Swim Teacher and Deck Specialist will work together to ensure each Student’s Skill Level meets the expectations of each class. If you feel your Student has not been assessed accurately or is in the wrong Swim Level, please notify the Deck Specialist.

Question 8

How Can I Make Sure My Student Doesn’t Go To The Bathroom In The Pool?

Accepted Answer

To avoid a bathroom mishap in the pool, please arrive with enough time prior to your swim lesson to take your Student to the bathroom. Also, if your Student is under the age of three or is not potty trained, please ensure you have a disposable and reusable swim diaper on them during swim lessons.

Question 9

What If My Student Misses A Swim Lesson?

Accepted Answer

Make-Up Lessons will be offered on Saturdays and Sundays every week. Spots are reserved on a first call, first-serve basis and must be scheduled on Tuesdays & Wednesdays for the upcoming Saturday or Sunday. Make-Up Lessons cannot be booked beyond the current week. Availability to schedule a Make-Up Lesson is not guaranteed. Refunds will not be issued for missed lessons.

Question 10

What If Bear Paddle Closes For An Unexpected Closure?

Accepted Answer

In the event of an unexpected Bear Paddle closure, your Student will receive a credit on your account. We will notify families of unexpected closures as soon as we can via phone and email. In the event of vomit or fecal matter found in the pool, management will follow state guidelines and ensure student safety. In the event of pool heater issues, swim lessons will continue if the pool temp is 86 degrees and above.

Question 11

When Are Bear Paddle’s Scheduled Closings?

Accepted Answer

Families will not be charged for lessons that fall on scheduled Bear Paddle closures defined as pre-planned dates; New Years Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day.

Question 12

What If I Need To Change My Student’s Schedule Swim Time?

Accepted Answer

Transfers are allowed during the first month of each Quarter (January, March, June, September). If a transfer of lesson results in a missed lesson, a Make-Up Lesson will be given. If a transfer of lesson results in an extra lesson, a fee will be charged for the additional lesson. If a Student is ready to move up after the first month we will work with family’s schedule to find the appropriate class for them.

Question 13

What If My Student Is In The Wrong Level?

Accepted Answer

We evaluate each Student to address any situation where a class is not a match based on the skill level of the group. If you have concerns, please let a manager know right away. Our goal is to provide the best lessons for our students and to always have students in the best class for their skill and development level.

Question 14

How Will I Know How My Student Is Progressing?

Accepted Answer

Teachers will provide progress reports and homework tips for your child on a monthly basis. Students will be evaluated and given patches monthly with their progress report as they achieve certain skills. Once a Student earns the patches required to graduate the level, they will move to the next level. Patches can be ironed on our Patch Reward Towel! The Teacher and Lesson Experience Manager will work together to inform parents as skills are being mastered and ensure Students are challenged on new skills when current level skills are achieved.

Question 15

How Can My Student Progress Faster?

Accepted Answer

Swimming two times per week will cut time in half for most swimmers to achieve their swim goal. Free Family Swim, Swim Clinics, and adding another swim day is a great way to practice and boost your learn to swim time!

Question 16

What Is A Level Recommendation?

Accepted Answer

Level Recommendations are completed during a Complimentary Swim Level to let you know which class is best for your child. We also assess student progress monthly to ensure your child is progressing towards their swim goal, and will recommend a new class when they are ready to move up a level.

Question 17

What Age Can I Register My Student To Begin Lessons?

Accepted Answer

Students can begin swimming lessons as early as 6 months old, however we offer beginner levels for Students of all ages. We strive to ensure all Students are at the minimum equipped with the ability to self rescue graduating from Level 3 – Flip To Breathe swim level.

Question 18

How Many Students Are In Each Class?

Accepted Answer

Student to Teacher ratios vary between 3:1 and 6:1 based on each Student’s age and level. Schedule

Question 19

Do you Offer Family Swim?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Please visit bearpaddle.com to view our most up to date Family Swim offerings.

Question 20

Are Private, Semi-Private, Or Special Needs Classes Offered?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you would like to schedule a private, semi-private, or special needs class, please call your local swim school or stop by any of our locations.

Question 21

What Are Clinics And When Are They Offered?

Accepted Answer

Clinics are offered seasonally and typically align with school breaks to provide families the opportunity to swim multiple times in a one or two week setting. During Clinics, Students swim 3 to 5 times each week for maximum swimming progress in the shortest amount of time. Please visit bearpaddle.com to view our most up to date Clinic offerings.

Question 22

Any Perks For Referring A Friend?

Accepted Answer

Yes! You will receive a $25 Bear Paddle Gift Card for use towards swim lessons and merchandise.

Question 23

Where Can I Find Your Swim Schedule?

Accepted Answer

Our website, bearpaddle.com, reflects our most up-to-date swim schedule and only displays classes with space available for enrollment. We offer swim lessons seven days a week to make swimming a convenient and consistent part of your Student’s routine.

Question 24

If I Enroll Today, When Can I Start?

Accepted Answer

You can start any time that works with your family as long as we have space available in the class best suited for your child.

Question 25

Will My Student Have The Same Teacher?

Accepted Answer

As each Teacher’s schedule changes, we can not guarantee the same Teacher will be available in the upcoming Quarter, but we will try our best to accommodate.

Question 26

If I Have More Than One Student, Can My Students Swim At The Same Time?

Accepted Answer

We try our best to accommodate families with more than one Student. We offer a variety of classes for different ages and abilities to facilitate easier family scheduling.

Question 27

What Are Some Of Bear Paddle’s Safety Rules?

Accepted Answer

Disposable swim diapers and reusable swim pants are required for Students under the age of three. Swimmers are required to rinse before and after swim lessons. Do not feed your child at least 30 minutes before lessons. Make sure your child uses the restroom before each swim lesson to ensure a safe swimming environment.

A parent/guardian must remain at the facility for the duration of the lesson, there will be no drop-offs. Parents are required to help enforce the no running policy. State law prohibits food or glass from entering the pool area. Students may not enter the pool without a Teacher present, they must wait with their parent/guardian on the pool deck until their swim lesson.

Frequently Asked Questions

First Day

Missed Lessons, Closures, and Transfers

Student Progress

Program Information

Schedule

Safety

Bear Paddle Swim School