Orca Kids Swim School
Upon founding in 1999, Orca Swim School has set out to work towards a method that can work for 100% of swimmers, understanding that all humans are capable of swimming, but that each individual comes to the water with a different sense of comfort, a different path for success, and a unique complex of natural tendencies.
We believe that 'swimming' is a life skill, and a 'swimmer' is a person who has a total feeling of comfort in the water, comparable to that which they have on land.
We work with swimmers based on their individual needs, and individual modes of learning, at a pace that best suits the natural inclination of the swimmer.
Our process is flexible and works toward serving the needs of the individual.
Every process starts with developing comfort, self awareness, and physical/mental control in the water.
Swimmers will first learn the essential skills for water safety and self preservation (resting and getting air whenever needed), deep water comfort (total independence), and later may choose to learn intermediate and advanced techniques like proper strokes, diving, and treading water.
We believe that children learn best when engaged in fun. We use concepts of play, games, science, and physics to nurture the natural curiosity of children, and encourage exploration in a safe environment.
Some
frequently asked questions
How many times per week do they meet?
Most swimmers are in the water once per week, over a long period of time. This regime works well for developing permanence in learning skills needed to be safe in and around the water. In the long term, consistency over time will contribute greatly to swimmer safety. It is possible to swim multiple times per week, and if this is your preference, please indicate so on your registration form, or via email.
When are classes offered?
We offer classes 7 days per week between our three locations. Most classes take place during after school hours (3-8pm), and some classes are offered on weekends (Bothell and Seattle only) between 9:30am-2pm.
At what age can we start?
Swimmers may begin lessons when they are ready to be in the water without a parent. For most swimmers, this is generally between 2.5-4 years of age. Beginning swimmers should be ready to communicate with instructors, and follow direction.