Aqua Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Aqua Babies classes are offered for children ranging from about 3 months to about 3 years. In this class, your child will build an association between water and enjoyment and will experience opportunities for social, intellectual, emotional, and physical development. Children will be taught water adjustment and pre-swim skills that they will practice with the assistance of a parent or caregiver. This is a wonderful opportunity for sharing special time with your child!

Sessions, of varying lengths, of one class each week are offered from March through October. The Aqua Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers registration form is available on the Fees and Forms section of this web on or by contacting Liz at, 360.766.8403.

The Soothing Waters pool is heated to a comfortable 90 degrees.

Class Size

A minimum of four students is required to offer a class at the fee listed below. Class size will not exceed five students. Many of my clients enjoy creating their own class by organizing a group of friends.

Customizing Classes

Customizing classes is a specialty of Soothing Waters. Classes can be individualized so that varying ages of children in the same family can all be in one class, if there is a baby or toddler, it is necessary to have a parent or guardian in the water with this child. The fee will vary depending upon the number of students.

Fees and Schedule for 2008
Group Classes

$ 77. for seven half hour classes (parent & child)
$ 88. for eight half hour classes (parent & child)
$ 14. drop in rate (with prior approval)
These rates are based upon a minimum class size of 4 students, maximum of 5 students for each class

The 2008 schedule is the following:
Session I: March 19th – May 7th (8 classes)
Session II: May 14th – July 2nd ( 8 classes)
Session III: July 9th – August 27th (8 classes)
Session IV: Sept. 3rd – Oct. 8th (7 classes)

Your full payment reserves a spot for you and your child. Classes do fill up, so please plan ahead. The Enrollment Form is located in the Form section of this Web page.

Make-up Classes and Absences

A one hour long make-up class will be offered towards the end of each session. If you miss one class, stay for a half hour; if you miss two classes, stay for the full hour. The tentative date of the make-up class is located on the enrollment form. You may access this form by clicking “fees and forms” at the top of the home page and then clicking on the “Aqua Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers Enrollment Form”.

Refunds for missed classes are not issued, so please be sure that you can make the majority of classes in the session that you have signed up for. If you would like to sign up for a session, but know that you cannot make a number of classes, please discuss this with me. Based upon the enrollment numbers, it may be possible to offer you a class by class rate of $14.

Rain Policy

All Soothing Waters classes are conducted rain or shine.

What to Bring

In order to maintain water quality, all Aqua Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers are required to wear a snug fitting swim diaper. I have some for sale for $10. that have been approved by the National Swim Association. When you enroll, please let me know if you would like to order one and specify the size/weight of your child (see enrollment form). Disposable swim diapers are not effective. Please do not use them.

• Be sure to bring a towel for each of you. Robes work great for Moms getting to and from the pool.
• Plastic bags are helpful for wet items.
• If your child has a favorite water toy, feel free to bring it along.

Parent Reflections

"Aqua Babies provided Hamilton and me with a wonderful opportunity to cuddle, play, and interact with other babies. Water play provided such freedom of mobility for my infant. I can't explain what a feeling it was to see that little being's eyes wide open, arms and legs moving, just cruising underwater towards me." ~Kelly

"Watching my nine week old son develop a love for swimming in the water was amazing! We live across the street from the bay and it is important to us that he learn to respect and be comfortable in the water. Liz's class focuses on having fun in the water, while teaching important skills for baby to be safe." ~Amber and Gavin

"We loved coming to Aqua Babies. I appreciated how you interacted with my daughter...your smooth, calming voice and mannerisms made for a great experience. It's obvious that you are very knowledgeable and experienced in what you do. We look forward to seeing you in the Spring." ~Rebecca and Maya

Beginning Soothing Waters classes for Malleck at age three months has been so much fun for us both. My entire family has been amazed at his natural attraction to the water, we would never have known how relaxing and fun water would have been for him if it weren't for this class." ~Nichole

Before the First Class

If you plan to enroll in the Aqua Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers class, this section will provide you with helpful tips to enhance your experience.

Welcome to Aqua Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers! I am looking forward to our time together. We are in for a fun time as we play with our babies/toddlers, have them meet new friends, and introduce them to the wonders of water. In addition to lots of playful movement and socialization, we will be aiding the children in water adjustment and preparing them for the initial learning phase that sets the stage for future swimming.

The initial learning phase of swimming is marked by the child being comfortable submerging his face. Lots of water exposure will assist in this initial learning phase, but most important is the individual child's desire and readiness. A child should never be forced to perform a skill, this will only have the adverse effect of what we desire -enjoyment of water!

Preparing for the First Class

There are a number of things that you can do even before our first class to prepare your child for Aqua Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers.

• Begin by talking to your child about his/her upcoming swim lessons. Pictures and books regarding water fun and swimming are beneficial.
• Help your child get used to having water on his/her face. You can do this by dribbling water on his face with a washcloth or sponge. Singing, "It's raining, it's pouring" will add to the fun. Taking your child in the shower with you is also helpful.
• Bubble blowing is great preparation for breath work.
• Make bath time a time of fun.
• Schedule a time for your child to come by, meet me, and see the pool if that would make him/her feel more at ease with this new situation.

Parent's Role During the Class

• Children copy parental attitudes. What you say, do, and your facial expressions will influence your child.
• Praise your child. Reinforce all skills you want your child to repeat. Reward effort as well as accomplishments.
• Be positive. Ignore or minimize reactions such as crying or tantrumming.
• Have patience. Children progress at their own rate in swimming readiness, just as in all other areas of development.

Health

• Please let me know if you or your child has any medical problems or disabilities.
• Food or drink, especially citrus products, should not be consumed for at least one hour prior to class.
• If your child becomes chilled or tired, take him out of the water and wrap him warmly. You may either observe the class or go inside.

PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE AT ALL TIMES
FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR CHILDREN.

I know that this will be a fun and rewarding experience for all of us. Please do not hesitate to call me at 766-8403 if you have any questions. Looking forward to seeing you in the water!!!

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