Beginning Swim Instruction All Ages

The mission of Soothing Waters Swim School is to promote love of water and water safety. Learning is enhanced by a gentle, individualized approach with the focus on whole person development and on acquiring skill through enjoyment.

I have had much success working with fearful clients of all ages who have experienced water traumas, have had learning challenges elsewhere, or require adaptive swim techniques. The warm water, small pool, and use of Watsu techniques promotes relaxation and trust.

Beginning Swim lessons are available for ages 3 to Senior Citizen. The classes are specially tailored to meet the individual needs and desires of participants. Water enjoyment, independence, and safety are at the forefront of instruction. In my 14 years expereince as a swim instructor, I have found private and semi-private classes to be most effective and time-efficient for learning. Classes are scheduled at mutually agreed upon times. Call Liz at 360.766-8403 to schedule classes.

The Soothing Waters salt water pool is heated to a comfortable 90 degrees for swim instruction.

Additional Benefts for Children

With each succeeding year of teaching children, I have come to realize that the benefits of Soothing Waters Swim School extend way beyond learning to swim. Many character traits can be developed using swimming as the catalyst. Cooperation, perseverance, a positive attitude, and courtesy are just a few. As a whole person educator, I do encourage behaviors that promote these attributes and teach my classes so that children are provided with an opportunity to practice these skills while learning to swim. I especially enjoy partnering with parents in raising healthy and whole human beings.

Fees and Scheduling

Regularly scheduled classes are currently offered on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, afternoons and early evenings. As these days fill, more days will be added throughout the season. Please note, however, that time slots do fill. I encourage you on plan ahead. Also, be aware that “Create a Class” options may be available at times that are not listed.

For most efficient use of your time, I have found that private classes or classes with just 2 students work best. If you would like to have more students in a class, please discuss this with me. Session length can vary depending on your needs.

ADVANCE PAY RATES for 4 SUCCESSIVE CLASSES:

$41. each half hour/$164. total, for
private one to one lessons when 4 consecutive weekly lessons are paid in advance
($61./$244. total. = 45 minute class option)

$45. each half hour lesson/$180. total for 2 students when 4 consecutive weekly lessons are paid in advance
($67./$268. = 45 minutes)

$50. each half hour lesson/$200. total with 3 - 4 students when 4 consecutive weekly lessons are paid in advance
($75./$300. = 45 minutes)

INDIVIDUALLY SCHEDULED CLASS RATE:

Individually scheduled classes (not weekly) may be available. Please call 360.766.8403 to discuss a mutually agreed upon time. The rates for individually scheduled classes are:

$44. each half hour with 1 student ($66. for 45 minutes)

$50. total, each half hour with 2 students ($75. = 45 minutes)

$56. total, each half hour with 3 - 4 students ($81. = 45 minutes)

View the Enrollment Form by clicking on this link. The form is also located in the Form section of this Web pag. Please complete both the Enrollment Form and the Liability Release and send them to me with your full payment prior to your first series or class. Please be sure to read Before You Come to Soothing Waters and Parking Plan, also located in the Forms section of this Web.

Payment Schedule

The most reasonable rate is when you pay in advance for 4 consecutive weekly classes. Independently scheduled classes require pre-registration and advance payment for your first class. After that, it is fine to pay when you arrive.

Please understand that this time slot is reserved specifically for you for the number of weeks we agree to when you enroll. If you are unable to attend a class, cancellations must be made a minimum of 24 hours in advance by phone (766.8403) and must be infrequent in order to hold this time slot for you. Repeated or late cancellations will result in half of the payment due. Thank you for your cooperation.

Rain Policy

All Soothing Waters classes are conducted rain or shine.

Parent Reflections

"My 4-year daughter, Keely, has always been very cautious in the water and with adults she doesn't know. As a younger child she was nearly terrified of the water. We tried three swim lessons at our local YMCA, and although the swim lessons were perfectly adequate for most children, being idle in a large, noisy, cold pool with six other children did not encourage my daughter to explore the water. She is a child who needs to feel safe and connected to an adult before trying something new with that person. Liz provided a safe, loving, nurturing environment for Keely, and in only 5 classes,she progressed from hanging on to me for dear life, refusing to put her head near water, to full immersion and pre-swimming. She let Liz cradle her, hold her while floating, and most importantly, let go of her. This experience was incredible for both Keely and myself. My husband and I had our mouths hanging open by the end of her session with Liz. Keely could not wait to go swimming with Liz each week. She felt totally safe and secure. I have highly recommended Liz to every parent I know, particularly those with cautious children who are seeking an alternative learing experience." ~Victoria

"This is my first time being introduced to water, at age 60! It has been a wonderful, comfortable experience with gentle guidance. Thank you so much for opening up a whole new world" ~Judy

" I want to thank you so much for helping my 6-year old son, Levi, learn to swim. You know, as well as I, that my son had some major anxiety problems about going in the water. I just never thought that he would get over these problems enough so that he would be able to listen to your instructions. With you patience and nurturing instruction, I could slowly see Levi's fear of the water diminish. Not only did he get in the water, he is actually swimming! If you remember, at the beginning of the summer you asked me what my goals were with Levi. I answered you by saying that I would be happy if Levi would lose his anxiety about the water. Not only has my son lost his fear of water, he loves it. I don't know if you realize how much this means to me. To actually see Levi enjoy his time in the water far exceeds any expectations I ever had. You definitely made my summer." ~John

"Morgan really loves coming and learning to swim. She trusts Liz. As a blind child, she allows her body to to stretch and move in ways she does not usually do outside of the water. On land, she spends most of her time walking around so tense and insecure of her surroundings. The swimming lessons are really the only time I have seen her truly relax. It has helped her to sleep better, too. Thank you for everything." ~ Tina

"After our first attempt at swim lessons, I feared that my daughter, Tate, would never believe in herself enough to actually learn. She used excuses (tummy ache, fever, didn't want to learn) to avoid going to class. We took a break and before too long, Tate was asking to return to the "Liz pool" and I was ecstatic.

Tate was determined this time and in about 2 months my daughter transfromed into a fish - swimming underwater, bobbing, and diving for objects at the bottom of the pool. She is excited each week to visit Liz. I am so proud of her and she is proud of herself. She has a constant smile while in the pool with Liz becasue she now understands how fun swimming can be and how if you try, you will succeed.

Liz has been so patient with Tate and has helped her to overcome her fear of water. My little fish is now swimming the length of the pool underwater with minimal help from Liz. Thank you Soothing Waters for helping my daughter overcome her water fear and for teaching her the beginning stages of swimming. ~ Leah

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