What is ISR and how is it different from other swimming programs?

ISR is the product of over 50 years of ongoing research. Rather than blowing bubbles and singing songs, our primary focus is ensuring that each student becomes an aquatic problem solver able to survive in the event of an aquatic emergency. We provide real life situations, such as using their skills while fully clothed, to ensure they are prepared for a real life drowning scenario.

The priority is learning survival skills, so will my child learn to swim too?

Absolutely! The difference in our program is that children will learn swimming AND survival skills, making them an adept aquatic problem solver! ISR lessons teach the swim-float-swim sequence to ensure that children are able to get themselves to safety.

Are these group lessons?

No. I never teach more than one little at a time. Every ISR lesson is one-on-one with an Instructor, allowing lessons to be individualized for each student.

Why are lessons only 10 minutes?

My first priority is always safety. ISR lessons are quite a workout and are mentally and physically demanding for littles. I never want to over fatigue or exhaust them. No one goes back to the gym after a brutal leg day, am I right? The second reason is to ensure retention of skills. Children attain skills best within the first 10 minutes of an activity. As parents, I’m sure you know all too well how short your little’s attention spans can be.

Why are lessons five days a week?

I know 5 days a week might seem daunting, but I promise it’s worth it. ISR self-rescue skills are developed just like any other sensorimotor skill. When learning to walk, crawl, or even ride a bike, it’s the practice and repetition that makes for success. Imagine if you had only worked on those skills once a week?! Practicing ISR self-rescue skills on a consistent basis allows for muscle memory to form. Muscle memory is what allows your little to self-rescue as soon as they reach the water.

Will my child need to come back after their initial session?

Yes, ISR recommends refreshers every six to nine months due to rapid growth, which can impact skills. For parents who want to keep their little in the water regularly to keep skills fresh, maintenance lessons are a great option.

Will my child cry during lessons?

Learning new skills, with a new person, in a new environment; honestly who wouldn’t be upset at first? The cry we oftentimes hear in the water is the same cry you get when you take away a toy, don’t let them eat dirt, or put them in their car seat. It’s a protest, and their way of saying they aren’t happy to be there. The good news is, every lesson builds additional in-water confidence and is one day closer to your child being fully-skilled. I know it’s hard to see your child upset but, remember, a crying baby is a breathing baby. You’ve got this!

Why do students swim in clothing?

Since we know that 86% of childhood drownings occur when the child is fully clothed, students practice their self-rescue skills during the final week of lessons in pajamas and winter clothing tests (which can add 10-15lbs!). If a child has experienced the sensation of being in the water in clothing prior to an emergency situation, they’re less likely to experience panic and more able to focus on rescuing themselves if one occurs. Also, witnessing your child self-rescue in several layers, a jacket, and shoes will give you such peace of mind!

Why does ISR need my child’s medical information?

ISR’s team of pediatric doctors and nurses review each student’s medical history prior to them starting lessons, to provide guidance to the Instructor about how to deliver the safest lesson for the child. It’s our job to not only provide every child with ISR self-rescue skills, but to provide those skills safely and adequately for each child. Infant Swimming Resource complies with all federal and state laws and regulations and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion or disability. It is the policy of ISR to provide reasonable accommodations to its disabled applicants and students, with the provision of appropriate documentation of the need for the accommodation.