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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for the average adult to learn to swim?
The average adult with no fear of the water will take around 20 hours of swimming lessons before he/she can comfortably and confidently swim 25 yards freestyle. Adults who are afraid of the water or deep water will take longer. The key is always being in control and going at your own pace. The average child (5-12 years old) will take around 30 hours of swimming lessons. This is only an average. It may take some kids more and some less.

How long does it take the average adult to conquer their fear of water?
For an adult, conquering your fear of water means being confident, safe, and free in the water and knowing how to remain safe. Adults who are starting the MSI teaching system for the first time will take Beginning Swimming I Class and Beginning Swimming II Class with each class lasting 12 hours*.

I can already swim in shallow water, but I'm afraid in the deep end. Do I need to take the beginning class?
If you need the bottom or side of the pool to stop and get air while you're swimming, yes the beginning class is for you. Once you have complete trust that the water is holding you up and you know how to move around and get air whenever you want, you will no longer be afraid of the deep water. These skills are taught in the beginning 1 & 2 classes and will greatly enhance what you already know about swimming.

I really don’t know where the best place for me is to begin. What’s recommended?
If you took the swimming quiz and answered no to any of the questions then your best options are to register for the Introductory Swim Class, the Beginning Swimming I Class, or a private lesson. If you answered yes to all the questions, want to improve your stroke or compete in triathlon or open water events, there is the option of taking a Swim Basics freestyle or intermediate class with Dallas Aquatic Masters or diving right in for a free week of Dallas Aquatic Masters coached swim practices.

How do I register for private or semi-private lesson?
Click here to register online. Then please email Jim at jim@jimmontgomeryswim.com to schedule your classes.

What’s the cost for a private or semi-private lesson?
30-min lesson - $60
45-min lesson - $90
60-min lesson - $120
60-min Flume lesson - $150

What equipment do I need and where is a good place to buy?
Swim suit – proper attire aids in your enjoyment of the class. Many "fashion suits" can retain up to five pounds of water when wet, making it hard for you to learn how to swim. We recommend a simple one piece Lycra suit for women and a boxer type suit for men designed to shed water. Men have the option to wear a jammer – similar to spandex shorts, but in swim suit material.

Goggles – We recommend wearing goggles as they will provide good underwater vision and will help prevent eye irritation. There are many different styles and goggle manufactures to choose from so if you don’t already have a pair that fits well, a good test before purchasing is to be sure they stay on your face without the goggle strap.

Swim cap – hair needs to be kept out of the face so it is recommended that men and women with long hair and bangs to wear a swim cap.

Fins – fins are provided by the instructor but we recommend you purchase your own pair to aid in learning/refining stroke mechanics and drills, kicking, and conditioning.

We recommend you stop by any convenient D & J Sports stores. You can also visit www.djsports.com online for competition and athletic swim gear. 

What’s the policy on cancellations?
Cancellations received by phone or email 48-hours prior to a class or private lesson may be refunded or credited.  Due to the small class size, there are no refunds for cancellations received within 48-hours of the class start date, or after the class has started.

Are make-up classes offered?
Make-up classes will be offered only in the case of pool closure or extreme weather conditions.  In the case of student illness or family emergency, the student must notify the instructor no later than the day of the missed class to be eligible for a make-up.  Private lessons will not be offered as a make-up for missed classes. Credit for incomplete classes is good for one year.

How long should I take a lesson for?
Private swim lessons are offered in 30-, 45- and 60-minute durations depending on age and skill level. Children from the ages 5–8 just learning to swim find 30 minutes is enough time for a fun and challenging lesson. Kids swimming for stroke development or competition will take a 45-minute lesson. Adults training for open water events like triathlon will schedule 60-minutes or more.           

When and where are the best places and times to schedule a lesson?
The J Medical City Health and Fitness Center lessons are scheduled during the school year on Wednesday evenings 7:30-9 pm, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 1:30-4 pm and select Saturdays 11 am-2 pm. Summertime hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 1:30-4 pm and select Saturday mornings.
Click here for more information on The J Medical City Health and Fitness Center Pool.

Flume lessons are scheduled throughout the year (except during the Christmas holidays) Weekdays after 5:00 pm and Saturdays 7:30 am–2 pm.
Click here for more information on the Flume.

*Total instruction time will vary according to the number of enrollees. Beginning Fear of Water Parts 1 & 2, 4-6 students – 12 hours; 2-3 students 6- 8 hours; less than 2 students, class will be cancelled. Step-up 6-8 students – 8 hours, 3-5 students – 6 hours. Less than 3 students, class will be cancelled. Students will be notified if class is not full and have the option to postpone, cancel or apply their payment to private lessons.


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