Swim classes are offered for children 3 and up. If your 3 year old requires being carried to poolside, does not want you to leave the deck, is not toilet trained or will not put his or her face in the water, please wait another few months before enrolling, or consider our Tiny Tots program for children 6 months to 3 1/2 years of age (this class requires an adult in the pool with the child).

We want your child to gain the full benefits of our program. Every child is different and development may be varied. We respect these differences and encourage children to progress at their own rate as some are more aware kinesthetically in the pool than others.

Please do not push your child or compare him/her to other children as it is common for swimmers to repeat the same level until a skill set is achieved. We want to foster a love of swimming and once your child masters the skills performed in the current class, then s/he will move to the next level in the following session. There is no movement in the middle of a sessioon to a higher level, as this disrupts a class.

When enrolling in swim lessons, please sign up for the appropriate level for your son/daughter based on the skill requirements listed for each level. It is advisable for new students in Levels 3 or higher to call 617-777-3556 and speak to Marilyn before enrolling. Swimmers wishing to enroll in Levels 5 or 6 will need an in-pool evaluation. New students signing up for an incorrect level will be moved to a lower level if space allows. If there is no space, a refund minus $25 will be charged.

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Instructional Policies for Regular Swim Lessons

You should be familiar with the following policies before registering. If you have additional questions, see our FAQ page, or call us at 617-777-3556.

All children must use the bathroom before class begins. Three year olds must be toilet trained to join our Splash class.

Children must be on deck 5 minutes before class begins.

Goggles are a must! Please talk to your children about using goggles before classes begin. Bringing your own pair is strongly recommended but we will have "loaners" during class time.

Children are grouped by skill level with one instructor.

One piece suits are advised for girls. Please avoid excessively long shorts for boys as they create drag.

Hair should be tied back or a lycra, silicon or latex cap should be worn. Swimmers in Levels 5/6 must wear a swim cap unless they have short hair.

All instructors and the Aquatics Director are lifeguard certified. However, parents, we do need your help in enforcing health and safety procedures with your children:

No running on pool deck.

Students are not to leave their position on the wall until directed to do so by the instructor.

There will be no fighting, pushing or chewing gum in the pool.

Observation day is the last day of classes and parents/guardians are permitted on pool deck ONLY on that day for the last 10 minutes of class. For all other lessons, please remain in the hall or in our observation office.

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Administrative Policies:

Note About e-mails: Charles River Aquatics confirms registrations, and provides information about new sessions and class closings by e-mail. CRA cannot be responsible for missed e-mails due to incorrect e-mail addresses, or blocked e-mails due to spam-filters.

Registration: We usually open registration for a new class session 4 to 5 weeks before the session starts. Once the Session starts, we will not accept any late registrations!

Make-up Policy: As CRA continues to grow, there are fewer opportunities to make up missed classes. Make-ups are available only in classes that are not filled. In order to be fair to everyone, the following policies are now in effect for Fall and Winter classes:

1. One make-up class per session.

2. If a swimmer cancels a make-up for any reason (illness, vacation, etc.), no other make-up will be scheduled in its place.

3. No make-up class the first or last week of the session.

Call 617-777-3556 to schedule a make-up class.

Because of the special nature of the summer class schedule, we cannot offer any make-ups for missed classes during the summer.

Cancellation and/or Change Policy:

1. There will be a $25 charge for a cancellation once a swimmer is registered.
2. There will be a $25 charge to change a class ON and AFTER the first day of the session.
3. There will be NO REFUND once the session has begun.

Pool Closings: Charles River Aquatics does NOT follow the Boston Public School closing schedule for inclement weather. If CRA does close, there will be a notice on the website, and phone calls will be made. However, please call 617-777-3556 should you have any questions.

If classes are cancelled for any reason, Charles River Aquatics will offer a one hour family swim with staff available to help with instruction. The family swim will be on a weekend afternoon. All swimmers involved will be notified well in advance.

Charles River Aquatics will NOT offer a refund for any missed classes.

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