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.

When applying for swim lessons, please suggest the appropriate level for your son/daughter based on the skill requirements listed for each level. It is advisable for new students (except those applying for Splash and Level 1,2 classes) to have a short in-pool evaluation before sending in an application. New students signing up for an incorrect level risk losing their first choice of day and time for their class.

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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.

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

Make-up Policy: As CRA continues to grow, there are fewer opportunities to make up missed classes. In order to be fair to everyone, the following policies are now in effect for Fall and Winter classes:

One make-up class per session.
No make-up class for a missed make-up.
No make-up class carried over to the next session.
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-up for missed classes during the summer.

Cancellations and Changes: To cancel a class, you must withdraw prior to the beginning of the session to receive a refund. After a session begins, no refunds or credits will be issued for canceling a class. Confirmed swimmers who cancel after the session begins hold spots that could have been available to other swimmers.

Changing a class (day and/or time) after the session has started will incur a $25 administrative charge.

Illness: If a student misses three or more classes due to illness, a credit will be given for the missed classes.

Pool Closings: If classes are cancelled due to inclement weather or poor pool conditions, no refunds or make-up classes will be offered. A credit will be issued towards a future session only.

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