Frequently asked questions

HOW IS ISR DIFFERENT THAN TRADITIONAL SWIM LESSONS?

ISR is the product of over 50+ years of ongoing research. Rather than blow bubbles and sing songs, our primary focus is to make sure each student can SURVIVE in the water and be an aquatic problem solver. ISR’s primary focus is to teach your child to become a productive swimmer and floater in any depth of water. The goal of ISR is that your child will become an aquatic problem solver. We give them real life situations, like using their skills in full clothing, to make sure they are prepared for a real life drowning scenario.

ARE ISR LESSONS SAFE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN?

YES! ISR instructors have given over 9 million safe and effective lessons. The safety of each child is the highest priority of each ISR instructor. Prior to participation each child is registered via an online registration process and each child’s health and developmental history is evaluated by our professionals to ensure that he or she can safely participate in lessons. Each lesson is private so the Instructor’s attention is focused completely on your child. The ongoing safety of each child is monitored throughout lessons by requiring each parent to update the instructor daily on their child’s Bowel, Urine, Diet, and Sleep habits. This is reviewed prior to each lesson. If the Instructor feels any of these key health measurements are not as they should be, the child’s lesson will not take place or in some cases the length and pace of a lesson is adjusted. Many pediatricians who are educated about this program and its high safety standards are willing to refer their parents to this program.

WHY ARE LESSONS 10 MINUTES OR LESS?

Our number one reason is always safety. Lessons are mentally and physically demanding for little ones and we never want to fatigue or exhaust them. For their little bodies, this can be quite the workout, so we make sure to limit the time they are in the water because we want to be sure to see them the next day.

The second reason is tor the retention of skills. It’s proven that children in this age range attain skills best within the first 10 minutes.

WHY ARE LESSONS 5 DAYS A WEEK?

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. Practicing ISR Self-Rescue Skills on a consistent basis allows for muscle memory to form. Muscle memory is what allows your child to Self-Rescue as soon as they hit the water.

wILL MY CHILD CRY DURING LESSONS?

For most children, crying is developmentally appropriate and their only way of communicating. Typically, once your child gains the confidence in their new skills, the crying diminishes. Instructors are use to this behavior so don’t be concerned about tears interfering with lessons.

Your child is learning new skills, with a new person, in a new environment. It’s ok for them to cry we often hear is the same cry you get when you take away a toy, don’t let them eat dirt, or even put them in their car seat. It’s a protest and their way of saying they aren’t happy to be here. Remember, this is their way of communicating with us since most children are not yet verbal.

Your child will be looking to you to develop his/her attitude toward swimming and lessons. A child whose parent projects a positive attitude and praises their child’s efforts will see their child’s crying diminish or even be eliminated as their skill level progresses. Crying will not bother the Instructor or interfere with the child’s learning.