Frequently Asked Questions

The reason for this is multifaceted. First, repetition and consistency are crucial elements of learning for young children. Research shows that short, more frequent lessons result in higher retention. Second, most children have fairly short attention spans and will not be able to focus on the task for longer and we want to take advantage of the best time for learning. A third reason is that, though the pool temperature is maintained at 78-88 degrees, the temperature is still lower than your child's body temperature. Lessons are hard work and can result in loss of body heat. Instructors check students regularly for temperature fatigue since this is an indicator of physical fatigue.

Tuition is $100 a week. Payment is due on Monday each week and can be made in cash or through Venmo or Zelle.  Weekly tuition is due regardless of the number of lessons you attend that week.  Lessons intended to be paid for in full, or through a scholarship, by a 3rd party, business, or other entity must be disclosed upon first contact. 

The 4-8 weeks is an estimate that is based on the average time in which it takes most children to learn these survival skills. Every child is unique and ISR’s Self-Rescue™ program is specifically designed based on your child’s individual strengths and needs. It is important to realize that this is an average which means that some children will actually finish more quickly, while others will need more practice. ISR is dedicated to safety, therefore we want to provide your child the best opportunity to become proficient in his/her survival skills. We will always honor your child’s needs.

YES! ISR is dedicated to safety and maintaining numerous safety protocols to promote safe lessons. Your child's health and well-being are our highest priority and are closely monitored on a daily basis. In addition, your child's medical and developmental history is a mandatory part of the ISR national registration process, all of which is held strictly confidential. All ISR instructors undergo an intensive and rigorous training that far exceeds any other training program of this kind. Each ISR instructor is also required to attend a yearly re-certification symposium that includes quality control as well as continuing education. Your education in the area of aquatic safety for your entire family is an integral part of your child's lessons. You will receive access to the "Parent Resource Guide", written by Dr. Harvey Barnett and JoAnn Barnett, which will inform you of every aspect of swimming for infants and children. With research, you will find that ISR is the safest survival swimming program but also the most effective for teaching infants and young children.

It takes incredible concentration and objectivity to teach the baby how to respond to an aquatic emergency, and our research shows that parents often find it too difficult to be effective teachers with their own children in the water.

There is an important difference between being fearful and being apprehensive because you are not yet skilled in a new environment. ISR is not like traditional swim lessons; it is a drowning prevention program that teaches survival swimming. Once competent in their skills, many children cannot be dragged away from the pool because they are having so much fun!

Because 86% of children who fall in the water, do so fully clothed. We want our students to have experience with such a situation. If a child has experienced the sensations of being in the water in clothing prior to an emergency situation, he/she is less likely to experience panic and be able to focus on the task at hand. If you have ever jumped in the water with clothes on, then you know that there is a significant difference in weight and feel with clothes as opposed to a bathing suit.