Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my child need to be?
NOVA accepts children 3 years of age and older. All swimmers must be fully potty trained before participating in lessons.
How do I know when my child is ready to start lessons?
Children should be fully potty trained, able to communicate with an instructor, and able to follow directions in a group setting. These skills create a safe and successful learning environment for everyone in class.
How long are lessons?
Each lesson is 45 minutes in length. However, if a class only has 2 students, the instructor will end after 30 minutes.
Can I watch my child’s lesson?
Absolutely! Parents and guardians are encouraged to watch lessons from the designated spectator area on the far-side bleachers. Watching from the bleachers allows instructors to maintain swimmers’ attention while still giving families a great view.
Can I drop my swimmer off for their lesson?
No. A parent or guardian must remain in the facility for the duration of the lesson. This ensures someone is available if a swimmer needs assistance, including help for younger swimmers using the restroom.
Do you offer make-up classes?
No. Because classes are kept small and are often full, SwimNOVA does not offer make-up opportunities for missed classes. We appreciate your understanding as this policy allows us to maintain consistent class sizes and scheduling for families.
How do I know when my child is ready to move up?
Swimmers progress at their own pace and advance when they have consistently demonstrated all of the skills required for the next level. Advancement is based on skill mastery rather than age or time in the program. Progress reports and recommended levels can be viewed in your Parent Portal by selecting your swimmer and clicking the Skills (star) tab.
Who do I contact about my child’s progress?
If you have questions about your child’s progress or would like to discuss their current level, please contact the SwimNOVA Lessons Office. Our staff works closely with instructors and can answer questions about skill development, level placement, and future goals. If additional information is needed, we will communicate directly with your child’s instructor and follow up with you.
How will I know if lessons are canceled due to weather?
SwimNOVA’s pools are indoors and are able to operate during most weather conditions, including rain. Lessons are only canceled when weather or other conditions make it unsafe to operate. Any weather-related cancellations will be posted on the SwimNOVA Lessons webpage, and families will be notified if additional action is required.
Policies
At SwimNOVA, our goal is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment where every swimmer can develop strong swimming skills and progress at their own pace. These policies help create a consistent experience for all program families and participants. By enrolling in SwimNOVA Lessons, families agree to abide by the following policies.
Participation Requirements
- Swimmers must be at least 3 years old.
- Swimmers must be fully potty trained (swim diapers are not permitted).
- Swimmers must be able to communicate with instructors and lifeguards.
- Swimmers must be able to follow directions in a group setting.
- Parents are responsible for notifying the Lessons Office in advance of any medical conditions, behavioral concerns, or accommodations that may affect their child’s participation.
- Weekday lessons at the Gayton location are restricted to swimmers in elementary school and older.
Swim Attire
- Swimmers must wear appropriate attire: girls must wear a 1 piece swimsuit, and boys should wear swim trunks with a liner or jammers.
- Long hair must be secured in a swim cap or pulled back in a ponytail.
- Goggles are not allowed for level 1.
- Goggles cannot cover the nose and are optional for levels 2 and up.
- Swim shirts are discouraged.
During Lessons
- Parents must remain in the facility.
- Parents can observe from designated bleachers only.
- Swimmers may not enter the water before/after class.
- Parents must be available to assist with bathroom breaks for children who need assistance.
- Children aged 5 and up can not enter locker rooms or restrooms of the opposite gender. Changing tents are available at the Gayton location.
- Changing on deck is prohibited at NOVA facilities.
Registration & Enrollment
- Families may enroll each swimmer in one lesson group at a time.
- Parents must register swimmers for the correct level. Contact the Lessons office if help is needed to determine placement.
- Registration is not complete until payment and confirmation have been received.
- Families will be charged a yearly “Registration Fee” of $30 per swimmer that is valid for a full season of September through July.
- WEEKDAY LESSONS Enrollment is ongoing from September through May. Families remain enrolled until they submit a drop request.
- WEEKEND & SUMMER LESSONS These lessons are offered in sessions and registration is required for each session.
Payments, Drops & Refunds
- Credit cards are charged four days prior to the start of the next month/session.
- Drop requests must be received five days before the next month/session in order to avoid charges. Refunds are not available after this deadline.
- Medical Exemption – refunds may be issued for extended illness or injury where 3 or more consecutive lessons are missed. Parents should promptly contact the Lessons Office and provide medical documentation.
Inclement Weather
- NOVA’s pools are grounded, meaning we can continue classes during weather events like periods of rain or storms – as long as there is no lightning in the immediate area. Lessons may be stopped but then continued when the weather conditions permit.
- Weather-related cancellations will be posted on the NOVA Lessons website novaswim.org/swim-programs/lessons
Photography
- Photos/videos of instructors and students are not allowed without permission.
- Photos may be taken during lessons for marketing and promotional purposes. Parents must notify the Lessons Office in writing if you do not want your child’s photo used.
Right to Remove
- NOVA reserves the right to suspend or discontinue participation when a swimmer’s or family member’s conduct compromises the safety, well-being, or learning environment of the program or when program policies are not followed.