Commonly asked questions:

How do I Register/Enroll my child?

MSS utilizes a secure online registration system. New customers can access it by clicking the “Register” tab at the top of this page.  If you are a returning customer, you will still have to obtain a new password via the “I don't know my password” link on the "Login" page, as we are using a new system since last year.  If you are unable to access it, we ask that you contact the office and we will assist you. Registration also involves a secure on-line payment service that accepts major credit cards, debit cards and electronic checks. If you choose not to use this service you must send money to the office before you can enroll.  You will receive a confirmation email with class date/time/location verification for what you registered for. Please save this email, as it has the information you need about your lesson slot and physical address!!!

Where can I view available classes?

If you are a returning customer, simply log in to the portal (via "Login") and go to the Registration tab, where you can enter your search criteria.  If you are a new customer, click on our "Register" link at the top of this page. A pop-up window will open, where you will see an online registration form. In order to search and view available classes, the ONLY required information is your child's name and birth date. You can then click on "search" further down the page where you can select classes. Once you do this, you can filter your results by:

• Location (name of pool)
• Session (date)
• Class Type
• Geographic area (West End, Chesterfield, etc.).

We strongly encourage you to do this, as otherwise there are too many class options available to sort through. You can use as many or as few filters as you desire. Once you have selected a class, you will then need to enter the remainder of required information, including your method of payment, to register and enroll your child. There has been some confusion regarding class selection.  You only need to select the one class that you desire, not several on a first, second, or third choice type slot.  If you click on three different slots, your child will be registered for three different lessons.  Also, if you are trying to enroll multiple students in private lessons, make sure you don't select the exact same class for your second child as you did for your first.  If you do this, your first child will get registered, and you will receive notice that the class is already full for your second.  (e.g. Pick the first 5PM slot for your first child, and the second 5PM slot for your second child.) 

TIP: Open up the registration pop-up, and then look at "Our Locations" page on the left side of our website and you can view what pools are closest to you and then enter that in the "Location" search filter!

Where can I see your locations?

MSS teaches at multiple locations around the Richmond vicinity throughout the year. Not all locations are used all summer. Many of our pools are backyard pools, so in the interest of privacy, we don’t provide the actual addresses until after you have enrolled in classes, however, we do provide the general area by listing a nearby major intersection. Please go to “Our Locations” on the left side of the page to view what locations are being utilized during each session. There is also a link to view a map that has all locations on it. (Please note that the map has all locations we will use this spring/summer, regardless of when they are available, so you need to make sure when you sign up that you sign up for the location that is available during the session which is most convenient to you.)

Will I be charged a registration fee if I just look at classes?

No.  The registration fee is included in class tuition, which is only charged when you enroll your child in the class. 

How are you different than other programs?

The most obvious is that with the exception of our babies under 2, we do private lessons until a child is comfortable and has some competence in the water. The second is that we use no flotation devices because we want the children to trust and enjoy the properties of water without them. The third is that we use an adult-directed approach and have the child try skills regardless of their emotional response to it.

When can my child begin lessons?

We encourage parents of infants from 3 to 30 months to take our Mom-n-Me class. These lessons offer a great opportunity for parent and baby to become comfortable in and around water together. They are also an excellent foundation for private lessons, which we teach to children two years of age and up.

What is submersion?

Quite simply, submersion is going under water. We believe it is a "base skill," meaning that other skills are dependent on it. We begin submersion at 3-6 months.

Why do some children cry?

Crying occurs for different reasons. We work to build a trusting relationship with children and require that they work with us to overcome their fear.

• For the younger students it occurs because this is a new experience with new people and new rules! This ends quickly as they become comfortable with the water and the teachers.
• In other children crying will occur when they are required to master new swim skills. Just like riding a bike or going down a slide has an element of fear to overcome, so does learning to swim.
• With some children, it is not an issue of fear but of self control. Please encourage your children to express themselves appropriately. They will learn quicker and enjoy it more.
• Although parents are not present pool-side during these beginning lessons, they need to be prepared to perhaps hear some of their child's crying. It can be difficult for the parent at the time but is forgotten by both parent and child once the child overcomes the fear and is enjoying new skills in the water.

Why don't you use floaties or float belts?

In an emergency, children need to know how to handle themselves. We have seen tremendous dependency develop in beginners who wear flotation devices. Their source of confidence is the device, not their own abilities. Because we are concerned about their safety, we do not use flotation devices until children are at a stage where the device acts as an aid to a specific skill.

Do you teach competitive swim strokes?

Absolutely! Most of our instructors have been competitive swimmers at some level.

Do you teach adults?

Yes we do! Learning to swim as an adult takes patience, determination and courage, but is well worth the effort. We love working with adults, although it does usually take a bit longer for them to learn to swim than young children.

Why do you teach children to roll-over?

We teach children to "roll-over" from tummy to back as early as mom-n-me. The reason why is that it is the safest position to learn to be in - you can breath on your back! An infant, toddler, or young child trained to roll over has a higher chance of survival should they accidentally fall in water or be unable to reach an exit. *Note: nothing is more important than adult supervision in and around water until the child can swim on their own. No child is "drown proof."

Can a 2 or 3 year old really learn to swim?

A young child can learn to propel themselves through the water. A 2 or 3 year old can learn to get a breath, roll on their back and use their arms under water. Until a child is close to four they will usually not look like freestylers or backstrokers unless receiving regular training. (Many children at 3 1/2 could swim freestyle, backstroke and elementary back because they continued in instruction combined with lots of fun time at the pool with family.)

Do you allow teacher requests?

It is easy to become fond of an instructor. Different students respond to different teaching and personalities. Please remember that all our instructors are trained regularly and are individuals of high character. With the combination of different locations, instructor time off, and patron requests, there is NO WAY MSS can guarantee any particular instructor request.

How long are the lessons and sessions?

Our lessons are 1/2 hour long for all but the pre-team and adults. The sessions are school year programming between September and December and again between January and March and spring/summer programming from April through August.

What is Flexible Finance?

MSS understands that for some the cost of lessons is prohibitive at this time in their lives. For different reasons they find themselves in circumstances that have limited their expenses. MSS offers options for those unable to pay in full at the time of registration:

• a payment plan with total due by end of session
• a discounted rate based on income and circumstances
• a full scholarship for those of great need or those with limited income because their life call is in full time service to others (pastors, missionaries )
• military discount for all in full time service

What is Parent Day?

Parent Day occurs the last day of the Blitz lessons for all children. Because we know children still need to practice their new learned skills we invite parents to partner with us to encourage that. Parents are invited to come and watch the lesson and the instructor will show the parents what the child has learned as well as how to practice with the child. For our students 5 and under we ask the parents to get in the last 15 minutes and actually learn how to handle their children in the water and practice with them.

What are Adaptive Aquatics?

Adaptive Aquatics are the principles implemented for teaching special needs populations. MSS teaches people with many disabilities and our desire is to see them have as many abilities in the water as possible. Our approach varies with each student's unique needs and we then find what works. At MSS we have successfully worked with many degrees of Cerebral Palsy, Autism, Downs and other genetic disorders, blindness, deafness, severe ADHD, Dwarfism, low muscle tones and various learning disabilities. The aquatic environment is an incredible outlet for special needs populations that increases their coordination, freedom of movement and allows a place for the whole family to bond.

Where can we get goggles and cloth swim diapers?

MSS sells the best childrens goggles made for $10/pair. We also sell a reusable cloth swim diaper sizes 6m-3T for $10/diaper. We will have both of these items available for you at your lesson site!

I have a backyard pool or know someone with a pool that wants lessons offered at their home. How do I go about doing that?

If you have a pool in your backyard and want to have us offer lessons from your home, we would love to speak with you! We can advise you of the arrangement (including complimentary lessons!) when we speak with you. Please contact our office at (804) 740-1185.