top of page
faq mobile hero.png

Frequently

Asked Questions

Wavy White Swim Line Larger
kid swimming FAQs.png

Frequently

Asked Questions

Wavy White Swim Line

What is ISR and how is it different from other swimming programs?

ISR is the product of over 50 years of ongoing research. Rather than blowing bubbles and singing songs, our primary focus is ensuring that each student becomes an aquatic problem solver able to handling themselves in any water-related situation. We simulate real-life scenarios, even practicing with clothes on, to ensure they are equipped to navigate potential emergencies in the water with confidence and skill.

What is ISR and how is it different from other swimming programs?

ISR is the product of over 50 years of ongoing research. Rather than blowing bubbles and singing songs, our primary focus is ensuring that each student becomes an aquatic problem solver able to handling themselves in any water-related situation. We simulate real-life scenarios, even practicing with clothes on, to ensure they are equipped to navigate potential emergencies in the water with confidence and skill.

HOW ISR LESSONS WORK

  • Absolutely! The difference in our program is that children will learn swimming AND survival skills, making them an adept aquatic problem solver! ISR lessons teach the swim-float-swim sequence to ensure that children are able to get themselves to safety.

  • ISR Plano offers year-round lessons in central Plano, near Coit and Legacy. If you are interested in hosting lessons at your home pool, please reach out to Coach Madison at CoachMadisonISR@ISRPlano.com

  • No. ISR never teaches more than one child at a time. Every ISR lesson is one-on-one with Coach Madison, allowing lessons to be customized for each student.

  • ISR's first priority is always safety. ISR lessons are mentally and physically draining for babies and children. We never want to over fatigue or exhaust them. The second reason is to ensure retention of skills. Children learn new skills best within the first 10 minutes of instruction.

  • I know that 5 days a week might seem daunting, and that getting your child to lessons everyday will be a sacrifice, but it’s worth it. 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 leads to success. Imagine if you had only worked on those skills once a week?! Practicing ISR Self-Rescue™ skills on a consistent basis allows for muscle memory to develop. Muscle memory is what allows your child to ISR Self-Rescue™ as soon as they reach the water.

  • Yes, ISR recommends refreshers every six to nine months due to rapid growth, which can impact skills. For parents who want to keep their little in the water regularly to keep skills fresh, maintenance lessons are a great option. ISR Plano offers 3 week refresher lessons in the Spring and drop in maintenance lessons year round.

Absolutely! The difference in our program is that children will learn swimming AND survival skills, making them an adept aquatic problem solver! ISR lessons teach the swim-float-swim sequence to ensure that children are able to get themselves to safety.

HOW ISR LESSONS WORK

While the priority is learning survival skills, will my child learn to swim as well?

ISR Plano offers year-round lessons in central Plano, near Coit and Legacy. If you are interested in hosting lessons at your home pool, please reach out to Coach Madison at CoachMadisonISR@ISRPlano.com

Where are you located?

No. ISR never teaches more than one child at a time. Every ISR lesson is one-on-one with Coach Madison, allowing lessons to be customized for each student.

Are these group lessons?

ISR's first priority is always safety. ISR lessons are mentally and physically draining for babies and children. We never want to over fatigue or exhaust them. The second reason is to ensure retention of skills. Children learn new skills best within the first 10 minutes of instruction.

Why are lessons only 10 minutes?

I know that 5 days a week might seem daunting, and that getting your child to lessons everyday will be a sacrifice, but it’s worth it. 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 leads to success. Imagine if you had only worked on those skills once a week?! Practicing ISR Self-Rescue™ skills on a consistent basis allows for muscle memory to develop. Muscle memory is what allows your child to ISR Self-Rescue™ as soon as they reach the water.

Why are lessons five days a week?

Yes, ISR recommends refreshers every six to nine months due to rapid growth, which can impact skills. For parents who want to keep their little in the water regularly to keep skills fresh, maintenance lessons are a great option. ISR Plano offers 3 week refresher lessons in the Spring and drop in maintenance lessons year round.

Will my child need to come back after their initial session?

Why do students swim in clothing?

Since we know that 86% of childhood drownings occur when the child is fully clothed, students practice their ISR Self-Rescue™ skills during the final week of lessons in pajamas and winter clothing (which can add 10-15lbs or more!). If a child has experienced being in the water in clothing prior to an emergency situation, they’re less likely to experience panic and more able to focus on rescuing themselves if needed. Also, seeing your child ISR Self-Rescue™ in layers, a jacket, and shoes will give you such peace of mind!

Since we know that 86% of childhood drownings occur when the child is fully clothed, students practice their ISR Self-Rescue™ skills during the final week of lessons in pajamas and winter clothing (which can add 10-15lbs or more!). If a child has experienced being in the water in clothing prior to an emergency situation, they’re less likely to experience panic and more able to focus on rescuing themselves if needed. Also, seeing your child ISR Self-Rescue™ in layers, a jacket, and shoes will give you such peace of mind!

Why do students swim in clothing?

WHAT TO EXPECT

  • No. Every child can learn to self-rescue. It’s my job to find the best way to communicate the information so that it makes sense to the child. ISR Plano ensures your child will experience success every time since each lesson is tailored to exactly where your child is in the learning process.

  • The short answer is...maybe. Some kids do cry for the first few lessons. Learning new skills, with a new person, in a new environment; who wouldn't be upset at first? We always encourage parents to sit poolside during the lesson and provide encouraging words for the kids! Madison will help you know what we are looking for and what we are doing for the day so that you can play an active role in your child's lessons. While some children may cry at first, we always see that with competence comes confidence and with confidence comes safety and fun! 

  • ISR’s team of pediatric doctors and nurses review each student’s medical history prior to them starting lessons, to provide guidance to the Instructor about how to deliver the safest lesson for the child. It’s our job to not only provide every child with ISR Self-Rescue™ skills, but to provide those skills safely and adequately for each child.

No. Every child can learn to ISR Self-Rescue™. It’s my job to find the best way to communicate the information so that it makes sense to the child. ISR Plano ensures your child will experience success every time since each lesson is tailored to exactly where your child is in the learning process.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The short answer is...maybe. Some kids do cry for the first few lessons. Learning new skills, with a new person, in a new environment; who wouldn't be upset at first? We always encourage parents to sit poolside during the lesson and provide encouraging words for the kids! Madison will help you know what we are looking for and what we are doing for the day so that you can play an active role in your child's lessons. While some children may cry at first, we always see that with competence comes confidence and with confidence comes safety and fun! 

Will my child cry during lessons?

Do you have children that can't learn to float?

ISR’s team of pediatric doctors and nurses review each student’s medical history prior to them starting lessons, to provide guidance to the Instructor about how to deliver the safest lesson for the child. It’s our job to not only provide every child with ISR Self-Rescue™ skills, but to provide those skills safely and adequately for each child.

Why does ISR need my child’s medical information?

What is the AAP’s position on swimming lessons for children?

In May of 2010, the AAP changed it's policy regarding the age at which children should start swimming lessons. This change was based on research that found that swim lessons provided reduction in drowning risk of children ages 1 to 4 years old. That study, "Association Between Swimming Lessons and Childhood Drowning," published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, March, 2009, was the first study to probe the relationship between drowning reduction and swimming skills. The study concluded that "participation in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in 1 to 4 year old children..." and recommended it as a layer of protection against drowning.

Source: The PedsDocTalk Podcast

What is the AAP’s position on swimming lessons for children?

Source: The PedsDocTalk Podcast

In May of 2010, the AAP changed it's policy regarding the age at which children should start swimming lessons. This change was based on research that found that swim lessons provided reduction in drowning risk of children ages 1 to 4 years old. That study, "Association Between Swimming Lessons and Childhood Drowning," published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, March, 2009, was the first study to probe the relationship between drowning reduction and swimming skills. The study concluded that "participation in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in 1 to 4 year old children..." and recommended it as a layer of protection against drowning.

HOW ISR LESSONS WORK

  • Absolutely! The difference in our program is that children will learn swimming AND survival skills, making them an adept aquatic problem solver! ISR lessons teach the swim-float-swim sequence to ensure that children are able to get themselves to safety.

  • ISR Plano offers year-round lessons in various locations throughout the Plano and North Dallas area. If you are interested in hosting lessons at your home pool, please reach out to Coach Madison at Madison.Brownfield@infantswim.com

  • No. ISR never teaches more than one child at a time. Every ISR lesson is one-on-one with Coach Madison, allowing lessons to be customized for each student.

  • ISR's first priority is always safety. ISR lessons are mentally and physically draining for babies and children. We never want to over fatigue or exhaust them. The second reason is to ensure retention of skills. Children learn new skills best within the first 10 minutes of instruction.

  • I know that 5 days a week might seem daunting, and that getting your child to lessons everyday will be a sacrifice, but it’s worth it. 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 leads to success. Imagine if you had only worked on those skills once a week?! Practicing ISR Self-Rescue™ skills on a consistent basis allows for muscle memory to develop. Muscle memory is what allows your child to ISR Self-Rescue™ as soon as they reach the water.

  • Yes, ISR recommends refreshers every six to nine months due to rapid growth, which can impact skills. For parents who want to keep their little in the water regularly to keep skills fresh, maintenance lessons are a great option. ISR Plano offers 3 week refresher lessons in the Spring and drop in maintenance lessons year round.

bottom of page