Frequently Asked Questions

At ISR Self-Rescue, we believe swimming is a crucial part of survival for walking children. They learn the swim-float-swim sequence, acquiring both swimming and survival skills to become adept aquatic problem solvers.

Most water emergencies involve fully clothed children. Experiencing the sensation of being in the water with clothes on helps them remain calm in an emergency, focusing on the task at hand.

Repetition and consistency are vital for young learners. Short, frequent lessons, supported by research, enhance retention. Children's short attention spans and the physical demands of lessons.

The 4 to 6-week estimate is based on the average time for most children to master survival skills. Every child is unique, and ISR's Self-Rescue program is tailored to individual strengths and needs. The average duration provides ample time for proficiency while honoring each child's pace.

Clothes significantly differ in weight and feel in water compared to bathing suits. Familiarizing children with this experience in a controlled setting ensures they remain composed during an emergency.

Consistency and repetition are key for young learners. Short, focused sessions align with children's attention spans and account for the physical demands of lessons in cooler pool temperatures.

The estimated timeframe considers the average duration for children to grasp survival skills. ISR Self-Rescue prioritizes safety, tailoring the program to each child's unique strengths and needs. The duration allows for proficiency, respecting individual learning paces.

Every child can learn. My role is to find the most effective way to communicate information so that it resonates with the child. I ensure your child is set up for success, progressively building skills with each lesson.

Parent involvement is limited to a designated day. Concentration and objectivity are essential to teach a child aquatic emergency responses effectively.

Anyone over 18 in charge of your child and able to answer the BUDS questions can bring them to class. Encourage the involvement of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers to assist in getting your child to lessons.

ISR Instructors undergo a minimum of 6 weeks of in-water training alongside a master Instructor, followed by 2 weeks of academics before leading lessons. Continuous certifications in First Aid and CPR for Healthcare Providers are maintained, with annual attendance at the ISR National Recertification Conference for ongoing education.

While every child is unique, many parents observe increased confidence in various aspects of their child's personality, growth, and development after mastering swimming skills.

Breath-holding skills are taught early in the lessons, with ISR Instructors utilizing effective techniques and positive reinforcement.

Flotation devices offer a false sense of security and hinder the development of swimming skills. They can instill a misconception about water safety. Coast Guard-approved devices are only recommended for non-swimmers in specific situations, such as boating or near water with the potential for accidental submersion.

Babies learn to roll over and float through skills, practice, and confidence-building. ISR emphasizes calm responses to situations without the need for the baby to perceive danger or an emergency.

ISR recommends refresher lessons, with the frequency determined by the child's age, growth rate, skill level, and confidence. Refresher lessons help children adapt to their changing bodies, fine-tuning aquatic skills, and building efficiency and confidence. It's especially crucial if your child hasn't practiced aquatic skills between seasons.

ISR Self-Rescue parents enroll their children to harness their abilities and equip them with essential survival skills in water. Learning to swim early in life is supported by research showing optimal learning times for certain skills.

Parents often observe increased confidence in various aspects of their children's personalities and overall development. The program contributes to health and psychological gains.

Yes, ISR prioritizes safety, implementing numerous protocols to ensure safe lessons. Instructors undergo intensive training exceeding industry standards, and your child's health is closely monitored. Confidential medical and developmental history is a mandatory part of national registration.

In 2010, the AAP updated its policy based on research, stating that swim lessons reduce drowning risk for children aged 1 to 4. ISR, the safest survival swimming program, aligns with this recommendation. The AAP advises individualized consideration for early water-survival skills training, considering factors like exposure to water, emotional maturity, physical limitations, and health concerns.

ISR Instructors employ a personalized approach, recognizing each child's unique strengths and experiences. Grounded in behavioral sciences, child development, and sensory-motor learning, instructors guide infants through nonverbal communication, ensuring a tailored sequence of learning to swim and float.

ISR Self-Rescue parents enroll their children, understanding their abilities and seeking to provide every learning opportunity. Emphasizing the importance of teaching children self-help skills in water, research supports early-life swimming as optimal.

If your child misses a class, instructors follow specific protocols to ensure safe lesson delivery. Effective communication with your instructor is crucial, especially when planning vacations or extended breaks from lessons.

Babies cry as they lack verbal skills to express themselves, a normal response to new and challenging situations. With increasing skills in the pool, the frequency of fussing typically decreases as the child becomes more comfortable and confident.