The regular classes are for children only, no parents.  It is required for the parents to participate in all classes titled "Parent-Child".

Please be sure to sign-in on the County's Participation clipboard AND the Valley Isle Aquatics Student sign-in for each and every class.  We are required to submit the sign-in sheets to the county at the end of each session.

We want to ensure that all folks understand the class time policy: if there is only one student enrolled in the class or in attendance for that particular day, the class time will be changed from 45 minutes to 30 minutes.  We have found that students are productive only for the first 30 minutes; after that they cannot sustain the performance level necessary to gain skills.  We do want the children to have a positive experience and forcing them to perform when they are exhausted does not suit this purpose.  We do hope you will be understanding and supportive of this policy.

There is a section of each of the pools which is for our exclusive use for lessons, so we encourage you to bring your child 15 minutes prior to class, to allow them to play in the pool before class starts. Our learning equipment is available for students to use to practice during that time, we just ask that you let us know you are using it. The playing before class seems to get the wiggles out so they can concentrate on learning during the class. They are welcome to stay for the 15 minutes after class as well. Since they are all public pools, you are welcome to utilize the pools during their operational hours regardless of what time the lessons are held.

At the end of each class, students may see "Uncle Joe" (or their instructor) for a hand-stamp, a very special treat for the students, especially after working so hard in class. If he is not available, any of the instructors can do hand-stamps. Our students always look forward to this ritual!

The County of Maui asks that all parents stay on the premise in case of an emergency; if your child needs to be escorted to the restroom; needs to take a warm-up shower; or needs to be removed from the class for any reason.  (These are all tasks that are not part of our instructors' job responsibilities).  However, if you'd like to go swim yourself or have another child with you, etc. that is completely fine. There are bleachers available to sit on to watch your child swim, and we ask that you stay there while watching (rather then coming to the side of the pool or getting in the pool right next to the class, that kind of thing). *Usually the children do better when the parents are not right there.

The lifeguards require all sunscreen to be put on 30 minutes prior to entering the pool so we suggest you put it on before coming to the pool.

All hair must be tied up for both safety and sanitary reasons.

Some students do bring goggles, but they are not required. Sometimes they help the students be able to put their faces in the water when they won't without them. It is totally up to you. If you do decide to purchase a pair, the cute little kids ones don't work, but we wouldn't spend a lot either-kids tend to loose and break them. Find something mid-range from Wal-mart or Kmart, or you could also try Sports Authority (some are a tad expensive though).

Depending upon how your child reacts to the water, you should have a rash guard or spring suit available. Sometimes the water is a little chilly and the students stay warmer with a rash guard or spring suit. Some students have just a top/shirt, others have a one-piece, some have long sleeves, while others have short sleeves. You can purchase aqua socks for those who get cold quickly. If you want to keep the heat in and protect the child's hair and ears, there are a variety of swim caps available at various stores. It is completely up to you and what is most comfortable for your child.

Some pools have fins your child may borrow, however we have found that these are usually not small enough for the majority of our swimmers.  If your child already has their own fins, please do bring them to class, however if they do not own their own pair, please do not purchase a pair until you speak with your child's instructor, who will determine if they are going to be utilized during class. Borrowing from a friend is always a good option as well.

Water bottles with plain water is great to have for after the lessons, as the students put forth a lot of energy and may be thirsty immediately after the lesson.

All our instructors are more than happy to discuss your child's progress with you but please do keep in mind that our instructors only have 15 minutes between classes, which they need to utilize for completing skill sheets, using the restroom, grabbing something to eat, regrouping for the next class, or simply resting.  We appreciate your consideration in this matter.