📋 Step 1: Our Evening Class
Child’s name and level
Day, time and pool location
Lesson start time after the clocks change
Where we park and which door we use
Who drives and who picks up
Sunset time this week
🗓️ Step 2: The Week Around the Change
Check the schedule Confirm class time and any notices with the school. Most keep the same clock time.
Pick a plan Shift by 10 to 15 minutes every day or two, or hold a steady routine for a week.
Use morning light Get outside early and keep the day active.
Protect wind-down time Keep a calm bedtime routine with the same steps each night.
Pack the bag early Towel, robe, hat, dry clothes, snack and water, ready by the door.
Sleep and meal shift plan
Tip: move times by about 10 to 15 minutes every day or two, or keep one steady routine for a week. Either is fine.
🔦 Step 3: Dark Arrival and Departure
Park near the entrance Choose the closest lit spot and leave extra time.
Hands held or arm’s reach Keep your child close in the parking lot. Never let a child run ahead.
Be seen Reflective strips, bright jackets or a small flashlight on the bag.
Headcount twice Count at the door and again at the car.
Pickup plan Only the adults on the school’s authorized list collect your child.
Tell the front desk Report a dim entrance, broken light or icy walkway.
🍎 Step 4: Snack, Dinner and Water
Light snack before class About an hour or so before, with no big meal right before the water.
Water bottle ready Offer water after class and on the ride home.
Dinner plan Know when dinner is on lesson nights so a late meal does not surprise anyone.
Special diets Follow your pediatrician’s advice and tell the school about any needs.
🧣 Step 5: Warm Ride Home
Big towel or robe Dry off and dress before leaving the building.
Hat, socks, easy shoes Cover wet hair and keep feet warm.
Car seat first Buckle in with the harness snug, then add a blanket over the top instead of a bulky coat underneath.
Warm the car Run the heater before you get in, and never leave a child alone in the car.
Quiet ride Calm music and a small post-lesson snack help tired kids settle.
Children are never alone in or near water. If a child is in trouble in the water, get help and call 911 or your local emergency number. Lessons do not make a child drown-proof, at any age.
📝 Step 6: First-Week Notes
Best part of the evening routine
One thing to change next week
Question for the instructor
Question for the school office
Backup class option or make-up date
Next check-in date
