👶 Step 1: Who We Are Looking For
Child’s name and age
Current level / experience
Days we can do
Times we can do
Lesson type (group / semi-private / private)
Budget per class
Would we take a less popular time? (Y / N)
Would we travel farther? (Y / N)
Why this helps. When you call or write, give the school your child’s name, age, level and the days and times you can do. A front desk can match you to an opening much faster.
❓ Step 2: Questions to Ask Each School
How is the list ordered? By date, by age or level, or with returning families and siblings first?
Is there a fee or deposit? Ask what it covers and whether it is refundable.
How long does an offer stay open? Write the deadline on your log as soon as an offer arrives.
Is there a cancellation list? Ask whether you can join both lists and whether you would need to start right away.
Which days and times open first? Less popular times can open sooner, and some schools let you move later.
How often should we check in? Follow the school’s own advice on follow-ups.
What if we decline an offer? Some schools keep your place and some do not, so ask before you need to decide.
📋 Step 3: Our Waitlist Log
How to read it. Add a next follow-up date the moment you finish each call or message, and put it in your phone calendar. Once your child is enrolled, contact the other schools to come off their lists.
📨 Step 4: Offers We Receive
Before you accept. Check the make-up rules, cancellation policy and total cost, and confirm that the class really fits your week. Answer quickly, because unclaimed spots often go to the next family.
🛟 Step 5: Our Safety Plan While We Wait
Touch supervision for young children. An adult within arm’s reach whenever a young child is in or near water, including the bath.
A designated water watcher. One adult, phone down, watches the water at every swim, and hands off to another adult by name.
Barriers and locked gates. Check pool gates, doors and covers, and keep them closed and latched.
Life jackets at open water. Use a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at lakes, rivers, the shore and on boats.
Bath-time water comfort. Bubbles, gentle floats with a parent holding and water-on-the-face games build comfort for when lessons start.
Keep the list moving. Reply to offers within the deadline and keep checking in on the schedule each school gave.
Lessons are one layer, not the only one. A child on a waitlist still needs close, undistracted supervision and barriers. Lessons do not make a child drown-proof, at any age.
🗓️ Step 6: Our Family Plan
Who makes follow-up calls
Who watches for offers (phone / email)
Follow-up reminders in calendar? (Y / N)
Day we will decide by
Schools to remove us once enrolled
Bath-time practice (what and when)
A line to remember: “Ask, log, follow up, answer fast.” Ask how the list works, write it down, check in on schedule and reply to offers quickly.