We believe that every child should have the experience of what it would be like if they fell in the water with regular clothes on. Seattle is a city surrounded by water and accidental falls do happen. Much like we practice skills repetitively in lessons to be able to use them safely and confidently on their own, we don’t want their first experience swimming in regular clothes to be in an uncontrolled environment.
When the student has demonstrated independent ability to perform the skills we have taught, we ask them to come to a class wearing their day-to-day clothes. With the support of a trusted coach and familiar surroundings, they will practice the same skills they have learned with the added sensation of wet clothing.
SwimGuru uses the Clothing Experience as a benchmark for success as well as a consistent point to move forward with new skills. Every child learns differently so coaches will not ask a student to do this until they are ready.