Frequently Asked Questions

GETTING STARTED

How do I sign up for swim lessons at Shore Swim?

Just head to the "Swim With Us" page on our website! You'll be able to see available programs, choose your preferred session, and complete your registration all in one place. Once you're registered, we'll send you a booking link on May 1st. Lessons run seasonally from June to October.

When should I book lessons?

We open summer booking in May, and returning families get early access. The sooner you book, the better your chances of getting your ideal days and times — especially during the busy summer months. Weekend mornings and toddler time slots fill up fast in July, so booking at least two weeks ahead is your best bet.Lessons can start around Memorial Day if your family has access to a heated pool. June tends to be rainy and cloudy, so if you don't have a pool heater, we recommend waiting until later in the month after a few sunny days.

What are the scheduling options?

Lesson availability depends on instructor schedules and demand in your area. Once you click the booking link, you'll see real-time openings for the program you choose. We offer weekly lessons, one-on-one sessions, and semi-private or small group options when appropriate.

PRICING & PACKAGES

What are your swim lesson prices?

Our 2026 prices start at $50 for a 30-minute Swim Refresher & Safety Check — perfect for kids who already know how to swim but need a confidence boost before summer! Private lessons start at $65 for Baby Swim (20 min), $75 for Toddler & Kids Swim (30 min), and $120 for our flexible 1-hour option — great for siblings who want to split the time. Adult lessons are $110/hour. Semi-private & group options start at $90 for a 45-minute Buddy Swim (perfect for siblings, cousins, or friends at similar levels) and $120 for our 1-hour Swim Strong sessions.

NEW for 2026: We're opening our own heated pool in Cape May Court House this July! Group lessons at our pool start at just $30 per swimmer — making swim lessons more accessible than ever. We also offer discounts for locals, military, education & healthcare workers, and families in need. Refer a friend and get a lesson free! Just reach out and we'll work to make it happen for your family. Book online or contact us at hello@shoreswimschool.com to get started!

Do you offer packages or discounts?

Yes! We offer multi-lesson packages, seasonal deals, and discounts for locals, teachers, military, healthcare workers, and families with financial need. We also have a referral program — refer a friend and get a lesson free!

How do we split the cost for a group lesson?

If you're booking with friends or family, we can divide the cost however works best for your group. We accept cash and we're happy to send separate payment links — just let us know when you book.

POOL ACCESS (BIG 2026 NEWS)

We don't have a pool — can we still do lessons?

Big news — YES! This summer we're opening a heated pool at our family home off Rt 47 in Cape May Court House! Private and group lessons will be available at our pool starting in July, with group lessons starting at just $30 per swimmer. If you've been waiting for us to have our own pool, this is it — sign up on our registration form and we'll be in touch!We're still a mobile swim school too, so if you have your own pool (or a friend or neighbor who'll share), we come to you. We also partner with local campgrounds and condos that allow guest access, and we rent pools from local families during the season. Interested in hosting? Message us — hosts get discounted or free lessons!Beach sessions are an option too, depending on conditions. Bottom line: don't let pool access stop you. Reach out and we'll help you figure it out!

What kind of pool do I need?

All you need is access to a clean, safe swimming pool. A shallow end where your swimmer can comfortably stand is ideal. If you have an above-ground pool and your child can safely stand or balance using the ladder or wall, that works too!If your pool is heated, we can start lessons as early as late May. For unheated pools, we typically open general booking around mid-June since kids can't tolerate cold water for long. Our season runs through about mid-October or whenever it gets too cold!Don't have a pool? No problem — we're opening a heated pool at our location in Cape May Court House this summer. Check out the question above for all the details!

LESSON DETAILS

What ages do you teach?

We teach swimmers of all ages — from 4-month-old babies to adults. For our littlest swimmers, we offer parent-assisted lessons to build water comfort together. If you're a little unsure in the water yourself, we also offer private adult lessons to help you gain confidence alongside your child.

What services do you offer?

We offer private and semi-private lessons, group classes for kids ages 4+, adaptive swim sessions, and parent-and-tot classes. We also provide lifeguards and pool games for parties! Whether you're building water confidence, working on technique, or just looking to have some fun — we've got you covered.

Are your instructors certified?

Yes! All Shore Swim School instructors are American Red Cross certified. Our owner, Coach Celeste, also holds specialized training in adaptive swim instruction and is USSA trained — so is Coach Joy. Whether your swimmer is a first-timer, has unique learning needs, or is working on competitive technique, they're in experienced, certified hands.

Can siblings, cousins, or friends share a lesson?

Yes! Siblings, cousins, or friends with similar swim levels can absolutely share a lesson — it's fun and motivating. If skill levels are very different, we may recommend splitting the time so each swimmer gets the attention they need. For younger swimmers, we may ask a parent to stay close by for safety.

Can we do multiple kids in one appointment, even if they're different levels?

Yes! We can split a 60-minute lesson into two 30-minute sessions tailored to each swimmer's level, or run a semi-private lesson if they're at similar levels. We're happy to help you decide what's best based on age, goals, and swim experience.

How many lessons per week should I book?

We recommend booking at least five sessions to build momentum. For skill jumps, 2-3 lessons in one week helps build comfort and routine. Weekly lessons are great too — they just move a bit slower. Swim "camp" style weeks, especially during vacation, can really boost skills quickly!

Why are baby swim lessons 20 minutes and toddler lessons 30 minutes?

Infant lessons are shorter — usually around 20 minutes — because babies can typically only tolerate about 15-20 minutes in the water before they get cold or tired. Their little bodies have a harder time regulating temperature, so we keep sessions short, safe, and fun! When you book an infant lesson, you're also being matched with an instructor who's trained to work with babies and their specific developmental stages. These sessions are all about building comfort, connection, and early water skills at your baby's pace.

What are adaptive swim lessons like?

Our Adaptive Swim Whisperers sessions are specially designed for swimmers with unique needs, including ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivities, and other developmental differences. Coach Celeste has a background in special education and adapts lessons to each swimmer's unique needs — so does Coach Kerri. We use gentle, sensory-aware techniques and a flexible approach. Instructors tailor each session to the individual swimmer. While our lessons are adaptive and supportive, please note that they are not considered therapeutic sessions.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What should I expect at the first lesson?

We ask that an adult be present for the first and last 10 minutes of each lesson to fill out a quick registration form and check in with the instructor. Your coach will assess your swimmer's comfort level, talk through goals, and make a plan for future sessions. For little ones, the first session is all about building trust — don't worry if it's mostly play! Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a swim diaper for babies. If your pool is above-ground, please make sure the ladder or entry point is accessible for the instructor.

Do I need to get in the water with my child?

It depends — and we're here to adapt to what works best for your family. For baby and toddler lessons, a caregiver is encouraged to stay close or even join in the water during the first few sessions as your little one builds trust and comfort. For older kids, most lessons are one-on-one with the instructor, but we always welcome parents to watch nearby. Many children do best with a clear hand-off, while others feel much more secure knowing a parent is within sight. If you're only in town for a short visit, having a familiar face close by can help with that transition. You know your child best, and we'll work together to create a supportive and positive experience.

How do kids usually progress?

Every child is different! Some jump in confidently, others need a bit more time. Comfort in the bath or adventurous play is a good sign. Your energy matters too — especially with little ones. If you're calm and encouraging, they'll feel safer and more open to learning. Celebrate every small win — they really do add up!

What can I do to support my child's progress?

Show up regularly, cheer them on, and keep it fun! A lot of water acclimation can happen in the tub. Practice back floats, blowing bubbles, and getting cheeks and ears wet during bath time or while playing outside of lessons — whether that's splashing in the pool, playing simple water games, or even floating during bath time. Every little bit of repetition helps reinforce what they're learning. Consistency, encouragement, and positive vibes go a long way. And don't forget to celebrate the small wins — those little moments add up to big progress over time!

LOGISTICS

What are your hours?

Swim lessons typically run June through October on weekday mornings, afternoons, early evenings, and weekends. Specific times depend on your location and instructor availability. If you have a heated pool, we can start as early as late May!Starting in July, we'll also be offering lessons at our heated pool in Cape May Court House — check our booking page for available times.

Where are you located?

Shore Swim School is based in Cape May County, New Jersey. Our instructors cover from the top of Ocean City to the tip of Cape May Island. We'll meet you in Avalon, Stone Harbor, Wildwood, or off-island in Cape May Court House. We're mobile, so we bring the lesson to you — whether that's at grandparents' houses, hotels, condos, vacation homes, or anywhere with access to a safe, swimmable pool. Our instructors are local and our business is family-owned by lifelong locals.

Do you serve areas outside Cape May County?

Not yet, but we're growing! We're currently hiring coaches and building a waitlist for Atlantic County, Ocean County, Cumberland County, and Gloucester County. Sign up for our emails to get notified when we reach your area!

Can I request the same instructor each time?

We do our best to keep your instructor consistent. If a switch is needed, we'll set up an overlap session so your child can meet the new instructor and feel comfortable with the transition.

What if the weather's bad?

We swim through drizzle and light rain! But if there's lightning or unsafe conditions, we'll cancel and reschedule at no extra cost. Safety always comes first.

Can I reschedule or cancel a lesson?

We understand that life happens! We ask for at least 24 hours' notice to reschedule. Weather-related cancellations are handled at no extra cost. Just communicate with your instructor or use the booking system to make changes when needed.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Can you do beach lessons?

Yes! We love beach lessons when conditions are safe. These sessions are more about water confidence and safety than typical stroke-based lessons -think jumping waves, checking conditions, and ocean awareness. We usually recommend starting with a pool session first so we can check in on your swimmer's comfort level.

Do you offer swim parties or lifeguard services?

Yes! We provide lifeguards and pool games for birthday parties, family gatherings, and summer get-togethers. Whether you're hosting a pool party and want a certified lifeguard on deck or you'd like us to run swim games and activities to keep the kids entertained, we've got you covered. Just reach out to hello@shoreswimschool.com and let us know your date, location, and group size — we'll put together a plan that works for your event!