Q: At what age do you recommend children start swim lessons, and why?

A: This question is something all parents should be asking themselves. At the EVO Swim School we recommend that children start with a parent/tot lesson as early as 9 months old. We do have some children as young as 6 months however we want to make sure they are alert and can support their own head before they take an organized lesson.

Starting lessons at such an early age will accomplish two basic goals. The first goal is to accomplish a level of comfort in the water. Each child will have a unique opportunity to work with Mom or Dad in a controlled environment as they “take” to the water. They will learn basic (and instinctive) skills such as muscle relaxation and the ability to hold their breath. They also have a much easier time transitioning from Mom or Dad to an actual inst ructor. The parent/tot classes at EVO Swim School are part parent instruction and part instructor instruction. The child will have the opportunity to be handled in a class setting by someone other than Mom or Dad without the normal separation anxiety babies often experience when introduced to new people or places.

The second goal of swimming lessons at an early age is to get a head start on adapting to the skills necessary to not only enjoy the water but also save one’s own life if necessary. It is not uncommon to see babies learn to float on their back by themselves or spontaneously kick their feet when submerged in the water.

The bottom line is when early aged swimming lessons are applied; children get a head start on developing independent swimming skills by the age of 2 or 3 years old. At EVO Swim School we can always tell which 2 and 3 year old children went through our parent/tot course and which did not. We see children as young at 2 with the ability to jump in the water, float on their back for a breath and then swim back to the wall for safety (and it’s fun too).

Every day at the EVO Swim School we get the privilege of seeing kids both young and old break through the challenge of learning to swim and/or over come their fear of the water. When this happens swimming takes on a whole new meaning. For parents it is the peace of mind that comes with knowing their children are safer around water. For the kids it is a whole new world of excitement and fun every time they get in the water! We love seeing it happen on a daily basis at our swim school.

Believe it or not, summer is almost here and we want you on our summer swim team! The EVO Swim School and RIO Salado Swim Club will be joining forces this summer to bring your child the best swim team opportunity in town! EVO customers in the Porpoise, Dolphin, or Advanced classes will have the opportunity to participate with our summer swim team. New customers that can display the very basics of freestyle and backstroke may also participate. EVO swimmers will practice at our indoor facility and represent the RIO Salado Swim Club in 7 different meets throughout June & July. The RIO Salado Swim Club is managed by David Tait, owner of EVO Swim School, so you can expect the same great organization and service from this summer program.

The RIO Salado Swim Club is a member of the East Valley Swim League. We will participate in 7 different swim meets throughout the season against teams like the City of Chandler Dolphins, City of Tempe and many others. Your child will be taught by experienced year-round coaches who offer professional instruction on stroke technique, starts and turns. You will also notice the difference of being involved with a professionally organized program that is interested in serving both the swimmer and the parent. Below are all the details. Please call us anytime with questions at 480-539-2660.

REGISTRATION will open April 28th and last the entire month of May. Reservations will be secured with payment and on a first come, first serve basis by calling 480-539-2660 or in person at the EVO Swim School (NW corner of Gilbert & Guadalupe - next to Goodwill).

SUMMER TEAM TUITION covers all practice time & meet fees (excluding the championship meet) from June 2nd - July 26th. There are three options to consider when joining.

$180 = three swim team practices per week

$237.50 = two swim team practices per week along with one group lesson per week

$290.50 = three swim team practices per week along with one group lesson per week

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT AND APPAREL consists of a team suit, cap (if you wear one), and fins. These items can be purchased at the EVO Pro Shop at any time.

PRACTICE TIMES will be held Monday through Thursday and you will be expected to choose the same three practice times each week from the schedule offered below. Make up practices will be available under the current make-up guidelines of our school.

7:00 - 8:00 AM (recommended for 10 & older swimmers but open to any age)
8:00 - 9:00 AM (recommended for 9 & younger swimmers but open to any age)

2:30 - 3:30 PM (open to all ages)

OPTIONAL FRIDAY PRACTICES will be held the day before each scheduled swim meet. These practices will be offered in the evening (time TBA) at the Chandler High School for extra work on starts and turns. Friday practice dates are June 6th, 13th, 27th & July 11th, 18th, 25th.

THE MEET SCHEDULE is posted at http://rioswimteam.org/summer_league_meet_schedule.htm

WE HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US FOR A SUMMER OF FUN! CALL TODAY (480) 539-2660.