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Tap to talkEnrollment & billing
How do I register?
Families can register online, by calling us, or in person at any of our locations. Families can also register through their Parent Portal, where you can view available classes, add swimmers and update family information. Each student is charged a $35 enrollment fee.
How do I know which swim level is right for my child?
Our curriculum is designed by age and ability. If you're unsure which Swim Level to register your student in, schedule a Complimentary Swim Lesson at one of our locations.
How do I pay for my swim lessons?
Monthly recurring billing is charged (and due) in advance on the 21st calendar day of each month (or the next business day after) for lessons in the following month. Charges are prorated based on your start date. Monthly tuition is based on the number of classes scheduled that month, regardless of pool closures and holidays.
A $35 enrollment fee per swimmer is due when you enroll. An annual activity fee of $35 per swimmer is charged on July 1 each year. Fees may be prorated based on your first lesson and pre-planned Bear Paddle closures.
We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and ACH. Prices vary by location.
How long is my child signed up for?
Classes are month-to-month: classes and billing continue until you submit a written 30-day withdrawal request, signed in person at your Bear Paddle facility. If your account has prepaid lessons beyond your 30-day notice period, your withdrawal date is set for the end of those prepaid lessons. No refunds are given on enrollment fees, monthly tuition, annual activity fees or late fees.
Do you offer a sibling discount?
Yes — we offer a 10% discount for siblings.
What's included in my swim package?
Active families get FREE family swim every Saturday and Sunday, make-up lessons, monthly skill assessments and progress reports, and Progress Patches.
Do you have a family referral program?
Yes! When you refer a friend, you'll each get a $70 credit to your account. Your referral code is your last name with the current year.
First day
What does my child need to bring to their first lesson?
A swimsuit and a towel. Students under age three must also wear a disposable swim diaper and a reusable swim diaper. Our pool deck has all the teaching tools your student needs, but they're welcome to bring their own goggles.
What should I expect during my child's first lesson?
We'll make sure your child is in the right Swim Level. The Swim Teacher and Deck Specialist work together to ensure each child's skills match the class. If you feel your student is in the wrong level, please let the Deck Specialist know.
How can I make sure my child doesn't go to the bathroom in the pool?
Arrive with enough time before the lesson to take your student to the bathroom. If your child is under three or not potty trained, make sure they're wearing a disposable and a reusable swim diaper.
Missed lessons, closures & transfers
What if we miss a lesson?
Your student can attend a Make-Up Lesson. One missed class per month is eligible for a make-up, and make-ups expire 90 days after the absence. Spots are first come, first served and aren't guaranteed. Refunds are not issued for missed lessons.
What if Bear Paddle has an unexpected closure?
Your student receives a make-up lesson on your account, and we'll notify you by phone and email as soon as we can. If vomit or fecal matter is found in the pool, management follows state guidelines to keep students safe. If there's a pool heater issue, lessons continue as long as the pool is 86 degrees or above.
When are Bear Paddle's planned closures and holidays?
Our swim schools are closed on Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and the days between Christmas and New Year's Day. If your child's class falls on a holiday closure, you'll receive a make-up lesson.
What if I need to change my lesson day or time?
Life gets busy! Just call your school and we'll adjust your lesson day and time as quickly as possible — usually within one week.
Student progress
What if my child is in the wrong swim level?
We evaluate every student to catch any class that isn't the right match for the group's skill level. If you have concerns, please tell a manager right away — our goal is always to have each student in the best class for their development.
How will I know if my child is progressing?
Teachers provide progress reports and homework tips every month. Students are evaluated and given patches monthly with their progress report as they achieve skills. Once a student earns the patches required to graduate, they move up to the next level — and patches can be ironed onto the Patch Reward Towel! The Teacher and Lesson Experience Manager keep parents informed as skills are mastered.
How can my child progress faster?
Swimming twice a week cuts the time in half for most swimmers to reach their swim goal. Free Family Swim, Swim Clinics and adding another swim day are great ways to practice.
What is a level recommendation?
Level Recommendations are made during a Complimentary Swim Lesson to tell you which class is best for your child. We also assess progress monthly and recommend a new class when your child is ready to move up.
Program information
How old does my child have to be to begin swim lessons?
Children can start as early as 6 months old, and we offer beginner levels for all ages. We strive to ensure every child can, at minimum, self-rescue by graduating from Level 3 – Flip To Breathe. See all programs.
How many kids are in each lesson?
Student-to-teacher ratios range from 3:1 to 6:1, depending on each student's age and level.
Do you offer family swim?
Yes! Family Swim is free for enrolled families every Saturday and Sunday.
Do you have private, semi-private or special needs classes?
Yes. To schedule a private, semi-private or special needs class, call your local swim school or stop by any of our locations.
Schedule
Where can I find class schedules?
Our registration page shows the most up-to-date schedule and only displays classes with space available. We offer lessons seven days a week so swimming can be a consistent part of your child's routine.
If I enroll today, when can I start?
Any time that works for your family, as long as there's space in the class best suited for your child.
Will my child have the same teacher each week?
Yes! Your child stays with the same teacher until they graduate to the next level or change their class day or time.
If I have more than one child, can they swim at the same time?
We do our best to accommodate families with more than one student, with classes for many ages and abilities. Call your local Bear Paddle school and we'll find the right schedule for your family.
Safety
What are Bear Paddle's safety rules?
- Disposable swim diapers and reusable swim pants are required for students under age three.
- Swimmers must rinse before and after lessons.
- Don't feed your child for at least 30 minutes before lessons.
- Make sure your child uses the restroom before each lesson.
- A parent or guardian must stay at the facility for the whole lesson — no drop-offs.
- Parents help enforce the no-running policy.
- State law prohibits food or glass in the pool area.
- Students may not enter the pool without a Teacher present; they wait with their grown-up on the pool deck.
Still have a question?
Ask Paddle, or call your local school — we're happy to help.
Source: Bear Paddle FAQ. Prices and policies may vary by location.