Will I have to get my hair wet? What if I just got my hair done?

At Central ALTS, we teach you to put your whole face and head in the water. Yes, your hair will get wet, so maybe don’t have it set right before class; however, we provide swim caps to keep your hair up and out of your face and lessen the amount of water that saturates the hair.

“My hair is way too long for a cap. I have braids down to my waist”

We pride ourselves on accommodating every hair need. Every swimmer is “fitted” with a cap before their first lesson. We have small latex, silicone, and SoulCapsⓇ in sizes Medium to XXL, which can easily accommodate the thickest braids even past the waist. Some swimmers have ordered their own in the past or have brought a waterproof, silk-lined bonnet from HairbrellaⓇ

Do I have to wear goggles?

Every student receives a pair of goggles and we teach you to “open your eyes” as you move through the skills. Goggles are essential to the swimming process. You are welcome to bring your own, however we do not allow masks that cover your nose, as they will hinder the learning process.

Women only: What if I start my cycle? “I can’t swim if it’s that time of the month”

Many of our instructors are life-long swimmers, and have had decades of experience swimming (and competing) through college and Masters Swimming all while on their cycle. Tampons are great for swimming and easily provide needed protection through the one-hour class and beyond. We are flexible, and able to discreetly allow you to visit the bathroom as often as you need. If you have questions about this or any other personal, feminine needs related to swimming, please ask to be contacted by a female instructor upon registration or on your first day of class. We are happy to help!

How do I get water out of my ears?

Many instructors and students have ear canals that trap water while swimming. There is an over-the-counter “Ear drying drops” that can be purchased at most drug stores. The same effect can be reached with a few tiny drops of rubbing alcohol mixed with water. Please ask an instructor about what they use, and we are happy to point you in the right direction. 

How do I care for my cap and goggles?

Make sure to dry your goggles and store them in a dry place to avoid dry rot. Take care to dry your cap inside and out. You might shake some powder into the cap to aid drying, and prevent the sides from sticking to each other. You may want to use some dish soap around the edges of your cap to wash off the body’s natural oils and ensure your cap “sticks” around the face frame each use. We can show you how to care for your equipment on your first day of class.

Can I hold my nose when I go under the water?

Central ALTS curriculum teaches relaxed breathing techniques so that the swimmer can use both hands to swim instead of holding their nose. Once you master the bubbles and an even air exchange, you won’t ever want to hold your nose again.

Do I have to wear a swimsuit? Can I wear my swim shoes?

Swimming suits and trunks allow the body to be buoyant without being pulled down by heavy clothing. Swim Shoes can be very heavy, and restrict movement in the foot, blocking the student from “feeling” the water and flexing the foot.  We understand that being in a swimsuit can be a mental barrier, and getting outside that comfort zone is another piece of the puzzle for new swimmers. We celebrate all bodies at Central ALTS and strive to create a welcoming atmosphere - we encourage you to wear what makes you feel comfortable. Some students have worn tee shirts or rash guards the first day until they felt confident to go without. We have had students wear full body swimsuits, or even leggings and work out tops that comply with their personal or religious beliefs. If you are concerned about swimwear, please ask to speak with someone when you are registered. 

Do I have to have a male or/female instructor?

If you have a religious belief/rule or personal preference that prevents you from working with a member of the opposite sex, we are happy to accommodate you.  We have tremendous success with men teaching women, and women teaching men, but are happy to work within your comfort level. In the past, we have had students whose spouse is required to attend when in this type of setting due to religious beliefs. Whatever your need, please communicate this upon registration. 

What if I can’t come to all four classes?

When you are confirmed as a registered student in an upcoming class, we do require that you are available and commit for all 4 classes. Each class builds on the skills learned prior, so missing a class makes “catching up” very difficult; however, we do understand that sometimes emergencies come up or students get sick. We always do our best to help every student get their “4 classes” of instruction, and will schedule time during open swims as instructor availability allows, throughout the week, to complete your skills. 

How come I can’t sign-up? Will the waitlist be turned back on? When?

Central ALTS has a good kind of problem: a wait list of 2000 people! We are currently planning more, and weekly, classes to get to everyone who has signed up. We anticipate reopening the waitlist and a revamped registration system for upcoming classes after we teach half of the waitlist. We are proud to have very few no-call, no-shows or students who drop out of our classes. 

What does it mean to “Graduate” from the program?

The ALTS graduate has received certified instruction in four 1-hour beginner classes. The achieved outcomes vary greatly. The American Red Cross published a standard for knowing how to swim with the following competencies:

• step or jump into water deeper than your own height

• float or tread for one minute

• orient yourself in a circle to locate an exit

• swim 25 yards (75 feet) to that exit

• exit the water

We use this standard to measure our students’ progress. We want our students to feel comfortable and safe in the aquatic environment, be it a pool, cruise, or on a beach. Students who do not achieve the ARC standards are still considered graduates for their willingness to show up and do more than they’ve ever done in the aquatic environment. Signing up and showing up for 4 adult swim classes is sometimes their proudest achievement.