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POLICIES & FAQ

POLICIES

Enrollment Policies:

  • The first time in any new class is scheduled as a paid trial lesson. All trial lessons are charged at the regular class rate.
  • Trial lessons may be pushed back one week from the original trial date without penalty.
  • Once you've paid the trial fee, you will not be refunded. We are happy to apply that fee to another class.
  • After the trial lesson, you are perpetually enrolled. Imagine Swimming requires a 30-day notice emailed to info@imagineswimming.com, or done by yourself via your Parent Portal, to discontinue lessons.
  • Upon upgrading the trial class to a weekly class, there is a one time $50 ($59 as of Sept. 5th) annual administration fee that will be charged to that first month's balance.  This is valid for a year, regardless of enrollment.
  • If a credit is generated at any time, Imagine Swimming will apply that toward future tuition.
  • Imagine Swimming does not offer make-up lessons, nor issue credits for missed lessons. All lessons planned for that month are billed, regardless of attendance, even if advanced notice is given.
  • While Imagine Swimming does its best to provide a consistent weekly instructor, we cannot guarantee instructors for a class. Instructors for a given class are subject to change at any time, and we do not credit for substitute teachers.

Guidelines for Parents:

  • Strictly no one under the age of 18 years is to be left at the pool unattended. Outside of the water, all students are the sole responsibility of their caregiver.
  • A parent or caregiver is responsible for taking their child to the restroom if assistance is needed.
  • Please be mindful of our facilities and their facility-specific rules. This information can be found in your Class Details by clicking on the name of the location on your Parent Portal.
  • If your child is feeling under the weather, specifically experiencing a fever or a contagious disease, please be considerate of others by keeping your child home from lessons for a minimum of 48 hours.
  • Please do not interrupt your child’s or other children’s lessons with teacher questions.
  • Imagine Swimming reserves the right to expel any student or parent who fails to comply with any of the safety, class time and facility-specific policies.

At the Pool:

  • Imagine Swimming is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.
  • Absolutely no running, fighting, shouting or horseplay is allowed at any of our locations.
  • Swim Wear: Loose-fitting or baggy swimwear is inadvisable, as it limits range of movement and feel for the water. Please bring your own goggles. These can be purchased at the front desk at our flagship locations, along with caps and swim accessories.  We no longer provide shared goggles due to COVID.
  • Please make sure your child is dressed and ready for lessons 5 minutes before swimming class begins.
  • Please be mindful of other patrons and students, and make sure both you and your child are using the appropriate locker rooms, based on your facility’s regulations.
  • Please make certain your child has removed all bandages and bandaids prior to class. If your child has an open cut or other wounds, he/she may not be admitted to class.
  • Please make sure that your child does not come to class with any jewelry on.
  • Please let students from previous classes get out of the pool before getting in the water.  Your child should never enter the pool until your teacher is in the water and ready for the next class.

Diaper Policy:

  • All children under the age of 3 years, and any children who are not fully potty-trained, must wear one reusable swim diaper and one Happy Nappy diaper cover in the water. Diapers must be snug around the hips & thighs. Disposable diapers are not sufficient.  Swim diaper sets are available for purchase at the front desk of our flagship locations.

Discontinuation of Enrollment:

  • To discontinue classes, Imagine Swimming requires a 30-day notice via your Parent Portal or email to info@imagineswimming.com. A discontinuation confirmation email will be sent upon setting an end date. You will be billed until we receive a discontinuation request.

Inclement Weather:

  • It is the sole right of Imagine Swimming to cancel lessons due to inclement weather. Imagine will make every effort to determine the status of lessons as early as possible in the day, based on available hourly forecasts.
  • Imagine will text and email all affected families should lessons be canceled.
  • Should Imagine Swimming determine that lessons must be canceled due to weather conditions, a class credit will be applied to your next month’s tuition. Imagine will determine the day of, and not before, whether or not a cancellation is in order. By and large, we follow NYC Public School status on days of inclement weather.
  • Imagine Swimming does not offer credits or refunds for weather if pools are open as regularly scheduled.

Summer: Placing your spot “On Hold”:

  • Our summer “on hold” feature can be used only between Memorial and Labor Day. At least two weeks’ notice is required to place classes on hold. This hold reduces the cost of each missed class to $15.
  • At least two weeks prior to the class date, please input any class dates you wish to put on hold in your Parent Portal or email info@imagineswimming.com with the request.
    If you choose to cancel your registration over the summer months, as opposed to paying the hold fee, we cannot guarantee your current class will be available for September.

Medical Leave:

  • Imagine Swimming offers up to four class credits for missed lessons due to long-term illness, injury, or medical procedure. This is intended for times when students will miss multiple classes for medical reasons. A doctor’s note must be submitted before credits can be applied toward future tuition.

Covid Policies:

  • Masks are required for unvaccinated individuals over the age of 2 years. Enforcement is based on the honor system.
  • Vaccinations are no longer required at our Tribeca Flagship, UWS Flagship, and Crown Heights Armory locations.
  • Facility management at the Tribeca BMCC location requires proof of vaccination for all individuals via their Cleared4 system.
  • Other locations may have specific COVID-related policies. Details can be found in your Parent Portal.
  • Imagine will only credit for a missed lesson, with proof of a positive Covid Test (rapid test with proof of date is sufficient). As swimming is an unmasked activity, it is expected that those who test positive do not participate in swimming lessons for 10 days post positive test or initial display of symptoms, whichever came first.  

Federal/Religious Holidays:

  • With advanced notice, Imagine Swimming offers to credit missed lessons on the following federal holidays:
  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Presidents Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day
  • Imagine Swimming will credit for religious holiday observances. Advanced notice is required.

Attendance & Cancellation Policy:

  • Imagine Swimming does not provide refunds or class credits for missed lessons.
  • To discontinue enrollment, Imagine Swimming requires a 30-day notice via your Parent Portal or email to info@imagineswimming.com.
  • If Imagine Swimming must cancel your child’s lesson (due to teacher illness, facility repairs, etc.), we will notify you as soon as possible via text and email, and credit your family’s account for the lesson.
  • If your regular teacher is unable to teach a class, Imagine Swimming will organize a substitute teacher for the lesson.
  • Imagine Swimming does not credit for classes when a substitute teacher is provided.

Billing Policy:

  • Imagine Swimming will charge $59 for a trial class at the time of booking this trial class.  You will have 24 hours to ensure billing details are in your portal, or the spot will be released.
  • Upon upgrade of the trial class to weekly classes, you will be billed for the remainder of that month's lessons, plus the annual administration fee for new students, which is $59 per student.  This is valid for a year, and is non refundable.
  • Imagine Swimming charges tuition on the 1st of each month, for all lessons scheduled in that month. Any outstanding balance between billing cycles is processed immediately.  If payment is declined, you have until the end of the month(billing cycle) to update payment details, otherwise, your spot will be released, and your child will not be able to swim until this has been updated.  There is no guarantee the same spot will be available after it has been released.
    If a direct debit account is declined, a $15 bank charge is added to the balance due, and if this method of payment is declined, it cannot be used again, and a valid credit card needs to be entered.
  • Imagine Swimming accepts credit card or debit card payments. A processing fee of 3% is added to your monthly dues with this form of payment.
  • In case of a last minute pool closure, Imagine will automatically credit you for the class.  This will be deducted from the following month's tuition.
  • In case of an accident in the pool during the lesson, and the lesson is disrupted, Imagine will only credit you if the lesson is canceled in the first 15 minutes.
  • If payment is not updated within one week of payment reminders, the class will be released, and until the balance is paid in full, the family will not be able to re-enroll.
  • If a class credit is issued towards future tuition, Imagine will honor this without expiration.  This will not be a refund.
  • For outstanding balances after classes have been released, Imagine Swimming will offer a flexible payment plan to families, and enrollment will only be possible once the balance is paid off in full.

Media Release Policy:

  • Release.  You grant Imagine Swimming, Inc. the right to take and utilize photographs, videos, or any type of recordings of participating child/children and their parents, caregivers, or anyone accompanying them while engaged in the Services. You consent to Imagine Swimming’s use of any and all such photographs, videos, or recordings of you and your child/children for advertising, promotional, teacher training or related purposes, and waive all rights to compensation and other rights which may arise as a result (including any rights under N.Y. Civil Rights Law 50 and other similar state laws).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Registration

Can I sign up for classes at any time?

Yes. We accept enrollments on a rolling basis so your child can join at any time that there is appropriate availability.

Is there a registration fee?

Beginning in January 2021, all active accounts will be charged an Annual Registration Fee of $59 per child.

This one-time annual fee will be billed to your account each new year. For new sign-ups, it will be processed after a trial is upgraded to perpetual enrollment.

Do you have a waiting list?

Yes. You can join the waitlist for any appropriate pool based on the days and times that work best for you. To be added to the waitlist, you'd search for classes within the days, times, and locations that would work for you. If there's nothing immediately available, you'll have the option of adding yourself to the waitlist within those selected preferences.

How do I know what number I am on the waitlist?

Unfortunately, because everyone's selections for days, times, and locations are different, we can't say for sure what "number" you are on the list. We can say that the more locations you're open to and the more availability you have, the more likely it is that we can get you in sooner.

How do you determine which class is best for my child upon sign up?

Students are placed in classes with other students of a similar age & ability level. When you first create an account, our system will guide you through a short series of questions which will help us determine a level range for your child. Once enrolled weekly, our staff will keep the system updated with your child's progress.

What is a trial class?

The first time in any new class is scheduled as a trial lesson. This allows the instructor to meet your child and assess whether that particular class is appropriate for them. It also allows you to try the class before committing ongoing. While your trial is pending, no one else can sign up in that class, so you are guaranteed the spot if the class is appropriate and works well for you.

Do you offer adult classes?

Yes, we do offer adult classes. For more information, please email info@imagineswimming.com.

I have one child enrolled already. How can I get their sibling in?

We do our best to give priority to siblings looking to get into the program. If you have a sibling looking to swim, please reach out to your child’s Class Manager (listed on your Parent Portal, under the class details). They’ll keep them on their radar and do everything they can to find them a class!

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Parent & Me

Where can I get a reusable diaper and Happy Nappy?

These can be purchased at the TriBeCa Flagship pool on the day of your lesson. You can also find them online. Popular diaper brands are iPlay & Finis. We require the Splash About (brand) Happy Nappy.

Why do we need a reusable diaper and a Happy Nappy?

We’ve found that this is the only way to keep accidents out of the pool, as single layers and reusable diapers don’t do the trick.

What if my child under three is potty trained?

That’s great! But we still require them to wear the double layer diaper and Happy Nappy until they’re three years.

We have many potty-trained students over three who still wear these two layers as their regular bathing suit. We recommend referring to them as their bathing suits, rather than diapers, to make potty-trained students a bit more comfortable.

Does it have to be a parent in the water with the swimmer?

No. Any adult who is comfortable accompanying your child is welcome to attend. We encourage consistency as much as possible, but if the same caregiver is not available every week, any adult caregiver is welcome to attend the class with them.

When will my child separate out of Parent & Me classes?

The earliest that we separate into a non-Parent & Me class is one month before children’s third birthday. This is because before that point it can be unsafe to have multiple children in a class without a parent.

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Policies

How long are Imagine classes?

All children’s classes are 30 minutes in length with the exception of our Baby Splash classes which are 20 minutes.

How much are Imagine classes?

Our children’s group classes are $55/class ($59/class as of Sept. 5th). Children’s semi-private classes are $110/class ($118/class as of Sept. 5th) & children’s privates are $220/class ($236/class as of Sept. 5th).

How does Imagine bill for classes?

Tuition is charged on the first of each month for all lessons planned in that month (ie. on October 1st for all of October’s classes). Any outstanding balance (for additional trial lessons, purchases, etc.) is generally charged within 48 hours.

How long am I enrolled for?

The first time in a class is scheduled as a trial lesson. The trial is a one-time commitment to that class. Once you’re enrolled perpetually, you’re committed to the class every week without an end date, so you must cancel your enrollment if you’d like to stop swimming.

Does Imagine credit for missed lessons?

No. Classes are reserved on an ongoing basis. Once you commit to a weekly class you are charged to reserve your child’s spot each week, regardless of attendance.

Do you offer make-up lessons?

No. Imagine does not offer make-up lessons, but families are welcome to take advantage of our Family Swim sessions on Saturday and Sunday evenings at our TriBeCa Flagship pool. This is open use of the pool which is complimentary for all current swimmers and their families.

How do I discontinue enrollment?

Imagine requires at least 30 days notice to end your enrollment and stop your billing. Imagine does not issue refunds.

You can set your end date through your Parent Portal or by emailing info@imagineswimming.com. You will receive a confirmation with your selected end date. If you do not receive that, the system has not recognized an end date for your classes.

Do you offer any type of medical leave credits?

Yes. In cases of illness or injury that will keep students out of the pool for multiple classes (up to four), we're able to credit with a doctor's note sent in. That can be faxed to 646.496.9143 or emailed to info@imagineswimming.com. Should your child need to be out of the water for more than four weeks, Imagine reserves the right to place your child in a class that is best suited for their current condition.

We do not credit for one-off medical absences, even if a doctor's note is submitted.

What about holidays?

There are holidays when many of our pools remain open. If your class falls on a religious holiday, we’re happy to credit you with advanced notice.

We’re also happy to credit for the following national holidays, with advanced notice:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • Presidents Day
  • Columbus Day
  • Veterans Day

How do I know when my pool is closed?

All upcoming closures for your child’s class can be viewed on your Parent Portal, under your child’s class details in the “Lessons” tab. Planned closures for a facility are generally updated at least a month in advance.

Can I put my lessons on hold?

Yes. Between Memorial and Labor Day weekends, you can place your classes on hold by alerting us at least two weeks in advance. This reduces the cost of the missed class to $15.

Advanced notice is required to place classes on hold. We do not offer to place classes on hold outside of those summer months.

What if I do not need to put all of my classes “on hold” for the summer?

No problem. You can place any dates on hold - from one day to the entire summer (or anything in between).

To place a single date on hold in your portal, the first and last day should be the same. Ie: to set only July 3rd on hold, the first date held would be 07.03 & the last date held would also be 07.03.

Do I need to be in the water with my child for class?

Not if your child is over three years old. If your child is under the age of three years and in a “Parent & Me” class, we require that a parent or other caregiver join him or her in the pool for the lesson.

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Miscellaneous

Does my child need to switch classes as their level improves?

We group students by both age and ability level so that students can remain in the same classes as they progress and there's no need for families to switch their schedules. Of course, no two students progress at exactly the same rate, so if there's a time when the instructor feels that your child could benefit from another class, or you and your child just want to try another class, we're more than happy to look into that for you.

Do you have a swim team?

Yes. Our swim team - The Manhattan Makos - holds tryouts every Fall. To qualify for tryouts, students are required to be proficient in all four strokes and comfortable executing racing dives and flip turns. For more information on the swim team, please check out the Teams page : Click Here

What does my child need to bring to class?

Simply bring goggles, swim caps, a suit and a towel. We provide all toys and equipment. Children under the age of three and any children who are not fully potty-trained are required to wear a reusable swim diaper and a "Happy Nappy" on top for class. These items can be purchased at our Baby Swim locations.

When should my child eat before class?

Please do not let your child have anything to eat 30 minutes prior to his or her lesson. Please note that accidents such as vomiting can result in the cancelation of all lessons for all children at the pool for a day or more.

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