“Swimming Lessons
are a Gift for Life!”
Since 1994
mailing address:
1222 Camino Rio Verde
Santa Barbara, CA 93111
805-964-7818
www.feredayswimschool.com
wendy@feredayswimschool.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
• Welcome Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
• Our Mission. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Our Philosiphy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
• Lesson Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
• What to expect/what your child will learn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
• Pool Info and Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
• Free Swim Info and times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
• Scheduling and Available Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
• How can I request a specific teacher? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
• How long are sessions?
• How to pay for lessons
• Sand Dollars Referral Program
• Cycles and how they work
• Make up lessons
• Toys and Equipment at the Pool
• Swim Diapers
• Swim Team
• Swim Team Supplies
• Retail Purchases
• Our Teachers
• Healthy Kids at the Pool
• All about Ears
• Snacks at the Pool
• The importance of swimming year round
• Awarding Super Swimmers
• Underwater Photography
• Water Safety Education in the Community
• Wendy’s Water Wise Safety Tips
• Wendy’s Advice for Layers of Loving Protection
• Is Your Pool Safe?
• Contact us
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WELCOME LETTER
Hello, my name is Wendy Fereday and I have been teaching swimming lessons to all ages since 1974. I hold a B.A. in
Ergonomics (Physiology of Exercise), a teaching credential
in Physical Education and a coaching certificate in swimming. We started the Wendy Fereday Swim School in 1994
and have been current members of the United States Swim
School Association since that time.
All of our pools are well maintained and sanitized. The water
temperature is maintained at a constant 86 degrees. Our
goal is not to just teach your child to swim, but to learn to
thoroughly enjoy the water. We teach safety and survival
skills along with the foundations of stroke technique. We
believe love and understanding within a structured environment will produce a safe and happy swimmer.
Our teachers are all trained with the same philosophy and
methods so there is consistency in the teaching program.
Repetition and quality practice are key to developing good
swimming technique. Our teachers are well trained and love
children!
We look forward to having you as part of our swim school
program!
-Wendy Fereday Swim School Staff
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OUR MISSION
With loving teachers and committed guidance, we aim to
meet each child’s personal needs so that they can be independent and successful swimmers. Our goal is to see the
joy and confidence emerge as your child learns how to be
skilled in an aquatic environment. Our instructors aim to create a relationship with each student based on love and trust.
We strive to provide water safety education to the community we serve including the Santa Ynez Valley, Goleta, Santa
Barbara, Montecito, Summerland, Carpinteria and Ventura.
OUR PHILOSIPHY
Children are a gift from God and it is our honor and privilege to have your children in our program. We believe that
their aquatic education is among the most important skills
your child will develop in their life. We believe that through
regular weekly water exposure your child will continue to
adapt to the water and reinforce safety and life saving skills
for a lifetime of swimming enjoyment. We believe that with
patience and positive reinforcement, all children can learn to
swim at an early age. As a family swim program we believe
that it is imperative to support the whole family with water
safety awareness, education and instruction.
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LESSON OPTIONS
Water Babies Level I - We offer Hydro Pool Baby Classes
for babies ages 2.5 months to 9 months. The Hydro-Pool is
a smaller environment with the water temperature at 94
degrees. Wendy teaches these small individualized classes of
only 4 babies and 4 parents in the water. She plans on working with you and your child for at least 2 cycles. The price is a
group price and not a Babies Class price.
Water Babies Level II - This class is designed to provide a
positive and comfortable water experience for your baby.
The class will help your child gain the basic skills needed
to successfully participate in the more independent learning environment of our private lessons program. Babies are
gently introduced to floating skills, breath control, submersion, and whole body movement through the water. Parents
will learn the proper techniques for working with their baby
in the water, leading to the comfort level of the baby and
enhancing the learning process. Baby classes are a wonderful experience for both baby and parent!
Private Lessons- These lessons have a two to one ratio.
Students are placed by age and their level of comfort in the
water. All lessons are 30 minutes long and are offered to children ages 3 1/2 and up. All children must be independent
swimmers.
Semi-Private Lessons- With a two to one ratio your children
will have a blast in these lessons. Students are grouped by
age and ability with a good comfort level of the water. All
lessons are 30 minutes long. (Ages 3 1/2 and up)
Group Lessons- These lessons have a five to one ratio. Group
lessons allow you to maintain a high quality learning experience at a lower cost. Group lessons are offered to students
who have been with the program for at least one cycle.
Students must be confident, independent swimmers. (Ages
4 and up)
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Teenage and Adult Lessons- 30 minute lessons starting
with either the basics or more advanced exercises like
working with stroke technique and building endurance
and stamina. Students may pay for four lessons at a time.
Home Lessons- Our instructors come to your home once
or twice a week, either year round or just during the
summer. Pools must be privately owned and at least 86
degrees. One hour minimum required. These lessons are
offered to students of all ages, and may be held during
your preferred day and time. Rapid progress is guaranteed
to take place within this time period per lesson.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM OUR PROGRAM
Your child will be taught by well trained, enthusiastic and
caring teachers who tailor their instruction to fit the needs
of your child. Your child will continue to grow and progress
through regular and consistent practice, participation and
positive reinforcement.
Many parents ask “How long will it take my child to learn
how to swim?”; and the answer is different for each child.
Each child in our program learns at his or her own pace.
While we can’t determine how long it will take, there are
milestones that are very important for each child to accomplish. It is extremely important for children to learn to safely
roll over to take a breath and swim without assistance. Lots
of continuous praise goes a long way.
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WHAT IF MY CHILD CRIES OR IS AFRAID?
First of all, it is perfectly normal for some children to be fearful of the water. Some children will cry and protest before
they become acclimated to the pool and the routine of
lessons. Our teachers are trained to deal with even the most
fearful swimmers. We have many toys, songs and games
especially created for fearful swimmers. If you need help getting your child into the pool, ask our staff for assistance. We
will gladly get your child happy and swimming in no time!
We do ask that once your child is in the water with his or her
teacher that you observe through the window in the lobby,
where you will not be visible to your child and he or she will
have the chance to bond with his or her teacher.
Many parents also ask, “When will my child be “DrownProofed”? At WFSS, we believe that there is no such thing as
being “Drown-Proofed”. We teach our students to love and
respect the water and that they can NEVER swim alone. NO
ONE should ever swim alone.
WHAT IF MY CHILD IS SICK?
If your child has had a fever or vomited in the last 24 hours,
they are too sick to come to swim class. If your child has a
bacterial or other infection, we ask that you take 48 hours of
prescribed antibiotics before you come to swim class. If they
have a simple runny nose or non productive cough, swim
lessons can actually be good for them. (See “Why Swim Year
Round”) In fact, the warm water can help clear the sinuses
and make them feel better!
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POOL
Modoc
La Cumbre
CHURCH
LOT
Service
Entrance
Las Positas
POOL INFO AND PARKING
Hwy 101
Vista Del MontePlease park in the Santa Barbara Christian School/ Emmanuael Luteran Parking Lot adjacent to the Vista Del Monte Facility. When on property please be respectful of the wonderful
residents there. Please no running, screaming or climbing on
hand rails.
When you arrive at the pool, please check in at the front
desk and sign in. There will be a WFSS staff member available
to answer any questions you may have. If it is your first time
at the pool, please ask a WFSS staff member to show you
around. You will find many important materials at the front
desk. Please check here regularly for Newsletters, Updates,
Swim Team Schedules and Information, Referral Program
Incentives and Billing.
Once you are at the pool, please shower before entering.
Showers are on the pool deck. Please be respectful of the
residents and patrons who will be exiting the pool after their
aquatics program. Please do not play or run around in the
locker rooms or in the bathrooms.
Please be responsible for your belongings at all times. It is a
good idea to clearly label towels, goggles or other personal
items you plan to bring to the pool. The WFSS is not responsible for any lost or stolen items at the pool. However, we do
have a Lost and Found next to the front desk. Please check
here regularly as we will donate the items left behind after
the start of a new cycle.
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BASIC LIST OF POOL
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
1. A parent, guardian or responsible adult is required to be
present and attentive during all lessons and pool time
play.
2. The Wendy Fereday Swim School/Vista Del Monte Aquatic
Center/Hidden Oaks Pool is not responsible for lost items.
We do have a lost and found. We donate items not claimed
after each cycle.
3. There are no refunds or credits given after the first lesson
as your lesson time has been reserved specifically for you.
4. You will be entitled to one make-up lesson for each cycle.
You can also make up swim time during our Saturday
Swim, an open swim for registered swimmers and parents
in our program.
5. Family Swim is Open on Saturdays from 3:00-4:00pm at
Vista Del Monte Pool. This is free for all registered students
and their parents. No exceptions, please.
6. Please sign in each week. The sign in table is located at the
desk to the right when you walk in the door.
7. We are a year-round swim program, which means you will
retain your scheduled time slot unless you contact the
office needing a change. We need to know if you cannot
make your scheduled time spot as soon as possible so that
changes may be made. Please provide us with at least 30
days notice.
8. All students 4 years and younger must wear a swim diaper
or safety pants, even if they are potty trained. There are no
exceptions. THIS IS MANDATORY.
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REGISTERED FAMILY SWIM
Our Open Swim on Saturdays is a great way to get more
practice in with your child. Take advantage of this on Saturdays from 3:00-4:00pm. There will be a member of WFSS
ready to answer questions as well as a lifeguard on site. This
is a great way to make up lost time due to illness or other
absences.
SCHEDULING AND AVAILABLE TIMES
Our schedule is “perpetual”; meaning that classes continue
indefinetly until you wish to switch times or take a break.
Please call or email the office for any scheduling for lessons.
Most of the lessons are booked by the time our swim cycle
has begun, but there can be openings at any time. If you
need to change the date or time of your currently scheduled
lessons, please call or email the office as soon as possible.
Our booking managers will help you find a class that works
with your schedule or place you on a waiting list until that
spot opens up.
If a spot opens up in your requested time slot, you will have
24 hours to reserve the spot. If we have not heard back from
you within 24 hours, we will assume that the class is not
convenient for you, and offer the slot to someone else.
If you wish to cancel lessons, we require a 30 day written
notice; this can be emailed. It is your responsibility to make
sure that the office has receieved your cancellation letter. So,
please call to confirm that your request has been received
before the 30 days has expired. If inadequate notice is received, you may be billed for up to 4 weeks of lessons.
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CAN I REQUEST A SPECIFIC TEACHER?
We cannot guarantee specific teachers, nor can we waitlist for specific teacher requests. Our office managers are
familiar with all of our teachers as well as their teaching
styles. All of our teachers are equally trained but bring their
own personalities and individuality to the lessons. Our office
managers and Wendy will work to make sure that you have a
match for your child.
WHAT ARE CYCLES AND
HOW DO THEY WORK?
Our schedule is “perpetual” meaning it continues indefinetly
until you wish to switch times or take a break. We break up
our sessions into what we refer to as “cycles” Our Fall Cycle
typically begins at the beginning of September after the
Labor Day Holiday. Our Winter Cycle begins in November
through February??. Our Spring Cycle is March through the
first part of June. Summer cycle is between June through
the end of August. Each cycle has a different number of lessons based on the number of weeks in that cycle. You will be
billed for one cycle based on the number of lessons taken
during that period.
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HOW DO I PAY FOR LESSONS?
Lessons will be billed by the amount of lessons taken during
that particular cycle. If you are joining us in the middle of a
cycle, your lessons will be prorated to reflect the number of
lessons taken during that cycle. Payment is due before first
lessons begin. If you are experiencing a hardship, please call
the office. We may be able to break your payments into two,
instead of one lump sum.
Lessons may be paid for by check or by credit card. Payments can be mailed to our mailing address: 1222 Camino
Rio Verde, Santa Barbara, CA. 93111. You may mail your
payment or drop it off at the front desk. If payment is not
received by the time your lessons start, you may be dropped
and your spot filled by another student. There is a fee of $25
for all returned checks.
There is an annual registration fee of $20 per student. This is
billed on an annual basis regardless of when you registered.
SAND DOLLARS REFERRAL PROGRAM
We have implemented a new program to encourage families
to get the word out about WFSS! Each currently enrolled
swim school student/family that refers another student/
family will receive $25 Sand Dollars when that student/family enrolls in a cycle of lessons. These Sand Dollars can be
used for lessons or retail purchases. Additionally, the refered
family can also take advantage of this. When a refered family books a cycle of lessons, they will also receive $25 Sand
Dollars! Please call the office if you have any questions about
this program. Be sure to mention this offer when booking
new lessons!
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MAKE UP LESSONS
It is currently our policy to not offer makeup lessons, but
rather to extend to you the use of Family Swim on Saturdays.
Children learn very fast through educational play and we
encourage you to take advantage of this time. If your child is
sick or plans to be absent for their lesson(s), please call the
office immediately so that we can make arrangements for
your reserved time and communicate with our teachers in
the water.
HEALTHY KIDS AT THE POOL
As stated before, if your child has had a fever or vomited in
the last 24 hours, or has an infection they are too sick for
swim lessons. Please wait at least 24 hours before brining
them back to the pool. Or have at least 48 hours of antibiotics on board before returning.
Please practice good hygiene at the pool. Please dispose of
all disposable diapers in the proper trash can.
ALL ABOUT EARS
More than 80% of children have an ear infection before they
reach the age of three. Chances are that one of your little
ones will get one at some point. Ear infections can be painful
and they may cause a temporary loss of hearing that can
interfere with learning.
Normally the middle ear is filled with air, but colds and flu
can cause fluid to build up in this area. This foreign fluid can
become infected with bacteria causing an ear infection. Call
your doctor right away if your child’s fever is above 103.
Swimming does not cause middle ear infections. There is an
outer ear infection, commonly refered to as “swimmers ear”.
This is caused by poorly kept pools and dirty water. This is
somewhat like a fungus infection between the toes. This is
easily treated by over the counter drops. It is not common in
properly kept pools. Year round swimming does not cause
ear infections.
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THE BENEFITS OF
SWIMMING YEAR-ROUND
Unlike many other sports, swimming is available to
children all year long. Wendy Fereday teachers and staff take
pride in the year round program that has been established
for over 30 years. Learning to swim is a continuous process
that takes place over the span of one’s life. Physical, Emotional and social growth throughout the childhood years
allow swimming skills to develop and improve on a constant
basis. Joining a once a week class during the fall and winter
months allow children to continue to enjoy the water while
maintaining and improving upon their swimming abilities as
well as retaining what they have learned during the summer.
Water is a user friendly environment for all ages. For babies, the reduction in gravity allows for the exploration of
movement unmatched on land. Babies are able to explore
movement in many different planes, free from restriction
that gravity produces. To the older child, water provides an
exercise medium that develops all over physical fitness, with
little risk of serious injury. Swimming is an exercise that can
be used for the rest of their lives.
The longer your child takes lessons, the greater retention,
the safer the swimmer. The year round swimming builds motor sensory skills as well as high self esteem at a very early
age.
The younger child, perhaps for the first time, can participate
at the same skill level as older children. This is a definite self
esteem booster for the beginning swimmer. Children of all
ages being able to play together and compete with one
another, while developing skills for a lifetime of swimming
enjoyment.
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Skill maintenance/development is only one of the many
benefits of swimming year round. It has shown to boost the
immune system and is an excellent source of physical activity. The water is the perfect place to exercise without placing
stress on knees and joints, like many other activities do.
THE BENEFITS OF SWIMMING DURING
THE WINTER MONTHS
Without a doubt, babies and children that swim right
through winter have the greatest chance of reaching their
full potential. Each age has its corresponding “ripeness” for
acquiring new water skills that are easiest to attain at that
specific time in their development.
If a baby has acquired a skill to the point where it is an automatic reaction, or a habit, then he is more inclined to retrieve
the skill after a short period of time. However, we cannot be
assured that he has fully acquired the skill until it is firmly
imprinted after a solid period of repetition and practice.
In our experience, it appears that babies and children who
swim tend to be healthier than their non swimming counterparts. This has been confirmed by studies done in Germany
some years ago. Why is this so?
The deep breathing that we do helps to keep the lungs clear
of accumulated mucous, reducing the proneness to respiratory problems. It is the preferred exercise for asthmatics.
This deep breathinghelps to pump the cerebrospinal fluid
through the body, assisting the body in maintaining a high
intake of oxygen to the brain and the blood.
The body’s internal cleaning system is run by the lymph
system. Lymph is the milky liquid that transports toxins from
the cells to the blood which then releases them out of the
body through the lungs, kidneys, intestines and skin. There
is twice as much lymph in the body as there is blood and it
is transported through the body by the muscles instead of
the heart. So, the movement of muscles is imperative to a
healthy body. Physically active babies and children tend to
release toxins easier than the inactive ones, especially in the
pre-crawling stage.
Babies really enjoy themselves in the water. Research has
shown that when we enjoy ourselves the brain produces
powerful biochemicals called endorphins which are the
strongest painkillers known to man. They also boost the immune system.
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AWARDING SUPER SWIMMERS
Our teachers are constantly assessing the progress of your
child! At the end of each cycle you will receive an evaluation
that charts your child’s progress. Some may make leaps and
bounds while others prefer a slower steady pace of improvement. If you have any questions about these evaluations or
the progress your child is making, please talk to your teacher
or call the office.
Whatever your child’s pace, we want to award Super Swimmers! Your child will receive a ribbon at the end of each
cycle. Additionally, once your child swims the length of
the pool unassisted, they will earn their very own, “I love to
Swim! WFSS t-shirt”. It is our gift to show your child that they
can do great things with practice and consistency!
UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
From time to time we will offer underwater photography at
our pools. We will post information about this at the front
desk and include it in our newsletter information prior. If you
would like to take advantage of this service you can let us
know by calling the office.
WATER SAFETY IN THE
SANTA BARBARA COMMUNITY
Wendy is a strong advocate in the Santa Barbara Community
for Water Safety. She is regularly asked to speak or provide
education to groups around Santa Barbara. Wendy is a member of the Safer 3 Water Safety program.
Wendy is available for any speaking or educational engagements. Please call the office to schedule an appointment at
your school, office, club, or Mom’s group today! We are also
happy to provide “Gus and Goldie” water safety education
materials to your group.
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WENDY’’S WATER WISE SAFETY TIPS
It is estimated that nearly 75% of the Earth’s surface is
covered in water! Even our bodies are made up of 65%
water. Water is everywhere and an essential part of our lives.
Here in Santa Barbara we are fortunate to be surrounded
by breathtaking water. We have miles of beautiful beaches,
lakes, pools, and ponds. All the more reason to be water wise
with your family!
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death
among children between the ages of 1 and 4 years old. We
can turn this statistic around using basic water safety rules
and orienting our kids to the water as early as possible. It is
also essential to identify possible drowning dangers around
your home and neighborhood. Here are some basic guidelines to prevent drowning:
Infants- Children less than one year of age
Bathtubs-infants can drown in 1-2 inches of water. Never
leave an infant alone in the bathtub. Bathtub seats are not
safety items that can be relied upon. Always have adult
supervision.
Buckets- 5 gallon buckets are a drowning site for infants.
One baby each week drowns in a bucket. A crawling toddler
is top heavy, and once they have fallen in cannot get themselves out. The bucket when filled with liquid weighs more
than the baby and will not tip over.
Toilets- Carry the same warning as buckets. Use a toilet lock.
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Preschoolers- Ages 1-4 years
Preschoolers primarily drown in home swimming pools and
hot tubs or spas.
• 70% drown in their own pool
• 20% drown in a relative’s pool
• 75% were being supervised by one or two parents
• 70% were not in a bathing suit
• 46% were last seen in the home
• They were missing less than 5 minutes…and the drowning
was silent.
The prevention of drowning requires multiple layers of protection; learning to swim is not the only answer.
WENDY’’S ADVICE FOR LAYERS
OF LOVING PROTECTION
RULES FOR KIDS
• Never swim alone- only with an adult.
• Look into Mom and Dad’s eyes and ask before getting into
the water.
• Walk, don’t run on the pool deck.
• Don’t reach into the water for a toy, ask and adult for help.
• Don’t swim to a struggling swimmer. Throw a floating object and get an adult right away. “Don’t go, but throw“
• Never dive into shallow or murky water. This includes shallow water at pools, lakes and rivers.
• Don’t do unsafe jumps or dives.
• Don’t swim under boats, rafts, docks, or pool covers.
• Always use an approved life jacket when using water
equipment.
• Don’t eat or chew gum while in the water.
• No horseplay or dunking while playing in the water.
• No screaming while playing in the water.
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RULES FOR ADULTS
• Children must be supervised at all times. Never leave them
unattended near any amount of water.
• Make sure that entries to pools, fountains or other bodies of
water in your neighborhood are behind locked, self locking
gates. Utilize four sided fencing that is at least 4 feet high.
• Don’t count on your neighbor to keep their pool safe. Utilize your own safety measures so your child is safe.
• Utilize pool alarms whenever possible.
• Hot tubs and spas should be covered with a rigid, lockable
cover.
• Install a poolside phone.
• Use floatation devices carefully. They are not life saving
devices.
• If your child is missing, look first in the water.
• Know CPR.
• Teach your child water safety rules.
• Keep rescue poles, ropes and equipment poolside.
Remember, don’t consider your child “drown-proof” because
they have been enrolled in swim classes. There is never any
substitute for parental supervision. Even children who are
considered to be confident swimmers are at risk. School
aged children and Adolescents primarily drown in natural
bodies of water, or while enjoying recreation activities like
boating or jet skiing. Enforce water safety by insisting that
your child always wear a life jacket while in a natural body
of water. And never allow your kids to jump head first into
bodies of water.
Teaching your child to swim and be water wise is a gift for
life. It’s never to early to start. Babies can be taught to hold
their breath and little ones can learn to float at a very early
age.
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IS YOUR POOL SAFE?
POOL SAFETY CHECKLIST
Each year 25-30 children between the ages of 0-4 years
drown in California. Most of them drown in backyard swimming pools. These drowning can be prevented with a little
attention to pool safety. Below is a home checklist that you
can use to find out how safe your pool is for young children.
Check the back page for a listing of resources to help correct
any problem areas you find.
Answer each of the questions below by placing a check in
the “yes” or “no” column. Each item that is checked “no” is a
possible drowning risk to children. Correcting these areas
will help insure your child’s safety.
1. Is there a fence that separates the pool from the house
2. Is the fence at least five (5) feet high with a vertical (up
and down) bars that children cannot climb? Are the vertical bars no more than 3 ¾ apart?
3. Does the fence have a self closing, self latching gate with
the latch out of the reach of young children?
4. Are you careful to keep chairs, tables and other things that
children can climb well away from the fence?
5. If your pool has a diving board, is the water at least 8 feet
deep?
6. Is the depth of the pool clearly marked on the pool deck
or walls?
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7. Are there ladders or built in steps at each end of the pool
made of a non slip material?
8. Do you keep the water within the 3 to 4 inches from the
top of the pool to make climbing out easier?
9. Have you removed any trees bushes or other things that
might block a clear view of the pool from the house?
10. Do you have rescue equipment near the pool? (Styrofoam ring, long rope, or a long handeled hook)
11. Are all pool chemicals supplies and equipment kept
locked up at all times?
12. Do you keep an emergency plan with telephone numbers to call by the entrance to the house or near an
outside phone?
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CONTACT US
805.964.7818
Wendy@FeredaySwimSchool.com
MAILING ADDRESS:
1222 Camino Rio Verde
Santa Barbara, CA. 93111
OFFICE HOURS OF OPERATION:
Monday-Friday 9am-3pm. (?)
If you have an immediate question or concern, please call
the office or email us right away. We frequently check messages and will get back to you as soon as possible.
You may download a complete copy of this booklet at:
www.FeredaySwimSchool.com
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LOCATIONS
Vista Del Monte
3775 Modoc Rd.
year round indoor pool
Hidden Oaks
4760 Calle Camarada
summer only outdoor pool