FAQS

ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS

Summer Swim Questions

  • Our Summer Session Program offers 1X per week swim lessons for 9 weeks—beginning the week of June 8th and concluding the week of August 3rd.

    Located in Arroyo Grande, CA, 5 Cities Swim School helps children of all ages become safe, confident swimmers. As the only dedicated learn-to-swim school throughout the Central Coast, our team has taught thousands of children how to swim and we continue to be a source of water safety education for future generations.

    Classes take place at our indoor teaching pool heated to 92° year-round, where swimmers foster a lifetime of safe fun in the water. Come and join us this summer for progress-focused lessons and skills that ripple beyond the pool!

    The Summer Session Program also includes 4 themed week events, ribbon awards, and a waterproof swim tote on your first day.

    Read what families are saying about their 5 Cities Swim School memories: Google Reviews

    We can’t wait to see you on deck!

  • Summer Session classes begin the week of June 8th 2026 and run through the week of August 3rd 2026 in alignment with the Lucia Mar School District Summer calendar.

  • Summer tuition is billed in 3 phases:

    • Upon enrollment for June.

    • On July 1st for July.

    • On August 1st for August 1-7.

    Have billing and tuition questions? Please reach out!

    • By phone: (805) 481-6399

    • By text: (805) 608-3507

  • Summer Session classes are available Monday through Friday, 10am to 2pm.

  • Contact our team for assistance with scheduling a semi-private lesson for siblings or for help finding multiple classes that occur during the time slot.

  • Enroll in Summer Session classes online or by contacting our team.

    • Via the website: linked here

    • By phone: (805) 481-6399

    • By text: (805) 608-3507

    You can also reach our team via email at: swim@5citiesswimschool.com

    If you are already a member, you can enroll in Summer classes via the Family Portal.

  • Yes! You can enroll each swimmer in as many classes as you’d like. We will not be offering twice a week Summer classes as we do with our ongoing classes, but you are welcome to enroll your student in more than one class per week.

  • Yes private Summer Session classes are available.

  • The Summer Session is lined up with the start and end of summer break from school.

    Classes start the second week of June and end after the first week of August. Students enrolled in Summer classes will automatically be unenrolled from their class at the end of the session whereas students in ongoing classes will remain enrolled after the Summer ends. If you would like to continue swimming after Summer to keep the progress going, please reach out as soon as possible so that our team can work to secure you a spot!

  • If a class is missed for any reason, you are eligible for a make-up lesson. We offer free, flexible make-up classes. Please mark your absence at least 4 hours prior to the missed class in the Family Portal.

    We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any classes missed. We are unable to apply make-up classes to future months in lieu of tuition.

  • Yes, you can use make-ups after the end of the Summer Session.

    We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any classes missed. We are unable to apply make-up classes to future months in lieu of tuition.

  • No, prices for swim lessons are the same for Summer classes as the ongoing lessons.

    • Group Rate: $32/class

    • Semi-Private Lessons: $50/class per student

    • Private Lessons: $75/class

  • Yes, tuition fees for June are billed upfront upon enrollment along with our annual membership fee. The annual membership fee is a once in a lifetime fee per household.

    July tuition will be auto-billed on July 1st. August will be pro-rated for any classes from August 1st through 7th.

Enrollment

Enrollment Questions

  • Option 1: Enroll online here.

    • First, choose your class type.

    • Second, choose your preferred class from our timetable.

    • Third, click the Enroll or Waitlist orange button. Create an account to complete your purchase.

    Option 2: Enroll over the phone. Get personalized assistance with topics such as level placement and booking multiple kids during the same time slot.

  • Varies by class. If you’d like to learn which classes have the shortest waitlists, feel free to call (805) 481-6399 or text (805) 608-3507.

  • We will reach out via call and/or text! We frequently monitor class openings and make every effort to move families off the waitlist.

  • Group swim lessons and private lessons both have their benefits; the choice often depends on your child’s personality, learning style, and goals. Here’s a comparison of the two:

    Group Lesson Benefits

    • Social Interaction: Group lessons provide a chance for children to interact with peers, which can help develop social skills like teamwork, cooperation, and communication. 

    • Motivation and Peer Learning: Seeing other children achieve new skills can be motivating. It can also help kids pick up techniques or tricks from their peers, especially when they see others succeed.

    • Fun and Less Pressure: The group dynamic can create a fun, less intense environment. Sometimes, kids who might feel shy or nervous in a one-on-one setting feel more relaxed in a group.

    • Structure and Routine: Group classes tend to follow a set structure, so children know what to expect. This predictability can be reassuring, and the group setting can help maintain focus and discipline.

    • Skill Progression at a Group Pace: While it’s not as tailored as private lessons, group lessons can be great for kids who thrive in an environment where there’s a clear progression that they share with others.

     Private Lesson Benefits

    • Individualized Attention: Private lessons allow the instructor to tailor the lesson specifically to your child’s needs, learning pace, and abilities. If your child has any specific challenges or fears, the instructor can focus on helping them overcome those.

    • Faster Skill Development: Since the instructor’s full attention is on your child, they will progress faster, especially in areas where they need extra support or have specific goals.

    • Customization: Private lessons can be customized to your child’s interests or specific swimming goals.

    • Ideal for Shy or Anxious Kids: If your child is nervous or anxious about being in the water or around other children, private lessons might help them feel more comfortable and confident without the added pressure of a group setting.

    Which One is Right for My Child?

    It depends on your goals!

    • Group classes are best for a child that is social and can stay focused in a group.

    • Group lessons are a great way to practice being in a “classroom” setting with other students/children

    • Private lessons are best for a child who prefers a one-on-one approach when learning or gets distracted in a group setting.

    • Every child is different, but generally 2 lessons per week will lead to faster improvement. Swimmer’s progress more rapidly with the opportunity to implement recently taught skills in the same week.

    • Because our team revolves around lesson quality and your kids making progress, 1 lesson per week is still a great option.

    • 2x per week is recommended for getting started strong and building your foundation.

  • Option 1: Contact us for assistance.

    Option 2: Take our level finder quiz, linked here.

  • 3 months

  • ¡Sí! Llame al (805) 329-5789 de lunes a viernes, de 10:00 AM a 6:00 PM. Esta es nuestra línea telefónica en español.

    Como alternativa, puede enviar un mensaje de texto al (805) 608-3507 de lunes a viernes, de 10:00 AM a 6:00 PM, ya que durante ese horario contamos con atención al cliente por texto en español.

Policies

Policy Questions

    • Group lessons are $32 per 30-minute class.

    • Private Lessons are $75 per 30-minute class.

    • Semi-Private Lessons are $50 per 30-minute class per student.

  • We bill families on the 1st of each month for the number of lessons in that month. For example, if you attend lessons twice a week on Mondays/Wednesdays, you’ll be billed for the number of Mondays and Wednesdays that fall in that month. In this example, it is typically 8 or 9 lessons per month.

  • Our insurance provider requires all students to be members — otherwise we are a “public pool.” This is an industry standard across learn-to-swim schools in the United States. Here at 5 Cities Swim School, the membership fee is a once in a lifetime fee. All membership fees are put toward providing the best member experience possible.

  • We require a 2 week’s notice to cancel, so please submit a Drop Request form on our website at least 2 weeks prior to the date of your last desired lesson.

  • Yes! Just submit a Drop Request form linked here at least 2 weeks prior to your last desired lesson. If you come back at any point, you will not need to pay the membership fee again. The membership fee is a once in a lifetime fee.

  • Make-up classes are free, flexible, and unlimited. Please mark your absence at least 4 hours before class start in the Family Portal. Make-ups are booked through the Family Portal, by text, or by phone call.

    We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any classes missed. We are unable to apply make-up classes to future months in lieu of tuition.

    • Our program offers continuous enrollment, meaning your child can start at any time. What This Means:

    • Your child attends the same class each week at a consistent day and time—no monthly re-enrollment required. Once enrolled, your spot is reserved.

    • Families may join at any time of year, and swimmers progress at a pace that’s right for them.

    • We believe the strongest swim and water safety skills are built through consistent, formal instruction. Lessons run weekly on an ongoing basis rather than in short sessions, with the flexibility to withdraw at any time with two weeks’ notice.

    • Summer exception: We offer summer session classes that run specifically from June to August. Contact us to learn more about these classes.

  • You can take a make-up class easily! We offer free, unlimited, and flexible make-up classes. Make-up classes are for any reason at all, including illness, and you do not need to provide the reason why you missed class to qualify. Simply mark your absence in the Family Portal at least 4 hours before your missed class.

    Schedule your make-up class in the Family Portal or text us at (805) 608-3507. We are a family-centered swim school built for busy families. We look forward to helping you book your make-up classes.

  • Please update your payment method in the Family Portal, or by calling us at (805) 481-6399.

    • Group Swim Lessons with Small Class Sizes

    • Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons

    • Private Adaptive Swim Lessons

    • Lessons are 30 minutes long.

    • 30 minutes is the optimal class duration for kids to maintain focus and retain skills while learning to swim.

    • We offer hundreds of classes, no commitments, and unlimited schedule changes.

    • Our schedule spans Monday through Sunday offering optionality and flexibility for busy families.

    • Select a Class Type here to view the schedule / timetable.

    • Swimsuit and towel

    • Hair ties or swim caps for long hair

    • Reusable swim diaper (required for children under 3 years, 6 months)

    • Optional: Goggles (recommended)

    • Baby Fin: 6 to 1

    • One Fin: 3 to 1

    • Two Fin through Five Fin: 4 to 1

  • Yes a parent or caregiver must be present throughout your child's swim lesson.

    • Our instructors regularly assess progress. When your child is ready to advance, our deck staff will evaluate them and notify you.

    • You’ll receive an email and a move-up ribbon to celebrate their achievement.

  • Absolutely. Our make-up policy allows you to make up unlimited missed lessons. Make-up lessons can be booked within the next 7 days that your request is processed. Ensure that you let us know you are missing a regular class and would like to book a make-up lesson through the app, email, phone, or text.

  • Log in to the Family Portal here.

  • Option 1: Contact us for assistance.

    Option 2: Take our level finder quiz, linked here.

    Note: Throughout your swim experience, our trained staff will work closely with your family to ensure correct level placement in accordance with the 5 Cities Swim School’s curriculum.

  • Every child will progress differently based on their individual needs and experience. Attending weekly lessons consistently is key in developing your child’s swim skills. With our perpetual weekly lesson model, your child will be moved once they have demonstrated all key skills at their current level rather than waiting for the next session to start a new level.

Classes

Class Questions

Facilities & Safety

Facilities & Safety Questions

  • Our pool is heated 92 degrees year round. We believe ulta-warm water is essential to getting the most out of your learn-to-swim experience.

  • Since 2024, we’ve made significant investments in our pool systems, including a full filtration upgrade and the installation of a state-of-the-art UV sanitation system in December 2025. Together, these measures ensure consistently clean water, excellent clarity, and the highest standards of water quality.

  • Yes. All instructors are CPR and AED certified, and we maintain lifeguard supervision at all times, with guards in the water and/or on deck during lessons.

  • We use our own proprietary, level-based curriculum designed to build strong fundamentals, water safety, and progressive swimming proficiency at each stage. Lessons are intentionally kept in small groups, with beginner classes capped at a 3:1 swimmer-to-instructor ratio to ensure individualized attention and faster skill progression.

    • Instructor training is robust, with an onboarding process that typically takes about a month to complete before an instructor leads lessons independently. Initial training combines in-person education, hands-on in-water practice, and structured online coursework. This foundation is reinforced with ongoing in-service trainings to ensure consistency, safety, and continued instructional excellence.

  • Our restroom facilities are brand new after a full remodel. We have two showers conveniently located on deck, as well as a shower in each of our restroom/changing rooms.

Scholarships

Reimbursement & Scholarship Questions

  • We currently work with Tri-Counties Regional Center, Heartland Charter School, and Hope Floats. We’re always working on adding more partners, so this list may continue to grow. If you have a specific program or school in mind, feel free to let us know and we’re happy to look into it.

  • Please fill out the Tri-Counties Regional Center Intake Form, linked here.

  • 5 Cities Swim School is a proud partner of the Hope Floats Foundation. Hope Floats gives needs-based scholarships for learning the lifesaving skill of swimming. Through Hope Floats, we are able to provide scholarships to children in our community. Apply for a scholarship here! Scholarship eligibility is determined by the Hope Floats Foundation.

  • If your funding is delayed, your swimmer’s services will not be impacted. Lessons will continue as scheduled. We do kindly ask for your cooperation in helping us navigate the delay in the most efficient way possible, which may include staying in communication with us and the funding agency until everything is resolved. We truly appreciate your support and understanding.

  • Yes, absolutely! You can switch from private pay to a reimbursement program. We do kindly ask for at least a 2–3 week notice, if possible, so we can coordinate with the appropriate teams and gather any information needed to ensure a smooth transition.

  • We currently offer two adult program options:

    1. Adult Water Exercise: Whether you’re looking for a fun aquatic group workout or are recovering from an injury or procedure, there’s a class for you! Each class can accommodate a range of abilities and meet you where you're at. Classes are 60 minutes long and led by experienced water exercise instructors. $67.50 per month.

    2. We also offer Private Lessons: they provide a focused, personalized learning experience tailored to your individual goals and comfort level. Private lessons are a great option if you prefer one-on-one instruction or would like to accelerate your progress in the pool. $75 per lesson.

  • No prior experience is needed. Our programs are designed to accommodate all levels, from complete beginners to more experienced swimmers. Our instructors will meet you where you’re at and make sure you feel comfortable and supported in the water.

  • You’ll just need a swimsuit, goggles, and a towel. You’re also welcome to bring anything else you feel you may need for the pool or after class, such as a change of clothes, water bottle, or sandals.

  • Yes! Water exercise is generally very safe for pregnancy and for individuals with injuries, as the water helps reduce impact on joints while still providing an effective workout. That said, we always recommend checking with your doctor or healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program.

  • Yes, we do. These lessons provide a focused, personalized learning experience tailored to your individual goals and comfort level. Private lessons are a great option if you prefer one-on-one instruction or would like to accelerate your progress in the pool. $75 per lesson.

Adult Classes

Water Exercise Questions

Need assistance?

Contact our customer care team today.

Contact Us