Triangle Sea Otters
Answers to the most common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What days and times are lessons?
We try to be as flexible as possible. We start with a request form from customers for when they would like to have lessons. We then will email you options based off the request form and instructor availability.
How does scheduling work?
After the swim lesson request form is filled out we will get back to you with what slots are available.
How many lessons do I have to sign-up for?
We pride ourselves on being flexible with our customers. There are no sessions or required amount that you must sign-up for. Most clients start with a weekly slot and continue until they have reached the goal for themselves or their children. You can discontinue lessons at anytime. Once you have discontinued, your slot will be offered to others interested.
How do I pay?
At the beginning of the month you will receive and invoice. You can pay through this invoice or through cash or check made out to Triangle Sea Otters at the lesson. Lessons must be paid for before the lesson begins. Cash and checks should be put into the instructors clipboard that will be near the pool. The instructor can show you the location.
What do I bring?
Students should wear a swim suit and bring a towel. You are welcome to bring goggles or toys. We also have goggles and toys for students to use.
Do I have to pay at the pool I’m taking lessons at?
1. If you are taking a family lesson at Chapel Hill Aquatic Center. They allow only 2 students per instructor in the water for family lessons. To avoid extra fees instructors will switch out students. If you would like everyone in your family lesson to remain in the water for the entire lesson than you will need to pay for anyone over 2 participants. Your instructor can help you navigate these rules so everyone has a good lesson and all rules are followed.
2. For all other lesson types and locations, you do not have to pay entrance fees. This does not allow you to swim before or after your lesson. Both Chapel Hill Aquatic Center and Parkwood sell daily swim passes.
Can I swim before or after my lesson?
If you pay for a daily swim pass, you are more than welcome to swim before or after the lesson. I would check with the pools about open swim times and be mindful of not tiring out swimmers before their lessons. Pools also have specific age requirements for children being unaccompanied. Please check the rules before buying a pass, you may have to be in with the child.
Where do I meet my instructor?
There isn't a set meeting place because instructors are normally in the pool teaching a lesson. Instructors are mindful to look for new swim lessons. It rarely takes more than 1 minute of a lesson ending to find a new individual/family. Also feel free to ask lifeguards or the front desk staff they will most likely know who we are :)
Should I come to the pool, it’s thundering/raining/closed/etc?
Text/call your instructor. They will have sent their phone number in their welcome email. Quickest responses normally comes from texting because it gives the instructor the number right away without looking up registrations. You can also contact the pools. Do not assume lessons are cancelled based off weather. Rain doesn’t automatically cancel lessons but lightning does. Summer storms often pass quickly and lessons often happen when it looked like there would be a slim chance. If you don’t hear from me within 5 minutes, I’m most likely in the pool teaching which means lessons are on!
What happens if I need to cancel a lesson?
Please let your instructor know as soon as possible. Location, notification time and type of lesson will dictate whether you will be able to get a refund. Please refer to our policy page for absentee and payment policy.
“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm”