Novice Swim FAQs What is novice swimming?
Goals of the class are at: Novice swimming
If you can swim you do not need to take novice swimming, PE 26A, before you take a higher level of class. If you think you are a beginner instead of a novice, be sure to notice which part of the pool the class you want is held in. W (west) and M (middle) pool at De Anza are the deep parts of the main pool. E (east) is the 4 to 5 feet deep water. Most beginning swim classes are actually held in deep water, with the exception of the occasional weekend shallow water beginning class, especially winter quarter. No, it is not too cold to take a winter quarter swim class. The pool is heated enough for seniors exercise programs. You can stay warmer with a swim cap, rash guard type tight-fitting shirt, cyclists shorts or even a wetsuit vest, but most people just go ahead and swim.
If you can swim well you do not belong in novice swimming and taking it is a not a strict prerequisite for taking a more advanced class. Take a look at: beginning swimming at De Anza College
How much does this class cost?
As of 2007, fees for classes are $13 per unit ($6.50 for this one-half unit class). Basic college fees are $27 to $34.50, no matter how many classes you take and an
(optional) parking permit is auto $26.65, less for motorcycles.
When is the class offered?
Novice swimming is usually offered fall, spring and summer quarters. We usually have evening and weekend classes as well as weekday.
If you enroll in one of my weekend classes, please have your swimsuit, towel, swim cap, etc. and be ready to be in the water the first day of class.
My classes often have a long waitlist, but just as often people who are enrolled do not attend the first day and we take people from the waitlist.
How can I register for the class?
If you haven't ever been a De Anza student, or were here before, but not the most recent quarter, you must first apply to the college. If you have not been accepted as a De Anza student, you can't just show up the first day of class and be added.
De Anza swim classes often fill early and have a waitlist. But just as frequently we have people who are enrolled who do not attend the first day and then we take people from the waitlist. For more on waitlists go to Swim classes FAQs
Enrollment and registration steps are at: http://www.deanza.fhda.edu/admissions/
Are there any prerequisites?
There are no prerequisites except to be able to register as a De Anza student. (This class is not open to children.) The class is held in 4 to 5 foot deep water, so you need to be tall enough to be comfortable.
What equipment is required?
A swimsuit you can move in. For women a one piece suit is preferred; not strapless. For men: real swim trunks, not extreme bikini style or cut-off jeans.
Most of the time we get into the pool the first class session, so plan ahead and bring your suit.
I require a swim cap for my novice students as it will make it easier to learn to swim. Without a cap water just drips annoyingly into your face every time you go under and stand up. With a cap it sheets cleanly off of your head. A cap also keeps hair out of your eyes, and keeps you warmer. Some triathletes use two caps for warmth. Cloth/lycra types will keep your hair in place more comfortably than latex/silicone, but hair will get soaked and cloth caps don't stay on as well as latex. Don't try to fit all of your long hair into the cap, just tie back or braid it and use the cap over the hair on your head. You can find many styles of caps at most sporting good stores. To make your swim cap keep your hair dryer, try the method at:
http://www.geocities.com/lapswimr/swimband.html
Chlorine in the water can hurt your gold jewelry and if you chip a stone off a ring we will never find it in the pool.
What is the instructor to student ratio?
De Anza requires a minimum of 20 students per class, but I usually take more students. I'm lucky to have various former novice students and lifeguard students who want to become certified swimming instructors who come to help with the class. This way people can regularly get personal attention. The teaching assistants and I teach from in the pool, not up on the deck.
The first time people try to float or swim in deep water there will be a lifeguard or lifeguard student in the water with a rescue tube next to the swimmer. No, this is not one of those classes where people are ever pushed into deep water.
I heard that the pools were torn up.
The job is done. Photos of the pool repairs are at Pool remodel.
Do I have to take a written exam or write a term paper?
Because this class fulfills part of the general education requirements, I give a (mostly multiple choice) final exam. Students in my classes who want to get an "A," can either write a short paper on a swimming subject or (this is the choice I prefer) write a journal of their experiences in the class.
What do students think about this class?
Go to: Letters from novice students
How to get a locker, how to find the pools, sunscreen, P/NP grading, waitlists and more
are covered at
Swim classes FAQs
If you are new to swimming you could learn a lot from swimming vocabulary.
Many of my students ask me if I can teach their children to swim.
De Anza only has swim classes for teens and adults. For swim classes for infants, toddlers or children, I recommend Water Babies swim school in Campbell. The owner is a graduate of De Anza lifeguard training. They are a National Association of Swim Schools member. (408) 377-4626.
http://www.waterbabiesswim.com
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