Novice Swim FAQs What is novice swimming?
Novice swimming is the basic level learn to swim class at De Anza College in Cupertino.
If you are not sure whether this is the right class, read a description of typical students and goals of the class at: Novice swimming
How much does this class cost?
As of 2013, fees for classes are $31 per unit ($15.50 for this one-half unit class).
Basic college fees are $49,
no matter how many classes you take (including a pass for unlimited rides on VTA buses and light rail) and an
(optional) parking permit is auto $26.65, $15 for mopeds/motorcycles. (A four quarter long auto permit is $90).
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. Winter quarter (January to March) we have shallow water beginning swim classes P.E. 26B.
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.
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. My classes often have a long 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 for these adult swimming lessons except to be able to register as a De Anza student. (This class is not open to children, but see a link below.) 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 swimsuit.
I really recommend 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. 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.
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 we usually have many 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 coach, often a lifeguard 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.
Do I have to take a written exam or write a term paper?
Because this class fulfills part of the general education requirements, a final exam and a paper are required by the college. 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, 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 College only has swim classes for teens and adults. For swim classes for kids (infants, toddlers or children, ages 3 months to 7 years), I recommend Sharky's Swim School in San Jose. The owner is a graduate of De Anza lifeguard training, with 20 plus years of experience teaching babies and young children to swim. The pool is kept at 92 degrees so you and your baby won't be cold. (408)340-1937. http://sharkysswimschool.com/
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