It should be as easy as logging in, choosing a spot, paying, and boom – you’re done. Right? Not quite.
And why is it so hard to find a swimming lesson spot these days? Lots of reasons.
This article should shed some light on why there is a shortage of swimming lessons, what you can do about it, and most importantly what to do if you didn’t get a spot.
How registration works
Registration is done in order of priority, and always online. Clients who swam in the most recent session have priority to sign up first, and are usually given a window of a few days before the general public can access registration.
Ex: if winter registration is starting, fall clients get first shot at the schedule. After their priority period ends, anyone else can then register.
I can’t find a spot – is that normal?
Regrettably, yes. This article from 2021 outlines how the aquatic industry has been decimated by the pandemic, specifically how staffing numbers have plummeted. It is projected that it will take at least 5 years to get back to pre-pandemic staffing, so circa 2027 (and don’t hold your breath on that).
As a result all pools are understaffed, which directly impacts programming and their ability to offer swim classes. So there are less spots available for swim lessons just about everywhere.
If you are having issues with your registration, do your best to sort it out before reaching out to customer service.
What else can I do to get a spot?
Take any spot you can find. Make it work. If you were hoping for a weekend morning, don’t hold your breath. Opt for less convenient evenings or weekdays. But remember, getting any spot now gives you priority registration to potentially move into a better spot next session.
Check pools that are further away. Adding 10 minutes to your swimming commute is better than no swimming at all. Did you know MIS has 22 pools? Chances are if your desired pool is full you might have better luck at a pool not much further away.
Check out other programs. If you did private lessons, try out group classes (and vice versa). If your kids are stronger swimmers, check out the Intro to Swim Team and Swim Team options. If your kids are older (12yo+), check out the lifesaving options and employment opportunities.
Get on the waiting list and check back often. Due to the fluid nature of students and their schedules, additional spots are typically added even after registration starts. At MIS, we estimate that we will add about 20-40% more spots after registration opens. Remember that getting on a waiting list do not guarantee you will get a spot when new spots become available. It is up to the client to check back often, as new spots are added or liberated frequently leading up to a new session.
Be kind and patient with customer service. Please’s and Thank You’s aplenty. Be considerate they that are likely trying to help hundreds of frustrated parents who are also frustrated and trying to find a spot. The more positive impression you leave on them, the better the chances they will remember you and go above and beyond to help you.
Once you’re in – stay in. Clients who take a session off (winter, summer etc), are 82% less likely to get a spot in the next session than a client who stays the course.
What should I not do?
Obviously, venting your frustration inappropriately to customer service won’t get you any favors, nor will it hasten or help you get a spot sooner. Just getting on a waiting list, or contacting customer service, and expecting that someone will reach out to you with a spot is not something you should bank on either. Be proactive, check back often, and be kind and courteous to customer service agents who are doing the best they can.
I got a spot! Am I safe?
In most cases yes, but keep in mind the aquatics industry remains a very fluid one, employed by students who work part-time and are struggling to keep up in school, and dealing with strikes and outages. Thus schedules can change, resulting in less-than-ideal changes to booked classes, and in some cases, cancellation of classes. Some swim clubs have gone as far as officially stating in their policies that booked classes may not be honored (the others guys, not MIS).
But that being said, once you are in, you are most likely good to go.
