Lessons Information
Registration for summer 2024 swimming & safety lessons is now open! We cannot wait to see everyone this summer!
What We Teach
Pool Side Safety
Ocean Safety
Swimming Basics
Parent Education
Basic Class Information
Before reading information regarding lessons, please read all the information on the Meet Team Thaggard page to better understand Leah’s teaching philosophy for swimming lessons.
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- All lessons consist of five class sessions over one week (Monday-Friday). Each class is 50 minutes to one hour long, with 8-12 students led by 2-4 instructions (depending on class size).
- Lessons are at Leah’s home at 144 Woodstone Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39402.
- Our pool heater is 85 degrees for lessons, which helps relaxation. Our pool is also a “beach entry,” meaning that children can stand up in the shallow end, making it easier for them to practice with instructors and parents.
Click on the following topics below to read the required information.
Class Type: Ages 3 & Under
One person is REQUIRED to participate with the student for all five class sessions. This rule helps reinforce concepts from class after lessons as your child continues swimming and practicing through the summer. I will teach you how to continue to work with your child, and you will be amazed by the end of the summer.
Class Type: Ages 4 & Up
In the past, we allowed parents to participate in lessons with children of all ages. Over the 20+ years I’ve spent teaching swimming lessons, I’ve learned that older children do better and pick up skills faster in classes when parents are not present. For this reason, parents are not allowed to stay on-site and watch lessons Monday-Thursday. On Friday, the final day of classes, you are welcome to bring whomever you want to watch lessons so your child can show you everything they’ve learned over the week. We do ask that you all travel together for parking purposes.
Prices & Payment Policy
This year we will have a $50 non-refundable deposit due online when you sign up. The total cost of lessons is $250 per child for ALL ages. The remaining $200 is due on Monday. Payments are CASH ONLY. We will not accept any checks because we have had issues bouncing checks.
Inclement Weather & Make-Up Lessons
Lessons will only be canceled due to inclement weather if there is thunder/lightning at our location. Again, the pool is heated, so if we experience light rain with no thunder/lightning, we turn up the temperature to ensure everyone is comfortable and continue lessons. If we cancel a class, make-up lessons will take place on SATURDAY that week at the same scheduled class time. If two days are needed, we will discuss those options before lessons.
Cancelation Policy
Please email me ASAP to let me know if you need to cancel. The $50 deposit is nonrefundable but can be applied to a different class. Let me know if you need to cancel, then sign up for an online class. You must pay another deposit to secure the spot, which will be applied to the remaining $200. Every year, classes fill up, and we must start a waitlist. Please respect those parents who are on the waitlist and want lessons for their children by informing us that you need to cancel because someone else is waiting for your spot. You are welcome to give your place to a friend or a family member if you notify us and they fill out the required paperwork so they can pay you the deposit money.
Please let us know if you cannot attend the class after you sign up. We are happy to reschedule your child’s lesson based on availability.
Parking
Please do not park in front of mailboxes or on our neighbors’ lawns! We have a large driveway and front yard, big enough for everyone to find a place to park their vehicle. You can also park before my house in front of a green space/wooded lot.
Have more questions?
Have more questions? Click the “Frequently Asked Questions” button below. Or go to our Contact Us Page.
Registration for Group
Swimming & Safety
Classes
Registration for summer 2024 swimming & safety lessons is open! We cannot wait to see everyone this summer! Click the button below to begin the registration process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do you offer private lessons?
Information regarding private and semi-private lessons coming in July 2024.
When should we arrive for lessons?
It’s a good idea to arrive for lessons at least 5 to 10 minutes before your class begins.
Do you teach teenage or adult classes?
Currently, we are offering one class for ages 12 and up. It will meet June 17-21, 2024 at 7:00pm. We may offer one more if we see a need.
Do you offer a class for children that have special needs?
Yes! We have a dedicated group class for children with special needs on June 3-7, 2024 at 6:00pm.
Can you teach young babies how to swim?
Babies can learn to swim at a very young age. We can start as early as three months old.
How long does each class last?
Each class will last about 50 minutes to an hour and will meet for five days (Monday – Friday).
I have already registered my child? How do I move my child to a different class time?
If you want to switch to a different class, you must cancel your registration by emailing me (leah@thaggardswimlessons.com) if you’re going to attend a class with a few openings to ensure a spot.
- Go through the registration process again for your selected class by paying another deposit.
- Check how many spots are available whenever you choose the class date and time on the registration form.
- Remember that classes are available on a “first come, first serve” basis.
When you pay the remaining balance for your lessons, we will deduct all the deposits paid if you cancel the last class you don’t want. If the number next to (or below) your chosen class time is a “-1,” then that class is considered full and will no longer accept new registrations.
Parent Testimonies
Click any of the names below to read about their experiences with our swimming lessons.
Julie Breazeale
“We have 3 children, now ages 18, 15, & 13. When they were all toddlers we knew they had to know how to swim. I did some research and Leah seemed to be a good fit for our needs. We started with Barrett and he learned to swim on only a few short days, as did the other two. Fast forward many, many years and the kids will still randomly shout out “push the water behind you” and they recall exactly why they know that! Leah is dedicated to teaching students how to swim and water safety so if you are looking for an instructor she is excellent.”
Rhyan Davis
“We highly recommend Mrs. Leah for swim lessons! I’ve known her for almost 15 years, and our pediatrician refers all his patients to her. We took our son to swim lessons when he was only four months old and were amazed at how much he learned from Mrs. Leah at such a young age. Mrs. Leah has a structured but age-appropriate curriculum for each day, and we felt like we bonded with our son by being in the water with him. She cared for each child so well and worked with them individually, whether they were afraid to get into the pool or eager to jump into the deep end. We have continued to use the techniques Mrs. Leah taught, and we can’t wait to bring our son back again this summer.”
Kaylynn Johnson
“I would love to recommend Leah and her team to everyone. Our child was terrified of the water and almost drowned before these lessons. Everyone was so patient and kind that we felt these lessons answered prayer!”
Terell Alford
This was our third place to try swim lessons for our seven-year-old. I added in our three-year-old with low expectations, and I’ve been blown away by our boys’ growth! Now, they both swim like a fish. Thank you, Leah, Brand, and Kat! Don’t waste your money anywhere else!
Leigh Ann Bass
We have been taking our grandchildren to Leah’s since 2015. Thanks to Ms. Leah and her caring instructors for helping them overcome their timidness about swimming in a big pool. Last year they were so patient with the younger one as her swimming abilities grew. Our family appreciates all that you do by not just teaching them to swim but also how to be safe around the water!