My kids (almost two and almost five) LOVE the water.
And water safety is very important to me — we go to the lake often, and we have family in Florida. They need to know how to swim and be safe around water. Necessary skills that can last them a lifetime.
We had taken swimming lessons before, but I had never been to Foss Swim School Fargo — I was excited to have the opportunity to check it out!
Foss Swim School Fargo
One thing I have heard many times about Foss is that parents love it because the class sizes are deliberately kept very small.
Foss Swim School was started in 1993 “with a vision to make kids safer and help them develop a love of swimming and water.”
There are 22 Foss locations in the Midwest, one of them located here in Fargo.
Preview Lesson
I took advantage of Foss’s free preview lesson for my kids.
If you’re interested in starting lessons at Foss Swim School Fargo, you can easily call or book online to schedule a preview lesson. At the lesson you will become acquainted with the facility, and your child will get a recommended level based on their skill and/or age.
I called to schedule our lesson for both kids, and the manager was friendly and helpful.
Then a few days before the lesson I got a reminder phone call letting me know everything we had to bring. FYI: you do need to bring your own towels!
When we arrived at Foss my kids were very eager to check everything out. In the lobby there is a gift shop where you can purchase anything your kid needs, including swim diapers, goggles, and my daughter’s favorite — a tower of stuffed animals.
Jordan, the manager, showed us around the lobby and the changing area. The lobby had a separate waiting area with Bluey playing on TV, lots of chairs, puzzles, and other toys for kids to play with.
The changing area is very spacious but does not have lockers available. So you need to keep all of your things with you when you go out in the pool area (or stash them in cubbies in the changing room). There were lots rooms to change in, an area with changing tables for babies, and several private showers. Moms, take note — there are Dyson hair driers available!
Our preview lesson was split up into two parts since my kids are at different ages and skill levels. Maddy was our instructor and she was great with both of my kids!
Parent/Child Classes
My son’s lesson was first. I had to get in the water with him because he is only two — every child under the age of three needs an adult with them in the water.
Maddy showed me how to safely get him in the water and made the lesson so fun for him. It was not hard to get him in the water because the pool is kept at a very warm, comfortable temperature.
We sang songs, played games, and used water toys. Even though the lesson was fun, I could tell everything we did had a purpose. And by the end of the lesson, he was able to go under the water for a moment with assistance. Overall, he had a great time!
Classes for Ages 3+
My daughter then had her lesson with Maddy. I didn’t have to go in the water with her, so I was able to be a spectator. Maddy went through some things she would do in a class typical for that age, and they practiced floating, kicking, and getting in and out of the water. My daughter loved it and told me she wants to go back.
After the preview lesson, the manager, Jordan, walked me through the levels that my kids would be enrolled in, based on their age and skill level. Once you have an account and know what level your child should be in, you can enroll either in person or online.
We all had a great experience at Foss Swim School Fargo! There is a reason they have such a great reputation in the area. And it’s a great addition to the Fargo-Moorhead community!
Interesting in learning more about Foss Swim School Fargo and their free preview lessons? Check out their website or call (701) 809-7946.
