What to Expect

Everything you need to know before your first lesson — from what to bring to where to park. We've got you covered!

NO REFUND POLICY

All sales are final. Makeups are available based on availability with 24-hour advance cancellation notice.

Before You Arrive

Welcome to Wildlife Water School! We are excited to have you! Before attending, please ensure:

1

Complete Your Intake Form

Complete it for anyone getting in the water, including parents who will be in a swimsuit.

2

Purchase a Pricing Plan

It is recommended that you purchase a pricing plan to pay for your lessons as it is most cost effective. For directions & policies please refer to our "Sign Up Directions & Calendar" page.

3

Book Your Lessons Online

Secure your lessons online for a specific date and time. You can use your pricing plan or pay for each lesson separately. Either way, you need to book each lesson one by one on Book Online.

You will get a confirmation email after you book each lesson, but there won't be any additional emails sent, so please refer to this page for instructions.

What to Pack

Swimsuit

Required for all swimmers

Towel

For drying off after the lesson

Goggles

Recommended for ages 3 & up

Change of Clothes

For after the lesson

Swim Diaper

For young children & anyone who uses them

Medical Devices

Any necessary medical equipment

Our Locations

East Allegheny Junior/Senior High School Pool

Address:

1150 Jacks Run Road, North Versailles Township, PA 15137

Parking:

Park in the lot next to the school.

Wildlife Hours:

Sundays only, 4:00-6:00 PM

We follow a strict schedule and must lock up immediately following the last lesson.

Entrance:

Enter through Door 2, which is to the right of the main entrance. If you go towards the main entrance, you will be able to find door 2.

Pool Layout & Seating:

One main competitive swimming pool down the hall through the office door after you enter through door 2. Guests will sit in chairs on the pool deck located near the instructor's whiteboard.

Changing Rooms:

Men's changing rooms are on the far left inside the pool area; women's are on the far right. An accessible bathroom is available in the hallway down from the pool office.

Greensburg YMCA Pool

Address:

101 S Maple Ave, Greensburg, PA 15601

Parking:

Free parking available on Sundays.

Wildlife Hours:

Sundays only, 12:30-2:30 PM

We follow a strict schedule and must clean up immediately following the last lesson.

Entrance:

Go to the Greensburg YMCA, and on the left side of the building, down the sidewalk on Pittsburgh Street, there will be a door to go through. You will go through the locker rooms to get into the pool. You must exit this way as well.

Important: The front entrance of the Greensburg YMCA is locked at the time we are at the pool because the Greensburg YMCA is closed during that time frame.

Pool Layout & Seating:

Two pools available:

  • Small/Warm Pool: To the left upon entering. Guests will seat on the bleachers upon arrival. The instructor will come greet you when your lesson starts. Please note that there is limited room, and it is warm in this space, so please be mindful when planning.
  • Main Pool: Directly in front when you walk in. Guests will sit on the bleachers. 1-2 guests are welcome on deck per child to assist/watch. One guest must sit on deck directly behind anyone under 5 in a double or group lesson.

Changing Rooms:

Men's changing rooms are out through the main pool door, women's are down the upper pool hallway. Family/ADA accessible rooms are further down the pool hallway.

Changing Room Guidelines

Change privately or in accessible areas if children are of the opposite gender. Contact Miss Vicky for any issues.

Need Help Finding the Entrance?

If the door is closed or you cannot find the entrance, text 724-708-8133 (Miss Vicky)

Day One: Arrival & Check-In

Arrival

Arrive 10-15 minutes early on the first day. If your child is eager, arrive right on time for safety.

Checking In

East Allegheny:

Go to the front entrance and find door 2; someone will let you in. If no one is there, text 724-708-8133 (Miss Vicky). Please make sure to read the whiteboard in the pool office.

Greensburg YMCA:

Go to the Greensburg YMCA, and on the left side of the building, down the sidewalk on Pittsburgh Street, there will be a door to go through. You will go through the locker rooms to get into the pool. You must exit this way as well. The front entrance of the Greensburg YMCA is locked at the time we are at the pool because the Greensburg YMCA is closed during that time frame. If the door is closed or you cannot find the entrance, text 724-708-8133 (Miss Vicky).

Important Announcements

Check the display for important information, updates, and your child's instructor.

  • East Allegheny: Announcements on display are in the pool office to the left. You walk through the pool office to enter the pool.
  • Greensburg YMCA: Announcements on display are in the upper pool area upon entry to the pools.

Lesson Procedure

After finding your instructor and reading the display, take a seat near the whiteboard labeled with the instructor's name after your child is in their swimsuit and ready.

Note: Instructors are always subject to change regardless of who you booked and get changed often, but we strive for consistency.

If you notice an error or the instructor is mistakenly late to take your child, bring your child to the instructor, whether in the pool or on deck, as soon as you notice.

If you are unsure who your instructor is, please check our website under the "Who We Are" section for photos and information. While we strive to keep the website updated, there may be instances when the instructor's information is not current.

Extra spectators are welcome, with at least one adult required on the pool deck with children. Keep voices low due to pool noise.

Instructor Interaction

The instructor will approach you 1-2 minutes before or after the start time. If they are not there, please bring your child to them. In a group lesson, the instructor will speak to each parent individually, then re-group to start the lesson. After speaking with her, please bring the child to the pool area, where the group will meet.

Discuss the following information about your child with the instructor:

Name, age, medical information, swim level/skills, teaching preferences, fears, disabilities, allergies, and health concerns.

Important: Absolutely no asking questions to the lifeguard; they are there for safety concerns only. If you have a question, please ask Miss Vicky or a manager.

Wildlife tailors each lesson and instructor to your preferences and values our flexibility. Please communicate your specific goals for your child to the instructor each day. If you're new and unsure about what's best, don't worry—our instructors are trained to teach what works best for your child!

Parent/Me Classes

Support Person Requirements:

  • Ages 12+ can be support persons.
  • Each child in the Parent/Me class must have a support person in the water each lesson.

Contract Signing for Support Person:

  • 18 & Over: Sign your own intake form.
  • Under 18: Legal guardian must sign the support person's form.

Intake Form:

Required for anyone for water entry. Complete before arriving. The top part is for parents to fill out for their child/children. There is a section for parents/guests to fill out for themselves if 18 or over.

Guest Participation:

Guests of children not in Parent/Me classes may enter the water with instructor approval if they have completed the intake form, only to assist in the lessons—no swimming around. One guest per child is allowed in the water unless they have received prior approval.

Safety

If your child is 5 or under, please sit on the side of the pool during lessons to ensure safety.

NEVER get in nor near the water until the lifeguard is seated and ready in their chair.

Feel free to discuss any concerns with the instructor during the lesson. They will return your child to you at the end.

Always keep a close watch on your child, whether they are with an instructor or with you.

Drowning can happen silently, and while we have numerous safety protocols in place, having an extra set of eyes is crucial for their safety AT ALL TIMES.

If your child needs to use the restroom, the instructor will either bring them to you or raise their hand to signal you to come over and take them. Please make sure to observe the lessons at all times.

After Lessons

You are welcome to have a brief talk with the instructor after the lesson, keeping in mind our lessons are back-to-back with no buffer time in between. Feel free to email Vicky about longer conversations and she can relay to the instructor.

Wrap your child in a warm towel and head for a treat; we have a treasure chest full of candy and toys. If your child can't have something from the treasure chest, let Miss Vicky know so she can have something special for them.

Changing rooms are available for post-class changes.

Cancellations

Please check your email periodically the day of lessons. Unfortunately, if there is an accident in the pool, maintenance problems, severe weather, poor road conditions, thunderstorms (you should not swim during a storm even if the pool is indoor), an emergency, etc. we will have to cancel the lessons for the day.

We will do our best to notify you as soon as possible. We normally offer free, but not guaranteed, makeups depending on the situation.

REMINDER: NO REFUND POLICY — All sales are final. Makeups are available based on availability.

Questions/Concerns

For any final questions or concerns, contact Miss Vicky or a manager anytime at the pool. Your feedback helps us improve!

Contact Miss Vicky

724-708-8133

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you know what to expect, it's time to book your first lesson!

Questions? Text or call 724-708-8133