Dolphin Swim Club - Loves Park, Illinois

Yasmine C.

Instructors are pleasant, but good luck finding parking and an open changing room/ locker room.

I constantly have to arrive 30 minutes before my child’s class to ensure I have adequate time to get ready and be on time. When you do find a changing room, it’s typically all wet or dirty, not to mention the locker rooms. I should not have to park by the ice arena every time my child has class. Afterwards I have to wait for a parent with a non-infant to leave the infant changing area (using to put personal belongings) in order to change my child who needs it.

Charles B.

This is the best swimming lessons place in Rockford. The pool is heated an feels like a luke warm bath so it is great for the kids. If the child is under 2, you have to go in the pool with them. Otherwise, they go by themselves. The instructors are mostly college kids but they are very friendly to the kids. There is a play area for the kids as well while they wait.

Megan G.

They told me one lesson my son was totally ready for to move up the next level, next week they told us he wasn’t ready. Ok that makes as fine, every testing week they make up some terrible excuse why they won’t move him up, like he won’t sit on the stairs (because he’s bored they’re having him do the same thing over and over) and will not move him up. They’re only trying to get money from you, do not recommend.

Brian R.

The instructors constantly cancel at the last minute but if you try to cancel more than once a month they just charge you and don't let you make up a lesson. Beware they have a 30 day cancelation policy (they sneak it in there so they can uncharge you). Lessons are really short too.

Ryan S.

It's a good school but dont expect overnight miracles. My son has been going for about a year and a half and has advanced from starter to level 3 going weekly in a group class. The school does a good job making sure your kid is absolutely safe and ready before advancing to the next level. Most of the instructors are good but a few are behind the others. If you can afford it, get the private lessons it is worth it giving your kids the most bang for their buck. I think in the long run it might cost more to do group lessons just because it does take longer in a group to learn, but we chose the group dynamic because it is good for the kids to also have some socialization. Level 3 he can pretty much swim on his own outside of being able to tread water which they start learning at this level, but I'm pleased with his progress. It can get frustrating at times especially after a few months with little progress but just remember that learning to swim takes time and is not linear and your kid will most certainly struggle at times with mechanics but just encourage them and they will get through it.

If there was one thing I would pick for them to improve on it would be better seating for the parents and onlookers but I understand this is something that they really cant do much about given the layout.

Amanda N.

My son is 18 months and lives for his baby swim class every week; we walk in the door and he immediately gets excited knowing he is about to swim. He has developed a comfortable level with the water that is unbelievable compared to children his age. This comfortability allows him to not fear the water and know exactly how to respond to water in a safe manner. The games and songs have worked to develop his fine and gross motor skills beyond his age range. There is also a great social aspect to the class that allows my toddler to learn to share, play with others his age and engage in a group activity.

Tonya M.

I started bringing my nephew here about 13 years ago. He absolutely loved it!! Then I started bringing my own daughter about four years ago. And she absolutely loves it!! They both are now very great swimmers and will probably join their swim teams in High School. We will continue using them for their birthday parties that even parents night outs! We love dolphin!

Carly S.

Excellent swimming instruction takes place here. Kids of all abilities learn to swim here. The make up policy is difficult so parents tend to call their kids in within 15 minutes of a class they know a week in advance that they are going to miss. Each child is given one make up within a thirty day period. The problem with this is they do not shut down near holidays just on the day of unless it is Christmas. Therefore if your family gets stuck in traffic or forgets a swim suit the week before your child misses a lesson completely because they are only allowed one make up within thirty days. If the lesson has to be cancelled because it is their fault you have a year. We are scheduled on Saturday because their are no slots available on Thursdays or Friday. We either have to decide to never see our family or we miss lessons. Scheduling a make up is hard because of the other policy because their are never any slots open because no one wants to call in a kid ahead of time because of the thirty day make up policy.