CRA IS UNIQUE
28 June 2021
SWIMMING SAFELY
Charles River Aquatics (CRA) at the Boston Sports Institute (BSI), Wellesley
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety of CRA patrons and staff has always been paramount. As larger numbers of individuals are becoming vaccinated, CRA has elected to further modify safety policies as follows:
Updated Safety Policies:
MASKING
--CRA encourages everyone to wear a mask--
- Fully vaccinated adults (ages 18+) are no longer required to wear a mask* to enter the natatorium.
- Unvaccinated individuals are required to mask at all times with the exception of while swimming.
- All youth (under the age of 18) must mask at all times.
- All fully vaccinated CRA Staff will mask at all times when working with youth (under age 18) and when approaching any adult patron.
- Any unvaccinated CRA Staff must mask at all times.
*In the interest of protecting our young patrons (not yet fully vaccinated, or too young to receive the vaccine), all patrons must mask in the presence of youth under the age of 18. CRA asks that all adults bring a mask to the pool and be sensitive to who is on deck. If youth are present, put on a mask.
Additional Operational Procedures:
- All patrons will continue to enter the natatorium at the BSI via the wet corridor and check in on pool deck. Patrons participating in Competition Pool programming will exit via the deck door and Teaching Pool programming, via the wet corridor and Door #4.
- There is no drop-in programming. All patrons must register in advance for specific times at which to swim.
- On deck bleachers and benches remain marked at 6 foot intervals to encourage social distancing.
- To minimize the overlapping of groups, patrons are asked to arrive as close to assigned pool time as possible and to depart immediately upon completion of activity.
- Changing rooms at the BSI are now open to adults on the CRA Masters Swim Team, enrolled in any adult Instructional Programming or the Lap Swim Program. Changing rooms remain closed to all youth with an anticipated opening to those under age 18 in late August. Face coverings must be worn at all times while in the changing rooms.
- Spectator seating remains closed.
- All patrons must thoroughly rinse prior to swimming. On-deck showers are available for this purpose.
- CRA will continue to carefully maintain the pools at the BSI, meeting all requirements as set forth by the CDC and the Wellesley Board of Health.
- Staff will continue to maintain a schedule of regular sanitization of high-touch surfaces.
The risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 does still exist. Should any patron or staff member exhibit symptoms, he/she will be immediately isolated and arrangements will be made for discharge.
As always, CRA asks patrons to stay home if not feeling well.
CRA anticipates further relaxing these operational procedures in late summer 2021.
CRA offers a competitive technique-based program designed to build a solid foundation for life-long swimming. CRA challenges swimmers to develop efficient technique, increasing safety and efficiency in the water. CRA has offerings for the entire family from Tiny Tots to Triathletes!
CRA LESSONS, CLINICS & CAMPS:
Instructional programming at CRA emphasizes stroke development and water safety. CRA has a unique comprehensive approach to instruction. On-deck coaching support, small class sizes and detailed progress notes yield individualized instruction with proven results. All CRA Instructors are provided extensive and ongoing training in the CRA approach and philosophy guaranteeing a high-quality consistent experience for students. The positive, encouraging environment, coupled with a cumulative, tiered curriculum, assures swimmers achieve their goals in the water.
YOUTH SWIM TEAM – DRAGONS:
The CRA Dragons Youth Swim Team is a comprehensive swim program committed to teach, train, and motivate age group swimmers to excel at all levels. The positive team atmosphere is conducive to individual development and growth, empowering each swimmer to achieve his/her potential in the sport. The youngest training groups begin at 5 years old with an emphasis on development of efficient technique. As an organization we foster sportsmanship and fair play and demand respect for others both on the team and in the larger community. The Dragons focus on teamwork within the program while simultaneously encouraging individual development as an athlete.
CRA MASTERS:
The CRA Masters Team provides a diverse group of athletes, ages 18 and over, with the opportunity to improve fitness and technique. The training environment offers options for all levels--whether a first-time Masters swimmer, an Olympian, or somewhere in between. The CRA Masters workouts are physically and mentally stimulating, tiered to accommodate all abilities and training goals.
Questions?
Contact Sarah at registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com or call at (617) 939-8078
- Swimmers under 3 years old, in the water with a caretaker - Pool Playtime
- Swimmers 3 yrs old - Splash
- Swimmers 4 yrs old and older - Level 1/2 or 3+ or Technique & Training Tune Up (T3U) , based on skill level (descriptions below)
Swimmers are evaluated for placement in an appropriate program and identification of the correct instructional level.
CHILDREN: The Children's Level Descriptions detail skills taught at each level of the Instructional Program and specify skill mastery necessary for advancement through the levels.
PLEASE NOTE:
The CRA Instructional approach is unique. The requirements for advancement differ significantly from those of the Red Cross or of other programs.
Movement through the levels in CRA Instruction is based on the technical accuracy of a swimmer's movements. Skills are systematically layered as each isolated movement is committed to muscle memory.
In the CRA Instructional Program, students do not swim great distances during lessons to increase endurance. The focus on technique creates efficient, safe and fast swimmers.
If you add your swimmer to a program wait list, the CRA Registrar will be in touch if space becomes available.
SCHOOL YEAR SEASON | Sept-June | GROUP LESSONS
COST:
Small Group Lessons, 30 min., $120/month
Technique & Training Tune Up (T3U), 60 min., $160/month
How am I billed for tuition?
Tuition is billed during the first week of each month.
Billing is structured as follows: Begin by creating an account with CRA, registering the swimmer(s) and entering payment information. The first tuition payment will be deducted on the first of the following month and the first lesson, on or after the first of that month. (For example—if a swimmer is registered on October 20, the first tuition payment will be November 1, and the first lessons, in the first week of November).
After the first tuition payment, deductions occur during the first week of the month through June.
To cancel, email registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com.
30 days notice is required to cancel. CRA does not prorate tuition.
SUMMER LESSON SEASON
A one-time tuition payment is due at registration.
Swim Attire:
One piece swimsuits for females, comfortable board shorts for males
Swim shirts are discouraged as they obstruct the full range of movement necessary when learning to swim.
Goggles are required for Level 1 and above, and encouraged for Splash swimmers.
All persons with hair 6 inches or longer must wear swim caps at all times.
All students enrolled in Instructional Swim, Level 3 and higher, and all Technique & Training Tune Up participants are required to wear swim caps at all times.
All athletes practicing with swim teams must wear swim caps at all times.
30 days notice is required to drop School Year Season Group Lesson enrollment. CRA does not prorate tuition.
School Year Season Group Lesson changes may be requested at any time. Mid-month changes incur a $10.00 administrative fee per registration.
To cancel or make changes, email registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com
CRA does not offer refunds or make-up lessons.
Review Cancellation & Changes Policies for details.
CRA shares important information regarding schedule changes and new program opportunities via email and social media. Time sensitive messages are emailed, texted and/or communicated by phone.
CRA recommends not opting out of email, text or phone contact as these are the only methods of communication used to share important information.
CRA will not share personal information.
Consistency of instruction is a central goal in the Instructional Swim program. A student will generally have the same instructor throughout an entire level, although he/she will occasionally have a substitute or may experience a change in teacher.
As students advance, each level brings a new instructor. At every lesson, detailed progress notes are recorded, guaranteeing continuity of instruction throughout a student's entire tenure. CRA instructors are specifically trained in the technique-based instructional approach, maintaining consistency, and the high-quality of the Instructional Program.
We welcome requests for specific instructors and, while we cannot guarantee, will attempt to accommodate.
All instructors are specifically trained in the technique-based instructional method.
Your student will thrive with any of our CRA Instructors!
Having fear associated with water is not unusual for children and adults alike. CRA strives to have all swimmers feel safe, comfortable and confident in the water. Extra encouragement and patience are essential and CRA instructors bring this to each and every lesson.
CRA's camps and clinics are part of the Instructional Swim Program. Many students who attend camps and clinics are true beginners who thrive with the supportive patient instruction. Students ages 4 years and up may participate.
Attending a CRA camp or clinic is a great way to start the journey to becoming a confident, safe and efficient swimmer.
Spectators, including parents/guardians of youth participants, are not permitted during any instructional or team programming.
Parents/guardians of youth enrolled in Instructional Swim Lessons will be periodically invited for a visiting day. Observation is not permitted during summer/vacation camps or clinics.
Spectators are not permitted during any swim team practices.
Once restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted, spectators will be permitted to attend events.
Progress reports are posted in CRA accounts. Log in to view and click "Evaluations".
Learning to swim does not occur on a set timeline. Each swimmer is a unique learner and individually tracked through the instructional levels. As skills are achieved and consistently demonstrated, students advance.
Once requirements for advancement are satisfied, swimmers immediately begin the skills in the next level. Class schedule is not disrupted.
Upon arrival at the Boston Sports Institute (BSI), enter via the main entrance, proceed straight ahead through the foyer, past the reception desk and turn left. Walk down the hallway to the wet corridor (glass double doors) entrance to the natatorium.
Spectators are not permitted in the natatorium.
Arrival: When arriving for Instructional Swim, students are greeted by a CRA Staff Member at the entrance to the wet corridor and at that point, parents/guardians must exit the facility. Athletes arriving for swim team practice, will be checked in at the entrance to the deck of the pool in which they swim. Again, parents/guardians if accompanying athletes into the facility will exit once reaching the wet corridor entrance. Adults arriving for programming will check in on pool deck.
Departure: All patrons swimming in the Competition Pool will exit via the deck door directly into the foyer and exit the building by the main entrance. Brief live parking is permitted along the front of the building for pickups. Do not block the fire lane or handicapped parking spots. All patrons swimming in the Teaching Pool, will exit the building via Door #4 on the Route 9 side of the building. Brief live parking is permitted along the side of the building. Alternately, park in a legal parking spot and wait for swimmers to emerge from the building. All students in Instructional Swim, and young swim team athletes will be escorted out of the building and supervised until connected with a parent/guardian.
CRA has a large and competitive USA Swimming Youth Team, the Dragons.
For more information visit the Dragons website
CRA has a large active US Masters Swim Team.
For more information, visit the CRA Masters website
In addition to Instructional Swim lessons (youth and adult) and team opportunities (USA Swimming Youth Team the Dragons, and CRA Masters), CRA offers a range of other programs.
These include:
-Summer/School Vacation Week Swim Camp,
-Instructional Swim Clinics (Starts & Turns, Beginning Dives, and more),
-Swim & Splash,
-CRA Recreational Swim Team,
-Technique & Training Tune-Up (T3U),
-Adult Small Group Coaching,
-Lap Swim Program,
-Teen Lap Swim Program,
-Warm Pool Open,
-Family Recreational Swim Rental,
-Pool Playtime
More questions?
Contact Sarah at registrar@charlesriveraquatics.com or call at (617) 939-8078