★ 3

While the swimming classes offer decent instruction, the overall management and communication need significant improvement. The program feels unorganized, and there’s a clear lack of information shared with students and parents regarding schedules and progress. Some staff members could be more approachable and professional, as interactions at times come across as dismissive rather than supportive. Additionally, the receptionist often seems unaware of important details about student accounts, which creates confusion and frustration. With better organization, clearer communication, and more attentive customer service, this swimming program could greatly enhance the experience for its participants.

Source: Google

★ 4

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★ 4

I've had my daughter in class here for 2 years and she loves it. Only criticism is that the instructors could talk louder or provide some form of amplification (for parent/child lessons)

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★ 5

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★ 5

I absolutely love Kids First Swim School! It’s by far the best swimming school I’ve ever experienced. From the very beginning, the staff stood out with their friendliness, flexibility, and willingness to listen. They’re incredibly reasonable and always make you feel welcome. The management is top-notch, and I’m excited that my sisters will be attending this summer. It is highly recommend Kids First Swim School to anyone looking for a great place to learn how to swim—this is truly the place to be! I've seen a lot of negative reviews about Kids First Swim School lately, and it saddens me because so many of them are simply not true. This school is one of the safest and best-managed places around. I truly love it—my whole family attends, and we’ve always had a great experience. The management team is incredibly kind, caring, and professional. I’ve come across some wild and unfair comments, but I can honestly say the managers here are some of the sweetest people you’ll meet—they wouldn’t hurt a fly. I fully support Kids First and plan to stay with them for the long run.

Source: Google

★ 1

Do not bring your kids here. The building is filthy, it smells like pee, and I’ve personally seen roaches in the changing areas. That alone should be enough to walk away, but it gets worse.

There is no certified lifeguard on duty. The instructors have no required training, and it shows in how unprepared and careless they are. This is a huge safety risk for young children learning to swim.

Take a closer look at the reviews. Most of the 5-star ratings are from managers of other swim schools in the area, and they’ve all reviewed each other’s businesses. It’s not genuine, and it’s clearly being used to cover up how bad this place really is. Go check for yourself.

This place is unsafe, unsanitary, and untrustworthy. Parents deserve to know the truth before trusting this place with their kids.

Source: Google

★ 1

My granddaughter took swimming lessons here, and I would strongly discourage anyone from using this facility. I was overcharged, and despite my daughter calling to resolve the issue, no action was taken for over a week. When she went in person to speak with someone, the assistant manager dismissively told her that nothing could be done without the manager present and that they “don’t do refunds.”

I entered the facility to address the issue directly. While I was assertive, I remained calm — I did not raise my voice, use profanity, or make any threats. I simply stated I would not leave until the issue was resolved. The assistant manager then threatened to call the police. I welcomed that and asked her to go ahead.

She eventually called the manager, who confirmed—on speakerphone—that a refund would be issued that same day. I asked that this be documented in their system and made clear that we would not be returning.

As I began to leave, the assistant manager picked up a bat. I took out my phone and asked if she intended to hit me. Her response: “I fear for my life. You are a big Black woman and I feel threatened.” Let me be clear: I never touched her, threatened her, or came near her. I was firm about being overcharged $140 and wanted the situation corrected.

I have the incident recorded. She stood in the lobby, yelling that she felt threatened — while holding a bat — in front of families and children. Her actions were not only unprofessional, they were dangerous and racially charged. She should be held accountable and removed from her position immediately.

Source: Google

★ 1

Extremely disappointing experience at Kids First Swim School.

I witnessed a completely disrespectful exchange between a family member and staff member. My family member was overcharged twice for services, which is frustrating enough, but the way the staff handled it took the situation from bad to unacceptable. After calmly working through the billing error with the female staff member, she verbally confronted the grandmother in an aggressive and completely unprofessional way. It felt retaliatory and hostile completely out of line for any customer-facing business, let alone one serving children and families. The female staff member pulled a bat out and threatened the grandmother with it.

Mistakes happen. But disrespect and intimidation should never be part of the resolution. Patrons deserve transparency and professionalism, not attitude and aggression, when trusting an organization with their children.

Proceed with caution.

Source: Google

★ 5

Staff is very knowledgeable and nurturing. My daughter was just about swimming after her first two sessions!

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★ 5

Kids First School is the best in Waldorf. I have two kids enrolled both in level 2 and 3 and all the teachers we have worked with are wonderful. They are very patient and friendly. The administrator at the front office is also wonderful. She takes her time to explain the process both in person and over the phone.

Source: Google

★ 5

My little girls loved this place!! The instructors were amazing. Clean, safe environment. I definitely recommend this place for all ages.

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★ 5

Awesome team that's great with customer service

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★ 5

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★ 5

Great experience!

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★ 4

Staff is friendly, just wish classes were a little longer

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★ 5

Excellent swim school! My 5 year old daughter has been coming for several months and she really enjoyed learning during private lessons. She's made a lot of progress over the past few months. Teachers were really patient.

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★ 5

We love kids first swim school. Very professional staff

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★ 5

This is the best Swim School ever.

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★ 5

My daughter enjoyed Ms. Jasmine so much today!! She took her time with all the kids and they enjoyed it so much.

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★ 5

My six year old has been attending classes for 3 months. The experience they are receiving is great. Their confidence and skills development greatly every week. The staff are friendly too.

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★ 5

We love it here!!! Staff is excellent!

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★ 5

I remember when we first got here my little girl was afraid to get her face wet,no knowledge on how to swim,now she’s learning how to swim as well as everything that she’s being taught,great teachers!

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★ 5

Instructor has been very patient

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★ 5

It’s our 1st time coming here with our 1yr old and he love it! The staff is great, very tentative and great knowledge.

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★ 4

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★ 1

If I am able to give a 0 I will. Money got taken out of my account for the month of April and my kids couldn’t attend due to medical issues. I was clearly told that I will be able to use my credit when we are ready to come back. Called back when my baby got better only to tell me they didn’t charge my account. I have evidence that money was taken out march 20!!!!. Didn’t attend any class in April I was clearly told I can not get a refund but can use it as credit when we come back. The assistant manager or whatever she claimed to be was so rude about it too. This place is a no no!!!!!!

Source: Google

★ 3

I’ve had a great experience so far with my daughter’s swim lessons! The instructors are cool and she’s becoming more confident in the water each week. I gave 3 stars only because there’s still some room for improvement with organization, communication and the upkeep of the locker rooms and bathrooms. Overall, we’re happy and looking forward to continuing!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great place and teachers. Staff is wonderful

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★ 5

Amazing experience.

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★ 5

My daughter is learning a lot and gained confidence from the 1st lesson.

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★ 5

Great place love the teachers

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★ 5

I cannot say enough about the professional and friendly staff at KIDS FRIST Swim School. The staff is very welcoming and always pleasant. My kids arrived as two slightly scared beginners and are becoming pros. I'm so grateful this is a safe place where they can learn to swim at their pace.

Source: Google

★ 5

We've been attending swim lessons here since my 6 y.o was a bit younger. Love the options. My son is special needs and needs 1 on 1 attention so we have him in private lessons. He is currently with Mr. Jose who has been so patient and kind and really good with him.

My daughter is 2 and we are in mommy and me classes. She is loving the water and learning fast.

We have it where my son is in his private while dad or I get in with baby girl at the same time. It works out perfect.

Also shout out to Ms. Natasha who is always sweet and pleasant and helps us figure out just what we need ❤️

Source: Google

★ 5

My sister joined and she’s learning so much! I love how friendly and welcoming the environment is. Swimming can be daunting but this environment creates a safe atmosphere!

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★ 5

Excellent school! Signed my daughter up and was very impressed with the cleanliness of the facility and welcoming staff. I am even considering taking adult classes. So excited for this new journey!

Source: Google

★ 5

Fantastic Swim School!

KIDS FIRST Swim School has been absolutely amazing with my daughter! From day one, the instructors have shown so much patience and care — it's clear they truly understand how to work with kids. My daughter looks forward to her swim lessons every week and always leaves with a big smile.

The staff are professional, friendly, and they create such a positive and supportive learning environment. It’s been wonderful watching my daughter grow more confident in the water with each session. I highly recommend KIDS FIRST to any parent looking for a place where their child can learn to swim, feel encouraged, and have fun at the same

Source: Google

★ 5

Great swim school for all ages. Friendly staff. Our kids look forward to class every week!

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★ 5

Great swim school my daughter enjoy it

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★ 4

Overall this is a great place to get your kids into swimming. The staff are extremely accommodating with make up classes and making sure your schedule works with their classes. The only reason it’s 4/5 is the lack of communication when the pool heater goes out and sometimes the student to instructor ratio is exceeded. This limits actual instruction to the kids that are already in the class. That being said there is a reason we have been here three years and will continue to bring our kids here.

Source: Google

★ 5

Great instructors. Very friendly staff. Flexible schedule for classes. Highly recommended.

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★ 5

Denae is great customer service ! Great place for kids just starting

Great instructors as well highly recommended

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★ 5

Convenient location and the prices are affordable. One of my favorite things is when something comes up and we can't make it to our scheduled class, they offer make-up sessions to make sure the kids get their swim time!

Source: Google

★ 5

Great area too be in very friendly and good teaching my niece and nephew goes here and they always have a wonderful time you get what you its like to experience a full swimming course and reach goals or stay in a level that best suits until you get more comfortable or older, I must say this is the best swim school in Waldorf Maryland.

Source: Google

★ 1

I’ve visited swim facilities all across the DMV, and unfortunately, this one is by far the most rundown and outdated. The entire facility feels neglected—dirty locker rooms, aging infrastructure, and an overall lack of maintenance. It’s clear that it’s in serious need of a full renovation. With all the new, modern facilities opening up around Charles County, this location will need to step up in a big way to stay competitive. Disappointing experience overall.

Source: Google

★ 1

This place is the absolute worst! You schedule a class online the pricing is incorrect and your quoted a new price a few hundred dollars more, then they called twice to reschedule the class start time. We were owed a make up class, class was confirmed I show up, no one has a clue and my child is not allowed to take the make up class. I’m assured the class can take place the following week. I call to confirm the time and was told to come at a different time, we show up (30min ride) only to be told there’s another class taking place and we would have to wait 45 minutes. At this point I don’t even want the class just a refund. I’m then told I can receive a credit! The whole point is I don’t want to bring my child back or deal with this establishment because they are unprofessional and don’t seem to know what’s going on in their own place of business. I will also be writing a letter to their corporate office. My experience confirms their poor reviews.

Source: Google

★ 1

We enrolled our son in the April class, and just like last year, he got sick immediately after being in the water. That’s how we knew it wasn’t a one-time thing—it’s the poor water quality, not him. When we contacted the staff to cancel, they said okay, but when we asked for a refund, they claimed refunds aren’t given. Mind you, we had paid six months in advance—$600—completely gone.

My husband brought up concerns about the water, and we were told it is "usually" treated and balanced with the right chemicals. That answer is beyond unacceptable when dealing with children’s health and safety.

To make matters worse, our assigned teacher showed up 10 minutes late, and the substitute teacher didn’t even bother getting in the water. How are you teaching swim lessons to babies without being in the pool? It was a complete waste of time and money.

I’m heartbroken and disappointed that we trusted this place. Their policies are rigid and feel like a scam, their facility is not clean, and clearly they do not prioritize safety or professionalism.

We took the Mommy and Me class expecting a positive bonding experience, but it’s been nothing but a headache. Please don’t make the same mistake. Your child deserves best!

Source: Google

★ 5

My Daughter loves it here and Natasha had excellent customer service. I will be making sure my kids continue to stay here. Natasha helped me schedule my kids classes and told me about the different levels of swimming

Source: Google

★ 5

Kids First is amazing. Natasha is doing an excellent job, and I am always impressed by the cleanliness of both the pool and observation areas. My family and I love coming here every week.

Source: Google

★ 5

Best place in town to teach them how to swim. The building is cozy and clean making it a comfortable experience.

Source: Google

★ 5

Classes have been going great and the tuition is very affordable. 10/10 recommended

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★ 5

My little ones always have so much fun here they always tell me it’s so nice and warm when they get out.. thank you for making this so pleasant.

Source: Google

★ 5

Can't match the level of instructors they have here. They are simply amazing.

Source: Google

★ 2

It's not the best for the cost. To pay 155 for I believe 6 weeks for 1 day a week was not worth it! You only get 30 minutes and it takes the swim coaches who appear to be young adults at least 10 minutes to get organize and start class. My grandson saw blood off side of pool walk area which I assume was from an injury of some sort but he ended up getting a chest infection which I think it's from poor pool maintenance. The county pools and teachers are the better but had a delay so I thought this would be an alternative. I was wrong and in the future consider paying for personal pool lessons if there is an issue with the county. My positive was that some of the coaches were kid friendly and they do try to address any issues a parent may have if they can outside of management involvement.

Source: Google

★ 1

STAY AWAY. My son could have drowned. Instructor turned his back and he slipped and fell in the water. Worst 20 seconds of
my life. No one apologized for what happened. Unsafe student to teacher ratio. Certain instructors can't handle or doesn't want to deal with children that have developmental issues. Some instructors are not teaching. They are letting the kids just play around in the water with toys. Bathrooms and locker rooms are disgusting. The whole space needs a complete over haul.

Source: Google

★ 5

A must for young kids learning to swim and bettering their craft.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Hey y’all I made a New Year’s resolution!!! I don’t make resolutions. It was to learn how to swim. 6 classes for $150 an they started January 1. My last class is tomorrow. I swam back and forth yesterday to 10 feet from 3 feet (at the Wade Aquatic Center). I’m proud of me ❤️ I’m 48. Better late than never!!!

I’m very appreciative to the staff at Kids First Swim School - Waldorf, MD

I can save my life!!!!

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Unsafe student to teacher ratio

Not equipped to deal with special needs whatsoever

Lack empathy—I heard an instructor talking openly to other instructors during a session about my pre-schooler in a negative manner

We had a MUCH better experience at Goldfish, but unfortunately they are not in this area. If you have another option, go there! This place is not worth the cost and your child will not learn to swim.

Source: Google

★ 2

They're great until they get your money! Have you ever paid for something thinking that you were going to have a great experience, only to find out that it's nothing but a headache? Well, that's exactly what kids first swim school will offer you. I purchased a package and it has been a nightmare to schedule consistent classes withthe same instructor, or a semblance of professional responses to concerns. I would not recommend this service to anyone.

Source: Google

★ 1

i write to complain about the corruption in chain of command due to hiring family members on the same shift and the poor and unacceptable and unprofessional behavior of a teenager(16) who works there on this particular incident the teenage employee raised his voice to the highest possible volume using profanity showing aggression because client(15) did not want to dive due to a safety risk and due to the manger saying he did not have to and when the client brought this incident up to the manger the manger did use proper public service skills but still favored the story (slightly fabricated) of her son for obvious reasons.

Source: Google

★ 5

It’s okay. I was expecting a lot more. I feel I can do what they did myself. Nothing special was really done. I took my 17 month old for a 6 week course. I may sign up again .

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 2

I wasn’t worth the money we paid. It was 5-6 kids per 1 instructor & it was just a 30 minute session which means each kid will basically only have 6 minutes of the instructor’s attention. Kids to instructor ratio is kind of unsafe…

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★ 5

Excellent

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★ 1

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★ 4

Friendly staff and it's always clean.

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★ 4

Great place for kids that are learning how to swim or advancing their skills at swimming. It seems kind of dark in the observation area but I can see there being a reason to do so with trying to keep the kids focused and not trying to look at the watching parents. Staff is always nice.

Source: Google

★ 3

It was ok. The place looks dim and dark

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★ 4

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★ 1

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★ 1

Good morning thank you for the reviews I was considering registering my grandson for kids first now I’m looking for any suggestions in the La Plata or Waldorf area

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★ 5

The instructor for the mommy and me program is amazing. My husband actually goes with my daughter and I love watching them having such a great time in the pool. So glad I decided to do this and it is so nice to have one near home, my daughter loves it!

Source: Google

★ 1

After completing a 6 week course my daughters have not progressed on the the next level. The 30 minute classes are not long enough for each child to receive the attention needed to progress. When I entered the pool myself the pool bottom was very slimey and the pool walls had collected dirt similar to a dirt ring in a bath tub. The bathrooms are less then sanitary. The staff was not organized and unable to even find a file on my girls with information regarding their progress to date. When I opted to not continue with our enrollment for a course over a month away from starting I was told that they do not issue any refunds. I am being forced to continue even though I am un satisfied with the services. Im not sure if my experience speaks on all the locations but I would not enroll in this Waldorf school.

Source: Google

★ 5

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★ 5

Went there for a Baptism. Everything was organized and orderly. It was wonderful.

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★ 5

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★ 5

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★ 4

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★ 2

At first, I have a very good impression with this swim school though I find it expensive. I could have enrolled my daughter in a different swim school but I believe the amount I’m paying is worth it. My daughter is already in Level 6 and just today I was told by the receptionist that the instructor said she needs to go back to Level 4 since she is having problems with her arms. I was kind of shocked. I was in a hurry co’z my other son was already sleepy and I don’t want to talk more about it especially my daughter was around and there were other people. It’s okay with me if she’s going back to Level 4 if the instructor finds it that she’s not ready yet to be in Level 6 but why did the other instructors let her pass Level 4 and Level 5. My daughter was sad and was crying. She felt so down and bad that she did not want to attend the rest of the sessions. She even told me not to tell her dad of what happened. To make her feel better, I just told her it’s ok so she could master Level 4, but I will just let her finish the remaining sessions and I will let her transfer to a different swim school. I felt bad too for letting a kid pass until Level 6 and let her go back to Level 4. If only I could get a refund for the remaining days I would already let her stop attending her classes. I hope this will not happen to other kids. Letting them pass and moving them back.

Source: Google

★ 3

Great for introducing the kids to the water. The center it self needs to be renovated. Bathrooms are worn out, glass not cleaned. Overall without appearances it's good to introduce the kids to the water.

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★ 5

We had our son’s second birthday here this evening . The staff was wonderful and very accommodating! Very pleased ! Thank you all so very much ! Adrian and the kids had a blast !!

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★ 1

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★ 5

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★ 5

I love having to go to this swim school they have great teachers and great staff I love them

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★ 2

I was not particularly happy with my experience over the weekend for my daughter's party. I only had 15 minutes to set up for a party of 30 plus there was only one staff member (and she was no help) available so my husband and I had to pull extra chairs from the back. I rented the large room which is supposed to accommodate up to 30 children plus adults however, there were only three tables available. I mentioned to the lady that three tables was not enough to seat almost 30 kids when one table seats 6-8. She somewhat apologized and mentioned there were extra chairs.
I needed a food table and was having 26 kids, that didn't work so the kids had to double up when it was time to eat. This was very embarrassing for me as a host. I think more time could be given for set up especially with a larger party and there should also be an option to at least purchase additional pool time for guest.

Source: Google

★ 5

Source: Google

★ 1

Kids First Swim School
3307 Crain Hwy.
Waldorf, MD 20603
November 23, 2015
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing today to complain of the poor service I received from your company on November 21, 2015. I conducted my daughter 1st Birthday party at a Kids First Swim School located in Waldorf, Maryland. Upon arrival I contacted the staff at this particular establishment to get clarity on what time we could arrive to begin decorating for the party as we were told 4:30 pm for the party to begin at 5:00 pm. On the initial arrival at 4:30 pm I was told that the party room was not ready because of the untidiness left from the previous party. I was then instructed to wait until 4:45 pm to begin the decorating of the party; however the room was still unavailable. As guest began to arrive we were then instructed at 4:56 pm to begin decorating. While, rushing to decorate for the party in front of guest, we were then told that the kids could not get into the pool until the balance of one hundred dollars was met. This is completely understandable, but not acceptable to discuss finance in front of party guest. We then attempted to give the receptionist cash, but she was “unable” to take it because the manager was not present. The receptionist did come to the conclusion that the children could get in at 5:00 pm; however, the lifeguard on duty stated the remaining balance must be met. I later traveled home to receive a form of electronic payment while the children and guest continued to wait for the pool time. When I arrived back at the facility I made the payment and the kids were then instructed that they could get into the pool at 5:35 pm. As a result, the guests were not in the pool until 5:43 pm. As time progressed the other party was waiting for their pool time forcing my party out of the pool at 5:55 pm. I was then approached by the lifeguard and once again belittled in front of the party of the finance and why we did not get our time that was paid for. I did express that that was highly unprofessional and not appropriate to discuss right now. I proceeded to request the life guard to take the discussion to a different area where my guest would not be involved. She then told me that she could not do that because she could not leave the pool unattended. I completely understand that there are policies that have to be implemented, but they should not at the convenience of the facility. Throughout, the minimal time that was given the lifeguard did leave the pool unattended doing various tasks such as playing with her cellphone and having conversation the staff in the front of the facility. She then irately with aggressive bodily movements demanded, “ALL KIDS out THE POOL”. I then asked to speak with a supervisor to formulate an alternative, and was denied and told that she does not wish to be bothered and her phone was going straight to voicemail. The receptionist then attempted to give me an alternative as the lifeguard abandoned the pool to antagonize the situation. I then refused to speak with the life guard about any further information about the party as she was very incompetent, insufficient, and insensitive to the situation. The receptionist and I then came to the conclusion that I could disburse for family time to diffuse the intolerance of the lifeguard, which cost me additional funds amounting in 30.00. The remainder of the time at the party was awfully discomforting as the guest stated the guard expressed discomforting facial expressions toward them.

As a loyal participant of the Mommy and Me program, and party host I held Kids First Swim school to a higher standard of quality service than what was received. I am emotionally distraught and appalled at the service that I received and will never forget the memory of my child’s first birthday experience that caused by your facility.
Yours faithfully,

Javontaye Lancaster

Source: Google