Orca Swim School and Calm Within Adult Swim Policies

General Policies

Texting Policies

In-Person Course Communications

  • Text reminders are sent for in-person courses to provide updates such as course reminders or facility-related issues.

  • Instructors may use text communication for fast and efficient updates regarding course or facility problems.

Marketing Communications

  • Marketing materials for new courses may also be shared via text.

  • All text communications and offers will come directly from Orca Swim School or Calm Within Adult Swim.

Opting Out

  • Students may opt out of a specific type of text communication (e.g., marketing texts, appointment reminders, or instructor updates) at any time by replying “STOP” to the message. This will only opt them out of that particular category of communication.  

  • Orca Swim School and Calm Within Adult Swim will never sell or share phone numbers with any outside organizations.

Liability Waiver Policy

  • This waiver applies to all activities, including swimming lessons, retreats, special events, and online courses provided by Orca Swim School and Calm Within Adult Swim.

  • Participants acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with swimming, water activities, and participation in these programs.

  • By participating, participants agree to take full responsibility for their own safety during both in-person and online courses.

  • Participants acknowledge that they are responsible for assessing their own abilities and ensuring they engage only in activities suitable for their skill level.

  • This waiver excludes liability for any claims arising from negligence by Orca Swim School, Calm Within Adult Swim, or their instructors, staff and facilities.

Liability Waiver Policy

  • Participants in activities offered by Orca Swim School and Calm Within Adult Swim, including lessons, retreats, and online courses, agree to the following terms:

    • Assumption of Risk: Participants acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with swimming, water activities, and related programs.

    • Personal Responsibility: Participants agree to assess their own abilities and engage only in activities suitable for their skill level. They are responsible for their personal safety during all activities, both in-person and online.

    • Release of Liability: Participants agree by enrolling to hold harmless and indemnify Orca Swim School, Calm Within Adult Swim, their instructors, staff, facility owners, and associated venues from any claims arising out of physical injury or property damage incurred during participation, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

In-Person Courses

Attendance Policy

  • First Session Requirement: For Foundations One courses, attendance at the first session is mandatory. If a participant misses the first session, they must review the associated online course material before attending the second class. Failure to complete the required review will result in removal from the course without a refund. This policy ensures the quality and continuity of the class experience for all participants.

  • Make-Up Classes: Make-up classes are not offered for missed sessions. Participants are encouraged to prioritize attendance to fully benefit from the course.

  • Course Credit: In certain extenuating circumstances, a course credit may be issued. This credit allows the participant to be placed on a waiting list for a future class, subject to availability.

Medical Emergencies Policy

  • Participants are responsible for taking their own medical conditions into account and acting in ways that support their individual healthcare needs. Orca Swim School and Calm Within Adult Swim are not responsible for monitoring or making health-related decisions on behalf of participants.

  • For in-person activities, participants consent to allow instructors or other participants to contact emergency responders if there is a reasonable concern about a medical need requiring professional evaluation. Participants assume full responsibility for any costs associated with emergency medical care.

Photo and Video Release Policy

  • By participating in in-person activities provided by Orca Swim School and Calm Within Adult Swim, participants grant permission for photos and videos to be taken during classes or events. These may be used for both marketing purposes (e.g., website, social media) and internal purposes (e.g., instructor training materials).

  • Photos and videos taken during in-person activities may also be shared with class participants to commemorate and enjoy their experience. Orca Swim School and Calm Within Adult Swim are not liable for how class members may choose to use or share these materials.

  • This release is a blanket agreement. Participants may opt out of all or specific parts of this release by contacting Orca Swim School and informing us of their preferences.

  • Participants who wish to revoke their consent after initially agreeing may do so by submitting a written request. Revocation will not apply to materials already published or shared prior to the request.

Refund and Cancellation Policies

  • Private Lessons:

    • Changes made to lessons 48 hours prior to lesson time will be charged $75.

    • Changes made within 24 hours will be charged the full lesson price.

    • All refunds will incur a 10% administrative fee.

  • Group Classes:

    • Changes made 30 days prior to class start: No fee.

    • Changes made 14–30 days prior: $30 change fee.

    • Changes made 7–14 days prior: 50% class fee.

    • No refunds within 7 days of class start.

    • Emergencies may allow placement on a future class waitlist.

  • Retreats (Hawaii, Mexico, 3-Day Learn to Swim Courses):

    • $500 non-refundable deposit required.

    • Cancellations 60+ days before start date: Partial refund minus deposit.  Note you can change enrollment to a different class at no charge.

    • Cancellations 30–60 days before start date: No refund, but registration may be transferred to a future retreat for a $150 change fee.

    • Cancellations within 30 days: No refunds or transfers.

    • If the event is canceled by Orca Swim School, program fees will be refunded, but travel expenses remain the responsibility of the participant.

Online Activities

Liability Waiver Policy for Online Activities

  • Participants acknowledge and accept the inherent risks associated with learning and practicing swimming or water-related skills remotely.

  • Participants are responsible for monitoring their own health and safety during online learning activities. Orca Swim School and Calm Within Adult Swim are not responsible for any health-related issues or injuries that may arise during participation in online programs.

General Administrative Policies

Legal Compliance Policy

  • Orca Swim School and Calm Within Adult Swim operate in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, including but not limited to those governing consumer protection, privacy, and safety.

  • By enrolling in any course or activity, participants agree that any disputes or claims arising from their participation will be governed by the laws of the State of Washington.

  • Any disputes will be resolved exclusively in the courts located in Washington State unless both parties agree to alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or arbitration.

  • Orca Swim School and Calm Within Adult Swim reserve the right to update policies to ensure continued compliance with legal requirements.

Guarantees

Online Courses and Memberships Guarantee

  • We guarantee that if you complete the Foundations of Learning to Swim 1A course as part of an online membership and do not learn three new things about how your body, brain, and the water interact, you are eligible for a full refund and an additional three months of free membership.

  • Refund requests must be submitted through the designated form, and refunds will be processed within two business days.

  • Standalone courses (non-membership) are non-refundable.

In-Person Course Guarantee

  • We guarantee that participants will gain a new understanding and skill set on the first day of an in-person Foundations course, provided they:

    • Follow all course instructions.

    • Maintain an open mindset toward learning.

    • Attend all scheduled sessions.

  • Due to the individualized nature of progress, we do not guarantee specific physical skills but ensure that all students will experience learning success.

  • If a participant meets the above criteria and feels they have not gained new knowledge, they may request a full refund by submitting a request form within two business days.

Private and Group Lesson Guarantee

  • We guarantee that students who actively participate in private or group lessons will achieve progress in understanding how water interacts with their body and mind.

  • Because every student progresses at their own pace, we do not guarantee a specific set of physical skills will be achieved by the end of the lessons.

  • Refunds are not provided for dissatisfaction with personal progress, as success is dependent on consistent practice and individual learning pace.

Retreat and Special Event Guarantee

  • We guarantee that if you follow the program, engage in the learning process, and actively participate in retreat courses (e.g., Hawaii, Mexico, 3-Day Learn to Swim), you will gain valuable swimming skills and increased comfort in the water.

  • While we cannot guarantee specific swimming results, we promise a structured and supportive learning environment that fosters personal growth and confidence.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. Information sharing to subcontractors in support services, such as customer service is permitted. All other use case categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

ADDRESS

PO Box 487 Renton, WA 98057

EMAIL

info@orcaswimschool.com

info@adultswimlesson.com

PHONE

425-496-7113