Question 1

What is included in an Evolutionary Aquatics class, practice, and event?

Accepted Answer

Experienced and certified instructorsSmall learning groupsIndustry-standard clean and sanitized equipmentA friendly and supportive swim community

Question 2

How do I register and pay for a class, practice or event?

Accepted Answer

Once you complete the appropriate application, a coach will follow up with you to confirm your interest. At that time, you will receive specific payment and program information.

Question 3

Do I need prior experience to be able to participate in a class?

Accepted Answer

No prior swimming or kayaking experience is required for Kayaking tours and Adult Learn-to-Swim programs.  Level 2, 3, and 4 programs have prerequisites and require a swim assessment.

Question 4

How do your instructors and coaches work with fearful adults?

Accepted Answer

Our compassionate instructors and coaches are all certified Water Safety Instructors (WSI) through the American Red Cross. We understand the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone, especially fearful adults. 
Here are the thoughtful guidelines we follow:

We carefully plan our lessons to ensure a consistent and comforting experience.
 We pay close attention to signs of avoidance (fearful) behavior and take immediate action to provide reassurance and support. 
We offer individualized attention to apprehensive people, tailoring our approach to their needs. 
We consistently provide positive reinforcement to boost confidence and foster a sense of security. 
We constantly seek permission to offer hands-on support and make positive eye contact, ensuring every participant feels safe and supported.

Although we are dedicated to providing the best possible support, we recognize that some individuals may require specialized assistance beyond our expertise. In such cases, we engage in open and empathetic discussions with the participant, helping them explore alternative resources to continue their aquatic journey with the right support.

Question 5

Is Evolutionary Aquatics' experiences open to other races and cultures?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We believe everyone deserves a chance to have a safe and fun aquatic journey. However, we are a safe space for people whose origins can be traced to the Black cultures/races of Africa and Indigenous North America.
For all others, understand that you are entering a protected space that may differ from anything you've experienced. You are required to respect its positive energies.
Our non-discrimination statement:Per federal civil rights law and civil rights regulations and policies, Evolutionary Aquatics prohibits discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Question 6

Do you provide infant, toddler or youth swim instruction?

Accepted Answer

No. Evolutionary Aquatics only offers adult swim programming.

Question 7

Is there an age limit for Evolutionary Aquatic programs classes?

Accepted Answer

All participants must be at least 18 years of age or older.

Question 8

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Accepted Answer

Please email us at info@evolutionaryaquatics.org to discuss.

Question 9

Is there a weight limit to participate in Evolutionary Aquatic classes, events, programs?"

Accepted Answer

The maximum weight capacity for our sit-on-top kayaks is 350 lbs. There is no weight limit for the swim as long as the student can move unassisted.

Question 10

What if there is inclement weather the day of or during my class, practice, or event?

Accepted Answer

Our number one priority is the safety of our participants and staff. We watch the weather and the water levels closely for our kayaking and open-water events. If there is mist and light rain only, the class will continue.

For kayaking, the class will be delayed if there are heavy downpours, inclement weather, or high water during your trip or event. If we are on the water, we will exit the water immediately.

Open-water swims are canceled if heavy rains occur within 48 hours of a scheduled swim to avoid stirred-up lake debris. If inclement weather occurs during a swim, the kayakers will work to transport swimmers to land as quickly and safely as possible.

If we are forced to relocate, reschedule, or cancel your trip, tour, or clinic, we'll do our best to notify you by text or email as soon as possible.

Question 11

How much physical exertion is needed to participate in an Evolutionary Aquatic activity?

Accepted Answer

Each person and activity is different. You can expect to exert no more than 45 minutes in our classes and practices, more during our events. Please consult with your medical expert to make sure these activities are right for you.

Question 12

Will I get wet during an Evolutionary Aquatic activity?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you will get wet for any EA water activity. Please dress appropriately for your participating activity.

Question 13

How much are your programs?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on the program and is listed on the application. Levels 1- 2 are offered on a tiered payment scale.Levels 3-6 start at $45/monthly. Please email us for more information.

Question 14

I understand we practice at a high school pool. What should I know?

Accepted Answer

We practice at the West Charlotte High School pool. The facility features:An 8-lane, 25-yard, chlorinated indoor lap pool.A comfortable water temperature averaging 82°F.Locker rooms equipped with showers for your convenience.Because we rent this facility from a high school, school-based events take precedence over our practices.During the high school swim season (October through February), we will reschedule any of our practices that are cancelled due to high school swim meets. We will notify members as early as possible regarding these adjustments.

Question 15

Are lockers readily available, and is the pool clean?

Accepted Answer

We rent pool space at a high school. From Oct-Feb, our practices begin when the high school swim team practices end. To keep everyone safe, we may not have full access to the lockers, since the school does not allow adults are not permitted in the locker rooms at the same time as students.Because of this policy, we highly recommend that you arrive at the facility with your swimsuit already on and ready to swim.EA is contracted to keep the pool and facility areas clean. To meet our contract,  all swimmers are required to practice good pool hygiene by following these rules:Take a pre-swim rinse shower: You must rinse off BEFORE entering the pool. This removes makeup, body oils, and other body debris, which keeps the water clean and protects everyone from germs and skin irritants.Clear your nostrils: Please clear your nose before each practice. This removes excess mucus that naturally loosens and releases while swimming.Refrain from spitting in the pool: Spitting is often an unconscious habit, but it results in sputum floating in the lanes. Please use the restrooms or on deck trashcans if you need to clear your throat.

Question 16

What are the levels in EA’s Program?

Accepted Answer

Our adult swim programs feature 7 progressive levels designed to meet you exactly where you are.Level 1: Intro to Aquatic Skills – For true beginners or those overcoming water anxiety. Focuses on water comfort, breathing, floating, and basic safety.Level 2: Fundamental Skills – For those comfortable submerging. Focuses on body alignment, gliding, basic freestyle/backstroke mechanics, and treading water.Levels 3 – 6: Intermediate & Fitness – Focuses on stroke refinement, learning breaststroke and butterfly, building stamina, and swimming continuous laps for fitness.Open Water Training – For advanced swimmers transitioning to lakes or oceans. Teaches pacing, navigating waves, and sighting for triathlons.Kayaking Program – Teaches foundational paddling techniques and outdoor water safety to build confidence on natural waterways.

Question 17

How will students know when they can move to the next level?

Accepted Answer

EA uses benchmark standards throughout its lessons and practices. Once a student has met all standards for their current level, his/her instructor will conduct an in-pool assessment to confirm readiness to move to the next level.

Question 18

Is there a list of public pools where I can practice between classes?

Accepted Answer

Any local YMCA/YWCA*, public pools available to Mecklenburg County (Parks and Recreation Dept.) residents*, or privately-owned/neighborhood pools will suffice.

*Costs for memberships and/or day passes to accompany paid members may be required for these facilities.

Question 19

Did we miss your question?

Accepted Answer

Email us at info@evolutionaryaquatics.org and let’s talk!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)