Weird email from Swim School - thoughts?

Hi there. My 7 yo son with moderate/severe autism and mild cerebral palsy has been receiving weekly swim lessons at a local chain swim school for three years. They have been very good with him. When he proved to be too difficult for some teenaged staff, the GM stepped in and started doing his lessons himself. They also gave him his own half lane.for his half hour lesson. Recently the GM left for another location and my son has been seeing other staffers and has generally done fine. He does have occasional behaviors (tantrums and hits his face when frustrated) but it’s never directed toward others.

This summer his Saturday am lesson interfered with his brothers Soccer so we switched him temporarily to Friday nights and then went back to his Saturday time. Last week we had a breakfast with Santa so we canceled. The week before that he was sick. We got an email (not a form letter) from the swim school saying that he had missed his last two lessons and that the school had an extensive waitlist, and we should consider canceling our membership and that they could do this for us starting next billing cycle! I was floored. This time of year, with sick kids and family commitments, we cannot possibly be the only family who has had to cancel. Does this sound standard to you?! I think this is more about him having special needs and being challenging than anything else, and honestly my blood is boiling.

He has so few options for recreation and loves swimming. Drowning is also the leading cause of death for autistic children and swim lessons are vital. I feel so sad and defeated. I told them in no uncertain terms that we are NOT canceling his membership and they seem to have backed off. Curious as to others’ thoughts?

Message edited 12/28/2019 10:35:34 AM.

Weird email from Swim School - thoughts?

As a mom of special needs children, I also first jump at they don't want my kids there because of their needs but honestly I think it is just because you missed a bunch of lessons including changing the times. They may be scheduling certain instructors to work with your son and if he is not there it messes up their scheduling. Did you call to cancel ahead of time? I would just email them back and say no you aren't cancelling the membership and sometimes things come up when you may need to cancel a lesson.

Weird email from Swim School - thoughts?

Did you call to cancel the last two sessions you have missed?
I will say that I’ve been going to Safety Swim for about 2 years and there have been a few times where i have canceled two or 3 weeks in a row and no one has said a word. I understand your feelings and would probably get on the defense also. I would write back and say that you are NOT cancelling and if they mention something again, bring it up to their manager.

You said the GM who taught him left for another location? Is it too much out of your way to go where he/she is now?

Re: Weird email from Swim School - thoughts?

Thanks for the responses! Yes we always call to cancel. I just can’t imagine asking someone to cancel a membership that you are successfully collecting money from. My other two boys have barely attended karate this month with Christmas commitments and they have just been quietly collecting our money, lol. If they say something again I am really going to push back, but for now things seem ok enough. We told them we are absolutely not canceling and his lesson seemed to go fine today. Unfortunately the old GM is at a location that is too far from us. Thanks!

Weird email from Swim School - thoughts?

I think it has to do with the fact they have a waitlist and your time slot is during a busy time. So if you arent going to be able to make it, they can give it to another paying customer. Do they allow you to make up the class at some other time?

Re: Weird email from Swim School - thoughts?

I also think it’s just kids sending email, following protocol, not necessarily the manager or anyone with authority not understanding the situation.

I’d talk to them but I wouldn’t worry about it

Re: Weird email from Swim School - thoughts?