Swimming lessons?
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My kids all start lessons at three years old. Takes time to get to the actual true swimming but some water safety and comfort in the water are really important too.
There are lots of places that teach swimming throughout the year at indoor pools. I'd find a place that is indoor, heated enough as to be comfortable, and that has kind instructors that you trust.
I was thrown in the deep end as a child (at lessons when I refused to jump off the diving board into the deep end 'cause I couldn't swim yet and was scared). My mom came unhinged. A year later she found a smaller, indoor pool with a very kind instructor - which worked much better.
We live near a river with lakes and the ocean in our general area as well. I think it is a safety issue. You still have to watch like a hawk near water, but knowing they can swim helps.
There are lots of places that teach swimming throughout the year at indoor pools. I'd find a place that is indoor, heated enough as to be comfortable, and that has kind instructors that you trust.
I was thrown in the deep end as a child (at lessons when I refused to jump off the diving board into the deep end 'cause I couldn't swim yet and was scared). My mom came unhinged. A year later she found a smaller, indoor pool with a very kind instructor - which worked much better.
We live near a river with lakes and the ocean in our general area as well. I think it is a safety issue. You still have to watch like a hawk near water, but knowing they can swim helps.
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This describes us mostly, I started my son early. Did Mommy and me classes when he was a baby (7-8 months), just to get him used to the water. Kept doing those each summer, and then semi-private lessons at 2.5 (group classes just didn't work for a proficient swimmer with the listening skills of a toddler). He was swimming by the age of 2, but then we live in So Cal, with lots of pools, lots of warm weather, and an ocean. He swam the entire length of the pool by 4. I swam early as a child, my mother was a lifeguard so swimming is a big part of our lives. I think swimming is important, and should be taught as early as possible to reduce any fear issues that may come up. My father never learned to swim and didn't live near water, and it has hindered his life as an adult.
Oh, and don't feel bad, just start now! We do the local community college classes for kids, the Y always has programs as well. Just make sure it's a supportive environment where your child will feel comfortable, and always make it fun!
Originally Posted by BugMacGee  My oldest was a proficient swimmer @ 4.5. I'll start my 2.5 year old in swimming early in the new year. I'd love her to be water safe by summer. We're a water family. Both my kids have been in/around water since birth. |
Oh, and don't feel bad, just start now! We do the local community college classes for kids, the Y always has programs as well. Just make sure it's a supportive environment where your child will feel comfortable, and always make it fun!
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I hope to put my son in his first lessons this summer, age 5. I hated to spend the money on things I could easily teach him myself. At this point he can tread water well, go down the water slid and swin to the side, etc. The lessons are for teaching him true swimming techniques rather.
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I started my oldest (dd 9) last summer at a local gym red cross certified swim class. Ideally I'ld love for dh to be able to teach the kids but until we're able to get a swimming pool put in the gym it is. We're not really around water alot (ie don't camp, go to lakes, oceans , boating etc) but she is getting to the age where she's being invited to water related activities so I felt it was time. I'll continue with it next year as well as start ds#2 (who will be 4 1/2 at the time) ds#1 (will be 9 next summer) is PDD/NOS so I don't want anyone to teach him but dh. We do plan on putting in a pool in the next 5yrs since we own our own house and have plenty of land so I will continue with the other's lessons.
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mine started swimming lessons at 6 mos.... he's been through 3 classes now, the last time through he was the demonstration kid since he knew how to do most of the stuff...not actually swimming yet, the class is for 6 mos to 3 yrs, to introduce kids to water and pre-swimming skills. We go to the pool and practice in between classes alot, so he's good at most of it.
We are very lucky that our neighbors w/ an inground pool let us use it all summer. So my kids are familiar with the water. My 2.5 yr old was jumping off the diving board this summer (with me waiting in the water below).
They will start formal lessons in a few years. I grew up in a small town and swimming lessons were about the only thing to do, so I can swim pretty well. DH, on the other hand, can't swim and is really uncomfortable in the water. I just think swimming/water comfort is a good skill to have.
They will start formal lessons in a few years. I grew up in a small town and swimming lessons were about the only thing to do, so I can swim pretty well. DH, on the other hand, can't swim and is really uncomfortable in the water. I just think swimming/water comfort is a good skill to have.
I just wanted to say that I think swimming is a life skill. Wedon't all have to be stars at it but having the basics & not being afraid of the water (but perhaps a healthy respect) is important. The majority of people who drowned never intended to be in the water, so it really is important to be prepared.
Besides it's SO much fun!!!!
Besides it's SO much fun!!!!
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One of my kids was ready to jump in the water at 3, so we started organized swimming lessons at about that time. I have another daughter who was just not ready at that age and the water was almost traumatic for her.
The older has been in swimming lessons year round for a couple of years. It's more for enjoyment now than the actual skill, but we keep doing it anyway.
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There was one stressful summer with my younger not really swimming, but we took it slow and steady and I think this coming summer she'll start organized lessons. Though we do want to be considerate of the kids' feelings and/or fears, not learning to swim isn't really an option here.
The older has been in swimming lessons year round for a couple of years. It's more for enjoyment now than the actual skill, but we keep doing it anyway.
There was one stressful summer with my younger not really swimming, but we took it slow and steady and I think this coming summer she'll start organized lessons. Though we do want to be considerate of the kids' feelings and/or fears, not learning to swim isn't really an option here.
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DD starting jumping off the side and swimming across the pool this summer (3.5yo) but since we have a pool it is imperative that she learn. As much as some might disagree, for her the method that worked best was taking her out to the deep end, making games, letting go of her and dip under water. She was never traumatized and learned to how to hold her breath long ago (hardly ever took in water). She's also been tossed in to the pool with someone waiting nearby (this is DH's method) and loves it, which is why she jumps on her own now.
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I think the lessons are a great idea, the Y has some for sure. Don't worry, as long as he's having fun, he'll catch on very quick.
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I think the lessons are a great idea, the Y has some for sure. Don't worry, as long as he's having fun, he'll catch on very quick.
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We should set up regular weekly dates at my dad's house this summer and I can work with each of your kids a little bit one on one. I gave swimming lessons with the red cross for a few years while I was a life guard.
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Swimming lessons are non-negotiable. You must learn to swim, period!
I started taking DS into the pool at 6 mons. We now do a half hour aquafit class for me were he floats in a boat followed by a half hour of parent/babe swim lessons were we do ear dipping, floating, lots of songs and games, submerging with cues, flutter kicking etc. It is great, the instructor is really engaging and gentle and DS loves being in the water and going under. It is an indoor saltwater pool that is kept warm. We can do these classes till he is 18 mons and then we will do a parent/tot swim lessons at the same pool but with a different instructor and no aquafit
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I started taking DS into the pool at 6 mons. We now do a half hour aquafit class for me were he floats in a boat followed by a half hour of parent/babe swim lessons were we do ear dipping, floating, lots of songs and games, submerging with cues, flutter kicking etc. It is great, the instructor is really engaging and gentle and DS loves being in the water and going under. It is an indoor saltwater pool that is kept warm. We can do these classes till he is 18 mons and then we will do a parent/tot swim lessons at the same pool but with a different instructor and no aquafit
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I was told that the lifeguard in the water would catch me, but they didn't
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Today I still have a fear of water and I can't really swim (but can float). At my college you actually had to pass a swim test in order to graduate. It was pure torture. My husband isn't strong in the water either. I have no idea what I'm going to do when I have to deal with this issue if/when I have children.
Originally Posted by Kirsten I was thrown in the deep end as a child (at lessons when I refused to jump off the diving board into the deep end 'cause I couldn't swim yet and was scared). |
I was told that the lifeguard in the water would catch me, but they didn't
Today I still have a fear of water and I can't really swim (but can float). At my college you actually had to pass a swim test in order to graduate. It was pure torture. My husband isn't strong in the water either. I have no idea what I'm going to do when I have to deal with this issue if/when I have children.
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DD1 could swim over and under the water and could float on her back by 3. No lessons, just LOTS of time in the pool. We live in FL so water safety is pretty important. Both of the girls were in swimming pools/oceans by 6 weeks.
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