Get the Jump Start on Swimming lessons

Get the Jump Start

Swimming is a life skill   It's almost spring and summer is just around the corner.  Start planning for your child's swimming lessons now.  Many companies boast that your child will beswimming or even pool safe in 8 lessons.  What does this mean? Swimming in the terms of 8 lessons means that your child will be able to propel him or herself in the water.  This distance can be anywhere from a body length to longer.  Pool safe, generally means that your child will be able to jump into the pool and swim back to the wall, monkey crawl to the steps or climb out of the pool.  In the perfect world your child will be swimming and pool safe in 8 lessons.  The more times per week you can get your child in the pool, the better your results.   But how often can you realistically get your child to the pool for a lesson?  If you can only make it to the pool once a week, 8 lessons equates to two months.  After those two months, your child is just beginning their path to the life skill of swimming.   And let's keep in mind, when it comes to water, even the bravest of children can become apprehensive.  Ask any parent who has made the commitment towards their child's safety and wellbeing in water, if they had any bumps along the way, and most likely you will hear a yes.  Here are some questions that will help you understand if it is possible for your child to be swimming in 8 lessons; How old is your child? Has your child ever been in a pool? Has your child ever been in a pool with an instructor? How does your child do around new people? How does your child do in a group setting? Does your child have separate anxiety? How does your child adapt to new situations? How does your child do in an organized class? Does your child listen and follow direction? Does your child have trouble getting their face or hair wet? Will your child put their entire face in the water? Can your child blow bubbles? Has your child ever had an adverse experience around water? Are you a confident swimmer? What can children learn?  Here is a link to a company that I think is a great resource for realistic progress.