The saga of the swimming lessons

Here's the thing that frustrates me about large group lessons (more than 4 kids): kids spend most of their time waiting around to do the strokes or whatever rather than doing them themselves. And while they are waiting around they aren't paying attention, they waiting around bored. Or they are chatting with their friends or splashing each other and otherwise screwing off. Or so it was all winter long at the Y when my girls did their lessons last year. Teacher's fault? Partly, but beyond 3-4 students, how much time can the instructor realistically give each student in a 40 minute lesson?

Last summer and this summer they had 1:1 lessons with a competition swimmer, a seasoned instructor, someone who knows her shite. They did this every single day they spent in Hawaii. After their lessons I practiced with them and each day they grew exponentially better and more confident with their skills. I am now a firm believer that large group lessons do not work if you want your kid to progress quickly as a swimmer, especially as it relates to proper swimming technique. I guess it's like anything.

Now that we are back from Hawaii, we are still spending lots of time in the pool, but since Bunny wants to do swim team this fall, I have been in search of lessons that match my philosophy of swimming, that philosphy being: Stop being a baby and swim, goddammit. Not that I would ever say that out loud. I'm grilling everyone, "Do you like your lessons?" "Why?" "How many kids are in your class?" "Is the pool heated?" "Are your kids making quick progress?"

For the past couple of weeks, we've been spending our time at a new-to-us pool in the next town over. It has two large pools: one for instruction (with some free swim space) and a lap pool also with free swim lanes. It also has a baby pool for toddlers. Toddlers and their pee.

While swimming with my girls, I've had lots of time to watch the instructors at this pool. And today it dawned on me that they actually know what the fuck they are talking about. How refreshing for a community pool. At first I thought, "Hrm, they sure do a lot of yelling." But now I realize that it's part of the instructional technique (plus they need to be heard when kids are underwater). The instructors are hard-asses. I like that in a teacher. Swim lesson time is not for playing. Yes, they do lots of fun things with the kids (flipping them on a mat, playing ball, tossing them in the air), but at the end. As a treat. When the kids are in the pool, their focus is on the instructor and even with the little kids, I saw lots of good technique. And plenty of confidence, and that is what being a safe, strong swimmer is all about.

My problem with the swim instructors last winter was that they were all basically spineless teenagers.  So many times I had to be that mother walking to the edge of the pool to tell Zac Efron that I'm not paying for my 3-year-old to wear a float vest and clutch a rubber duckie the entire time, especially when just three short months ago, she was swimming on her own in Hawaii. Rather than build confidence, those lessons diminished it, and Wallie especially seemed to regress. Two weeks in Hawaii this summer fixed that, so I knew than I would be looking carefully at the next round of swim lessons.

I think we found our home at this pool...though we'll see come this winter. This pool is outdoors and their regular pool is indoors which makes it nice (for the waiting mama) when it's cold out. The girls did their swim tests last night with Bunny showing off her freestyle, breast stroke, (impressive!) backstroke, and valiant attempts at the butterfly, a stroke I could never do well no matter how I tried. Wallie kicked across the pool, did her "pizza arms" (breast stroke), and refused to do any freestyle whatsoever even though she can. She just doesn't like being told what to do which is typical for her. We'll just see about that come swim lesson time.

We're giving it a go at the end of the month and we'll see where we are at the end of 10 weeks. Hopefully Wallie will keep her momentum going and Bunny will reach her swim team goal.

Comments

[Hillary]

We just took the Boy to his first swim lessons, a parent-child class because he's only 7 mos. Now, I'm not saying I was expecting the child to swim laps, but I took him to get him used to the water, unafraid of the water. And the teenaged instructor (no joke: her name was Arielle) spent most of the time telling us, "With the baby, I wouldn't do that." Really, the class said 6 mos and up and also, he just did it and is fine, smiling even. Jeesh.

[lawschoolmom]

Large classes is my only complaint about swim lessons at our local pool as I also have a kid set on swim team who needed a bit more individual instruction. We finally scheduled a series of private lessons to augment her group lessons and she's ready for team try-outs in a few weeks.

It's nice you were able to find a group lesson with instructors whose philosophy aligns with yours.

[Angie in Texas]

though mine are older (6 and 8) i've been thinking about getting 1:1 swimming instruction for them. they are both really good swimmers, but i'd like them to learn proper technique. it's also a great sport they can participate in year round away from the 100 degree south texas weather.

thank you for re-affirming my thoughts about 1:1 lessons! =)

[Stefania/CityMama]

Hillary, looks like Arielle needs to get told. Lawschoolmom, Go swim team!! That is so great to hear! Thanks, all of you, for confirming that I'm not totally nuts in my thinking.

I think group lessons are fine for mom n me classes--although having done swim lessons with Bunny when she was a baby (before she could walk) I now have thoughts on those. Wallie didn't do them...I think false-confidence can be a frightening thing...

[TJ]

Citymama, you're totally right in your thinking. I was a competitive swimmer and all-around water sports island girl, and watching my nephews in group lessons made me angrier than anything else. Yes, there were a couple of assertive yet kind teachers, but those are far and few between. Kids need to feel safe in the water however the level of regression while out of lessons is high. My best experience with swim lessons was with a former professional surfer who had kids. He knew his way around the water technically AND was able to talk to children. Good Luck!

[dgm]

Totally agree. I'd also add that it's important to get an instructor who understands a little child psychology and child development. I've seen some who were technically competent but didn't know how to "read" individual kids and so the kids and instructors (and parents) were often at odds. My two kids have very different personalities and temperaments, but they were trained by a woman who has four kids and who totally understands how to get them each child to do what she wants.

For Wallie, who appears to not so much like people telling her what to do (just like my daughter), it may be that she will do better with an instructor who does not use an authoritative approach but can still convince her to do X. For my daughter, this means a coach who will explain the reason why holding her arms a certain way helps her move more smoothly through the water, etc.

[Stefania/CityMama]

yay more confirmation i'm not nutso!

dgm, you are right on the money about the type of instructor I look for with wallie. she doesn't respond to authority, but is a sucker for reverse psychology.

[foodiemama]

i am a lot more gentler in my approach but yeah, i agree that group lessons are not the way to go. we do private and within 8 lessons the kid was swimming. i have a natural on my hands too. he was scared at first and we eased our way in... the instructor was the sweetest 18 yr old. i was hestitant to just throw him in there cause i didn't want to make it something not fun but we did do some soft coaxing. now he is a fish and we will continue with private for quite a long time. its pricey but well worth the outcome and watching the group lessons and how idle and bored those little ones became jsut seemed a waste.

[followthatdog]

I agree about group vs. individual classes. With too many kids they just don't get to swim. They end up having an expensive, sit in the water and gab class.

[javabeanboy]

I had group lessons and I'd say I am a confident and competent swimmer but lack the kind of confidence that might have led to competitive swimming. I really liked swimming and wanted to be pushed and encouraged - but had to settle for the attention I got and gave up on my skill development.

[Amy]

I would agree completely with your claim that group lessons don't work. My son started swimming after we moved into an apartment building with a pool. All the time he spent in the water-with no instructer, just me or his dad--and he was swimming in a few months. He was 4. My daughter has always been more afraid of the water, less daring so we did do lessons with her: she learned nothing. We don't live by a pool anymore so at 4 she is not a swimmer, but she gets more confident everytime we swim. I'm not paying for lessons for her, I'm just going to let her go at her own pace and learn from 1 on 1 instruction from me.

[Natalie]

Hey, Mama, have you tried La Petite Baleen? Despite the fancy frenchiness of the name, they are really amazing. I think they're just what you're looking for. E me when you get some time, I can fill you in and we can also catch up.

Best,
Nat

[Nicole]

Can I apologize on behalf of all dedicated swim instructors everywhere to you? Some teenagers are just not ready to handle group classes; and the one who didn't test your daughter's abilities and move her up? WRONG, on so many levels.

I am a public servant by day and teach people how to be swim instructors on weekends (in fact, I just got back from a course an hour ago). I encourage my candidates to develop their judgment and put the kids in the appropriate levels (with guidance, of course).

I believe in being firm, but fun. Its not all games and play, particularly when safety is at risk.

If you're interested in competitive swimming, don't worry about prepping them through lessons for swim club - the coaches will take care of that.

As for games in lessons - well, they're supposed to be "games with aims", but some people don't know how to use them properly.

And don't be scared to talk to the instructor or the supervisor if you feel you're not getting value.

[MommyTwinGirls/Linda D]

My girls were lucky. None of the group classes were larger than 4 kids and in their 2 previous sessions, they were the only two kids in the classes. I *love* the instructors at our club. One of them even told one of my girls that crying was not allowed. She was very encouraging but focused on my daughter at least trying. My girls *love* her and run over to her to say HI whenever they're not in class. I agree that teachers have to be firm and focused on teaching the kids to swim and be water safe - not allow them to shrink away. Of course, it's all about practicing outside of class as well - which my husband is very good about and it has helped them progress quickly.

[Asianmommy.com]

I agree with you. Very small groups or individual lessons work best. Last year, my daughter wouldn't let go of her swim instructor in the pool. This year, we started out with private lessons, then moved to a small group of 3. She finally was able to swim 3 strokes on her own without a floaty. A small feat, but I'm so happy for her.

[Menchuvian Candidate]

I, a complete stranger (and not even a devoted reader, but someone who stumbled in), heartily recommend

http://www.swimamerica.org/general.asp

for lessons. They are the only program we found that actually focuses on teaching proper technique at all stages. We dumb so much down for our kids, but the truth is the drive for mastery is innate, so why not respect it?

[Mom on the Run]

Swim team is the way to go. Two of my 3 were not swimming at the beginning of summer swim team. By the end of the first week they were off the kick boards and swimming. It took a little while longer...two weeks...before they were ready to swim across te pool in a meet. The kids love the ribbons for placing in a race, the personal best ribons for bettering your fastest time, and the end-of-season trophy.

[Carrie]

Wow, I feel really outclassed as a mom right now. I was feeling good about myself for getting my 4-year-old signed up for swimming lessons, and actually getting her there before each class ended (a couple times before it started).

It never occurred to me that I also have to WATCH the lessons or think about whether someone else at another pool might do a better job.

Oh, well. Yeah, my kid has been taught by teens or very young adults who do a so-so job, but she HAS gained an amazing amount of confidence in the water this year. Because I didn't watch most of the lessons, I was thrilled to see her dive to the bottom of the shallow end to grab plastic rings and paddle around the pool clutching a kickboard. She is obviously behind Wallie -- no arm strokes yet -- but still I feel like she's getting there.

I learned to swim perfectly well myself in group YMCA lessons. I may not have great form, but I can enjoy swimming for exercise and do not worry about drowning. I guess I should aim higher for my kids though. CityMama, you're awesome for seeking out the best for yours.

[Croft]

I know it may be a bit far but have you looked into La Petite Baleen? They have pools in San Bruno, Half Moon Bay and their newest in SF's Presidio. My 3 year old had been doing lessons at the JCCSF and I switched her to La Petite in SF. within 3 weeks she started swimming completely on her own! For a girl who liked putting her head under the water but not anything more this was great! They have individual lessons and also group which is up to 4 kids (which my daughter is in and she is not spending time being bored at all). The instructors are super knowledgeable and they have a set plan to get the kids swimming. Check them out- http://www.swimlpb.com/ - I highly recommend them, even with the drive it will be for you...

[Backpacking Dad]

For hardcase, worldclass swim instructors you can also check out Andrew at Peninsula Swim School in Redwood City.

He competes internationally still and I wouldn't want him yelling at me to do the strokes, which kind of means that I DO want him yelling at Erin when she's old enough for those 1:1 lessons.

[Stefania/CityMama]

Carrie, Ha! I was blissfully ignorant until our 1:1 lessons. When I saw how it could be (combined with the kids" interest in learning to swim better) it forced me to think about how I wanted to spend those precious swim lesson dollars. If I feel like I'm "on" swim lessons, I can slack off in all other areas, right? If it makes you feel better, we got two (yes, TWO) letters from the principal last year because we couldn't get our act together to get our kid to school on time.

[Marivi]

We've had a great experience at La Petite Baleen, too,but mostly because we paid for group lessons all Summer and the other three kids have been on vacation or out sick for most of that time.

I can't rate the instructor on her teaching technique, but I love paying for a group lesson and getting a private, one-on-one session ;-)

[Karen]

We did private lessons for our girls this summer and I am so glad we did. They really needed the 1:1 attention. My oldest had earplugs all last summer and was very reluctant to put her face/head in the water, now she is a fish! My youngest is stubborn. But after 6 weeks of encouragement and patience she is now jumping in. There is no way they would be this confident in the water after group lessons. We really like the program at the JCC in San Jose. The staff knows their stuff and works well with kids.

[makana2]

Citymama, thank you for your insight. I have been taking my daughter to group swim lessons for a year (since she was 4). She is comfortable in the water, but is not swimming, nor floating yet... I think part of the problem is the large class size. The class is only 30 minutes long too, so my daughter doesn't get much individual attention. How did you find your swim instructor in Hawaii? We live in Honolulu and I would love to enroll my daughter.