Learn to swim for a LIFEtime of FUN, FITNESS, and SAFETY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions about swim lessons answered
As a professional Swimming Instructor for over 30 years, I am asked certain questions over and over again:
- What Swimming Skills can I expect my child to learn, and at what age?
- How many lessons will it take to learn to swim?
- How well should my child be able to swim and how old should he be before...
- “I taught myself to swim.” or “I learned to swim when Dad (or Uncle) threw me into the deep lake. I don't see why I should pay for expensive lessons for my child.”
- Can I save by enrolling my child(ren) in public–type swim lessons rather than more expensive private swim school lessons?
- How can I save money on swim lessons?
- I want the very best for my child. What about one–on–one Private or Semi–Private lessons?
- How do I prevent my child forgetting and losing all his hard–learned skills over the winter months? What about Year–Round Lessons?
- My child is subject to constant earaches and infections. He is having ear tubes put in before summer. What can I do about his swimming lessons?
- What size class group do you consider ideal? How long should each lesson be?
- How do you handle Fear Problems and "persistent non–swimmers"?
- What if my child doesn't like the lessons and/or refuses to go (or has Nightmares, digestive or other psychosomatic symptoms associated with the lessons)?
- How old should my child be before I start him in "formal" swimming lessons?
- What teaching methods do you use with babies? Baby Swim lessons have had so much "bad press" lately. I don't want to do anything that will be traumatic or harmful to my baby.
- Am I too old to learn to swim?
What Swimming Skills can I expect my child to learn, and at what age?
Most Babies (under 3) cannot be expected to show much progress in actual swimming skills to pass much beyond the basic "Adjustment" level. However, reasonable goals for babies can include:
- Basic Water Adjustment and enjoyment of the water;
- "Togetherness Time" and "Bonding" with their parent in the water;
- Enhanced Development in all areas;
- Increased physical fitness, exercise and muscle tone;
- and, possibly some degree of Survival training to be able to roll to his back and/or get to the side or steps and hang on. Remember that in order not to totally lose all they have learned, they need to be taken swimming for lessons and/or play at least weekly year round.
Most Children are about age 3½ or 4 before they can maintain a stable Back Float. They are usually about 4 or 4½ when they can swim on their face and get breaths by themselves. At 5 many are reasonably comfortable in calm deep water and can start learning specific strokes like Back Crawl, bilateral side breathing and overarm Front Crawl (Freestyle). These ages are averages only, and I have experienced many exceptions. The youngest I have ever had pass our Beginner test were two little girls who passed before their 3rd birthdays.
(Return to the top)How many lessons will it take to learn to swim?
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The average child of 3 or 4 without an extreme fear problem, starting as a new beginning non–swimmer, usually needs a minimum of 15 lessons each season for 1–3 years to pass our Beginner Test at about age 4–5. He will then need to take 15 lessons an additional 2–3 years to "Graduate". I expect an average of one skill level advancement for each 8–10 lessons attended. My goal is for every student to "Graduate" before dropping out of formal swim lessons. At this level he is comfortable in deep water, and has reached a "personal enjoyment level" of Swimming Skill. He knows the basic 5 strokes (maybe not perfectly) – Front & Back Crawl, Elementary Backstroke, Breast & Side Strokes. He should also have developed Control so he swims reasonably smoothly, and will garner many compliments on his swimming. He will never be embarrassed or teased about his swimming ability as he grows older & bigger at pool parties. He swims well enough that it is pleasant for him for his Lifetime of Fun & Fitness. Swimming is one of the few physical activities that can be enjoyed thruout life, even into one's "Golden" years. |
How well should my child be able to swim and how old should he be before...
- Joining a competitive swim (H2O Polo, Diving, or Synchro) team? I like to see them "Graduate" before they try out for the team. Even at this level, the far higher levels of skill & control required of competitive swimmers will be all the challenge he can handle. I don't specify a minimum age, but the child will probably be at least 7 or 8 years old, usually 9 yrs old.
- Taking up scuba? I recommend, in agreement with both padi and naui scuba instructors, that a person be at least 12 years old. The form required to Graduate is not necessary for scuba, but an even higher level of comfort in the water and stamina is required. I would suggest a bare minimum of having passed our Beginner Test, ability to maneuver underwater, treading water for at least 30 min and being able to swim a minimum of 400 yds nonstop.
- Swimming in "Open Water" (Lake, River, ocean, etc and taking up surfing? Any age child can enjoy splashing around up to waist deep water on a calm day. Most professionals agree that age 10 should be reached before a child gets into the breaker line or beyond for surfing, boogie boarding, etc. Skills should be about the same as for scuba above.
- Swimming in our backyard pool without an Adult Care giver on deck? The answer to this one is easy and one word: "Never!!!" The first rule of Water Safety is "Never swim alone!".
- Quitting Formal Swimming Lessons? Absolutely not before he passes the Beginner Test and is comfortable in deep water. However, this is not where I would recommend discontinuing swim lessons. I like to see a swimmer "Graduate" before he stops taking swim lessons or tries out for the Swim Team.
“I taught myself to swim.” or “I learned to swim when Dad (or Uncle) threw me into the deep lake. I don't see why I should pay for expensive lessons for my child.”
There are those who can teach themselves, or learn the "hard way" by the "sink–or–swim" method — but they are the exception. And, I'll bet they don't swim well enough to enjoy swimming as a lifetime fun & fitness activity.
With today's popularity of all forms of recreation in, on or around the water, it is essential that everyone learn to swim from at least a safety standpoint, if not a social and fitness viewpoint.
(Return to the top)Can I save by enrolling my child(ren) in public–type swim lessons rather than more expensive private swim school lessons?
Many, many people have learned to swim in public–type learn–to–swim programs. At least through the Beginner levels, this type of instruction is probably quite adequate for many IF the student can stand the usually cold water, about 78–82 deg and the confusion of large umpteen class groups going on in the pool. Instructors in public–type programs are usually relatively young, inexperienced and paid less. This is an "Entry Level" Position. Some may have the potential to become outstanding instructors. In 10 yrs they will be a lot better, and will be earning much more and teaching for us!
Even Instructors subsidized in their parents'backyard pool with cut rates are often relatively young & inexperienced. And the water may not be a comfortable 90 deg. It is just a "summer job" for them. With me, teaching swimming is a "passion".
Many swimmers have extreme fear problems or fearful, cautious type personalities, handicaps or learning disabilities. These need a more mature, experienced instructor and warmer water, etc to meet their needs.
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How can I save money on swim lessons?
Actually, there are several ways you can save money on swim lessons:
- Wait until the child is at the optimal learning age of 4–5 before starting formal swimming lessons. In the meantime, put the money you save in an interest–bearing account to use when he does start lessons.
- Give the child plenty of safe, supervised opportunity to teach himself as much as he can. Take him to play at the pool at least 3 times a week all summer long. You'll be amazed at how much he will "teach himself", probably to the Beg 3 or CA level by age 3 or 4. Then, he will start formal lessons at a higher skill level, saving all the expense of the lessons at the lower levels.
- Register for & attend a minimum of 15 sessions each summer, starting as early as possible in the season. This way, fewer lessons are spent in "regaining" ground lost over the winter.
- Shop for "value", not just price, in swim lessons.
I want the very best for my child — What about one–on–one Private or Semi–Private lessons?
In my experience, most students benefit more from a small group experience, if the members of the group are compatible in age & skill level so they can all be working on the same things. The group encourages friendly competition, interaction, peer–group modeling and camaraderie. The children have more FUN and will learn more. The "pace & flow" of the lesson is also more conducive to learning.
Private one–on–one lessons tend to become too "intense". The student has little or no chance to "catch his breath" between "turns" and has no one his own age and size to compare his progress to. Private lessons tend to "isolate" the student psychologically and socially.
There are only a few instances when I would recommend one–on–one lessons:
- If schedule is such that the student cannot fit into any compatible and available groups.
- If student is "behind" even the least advanced group in the program, and falling further behind, and discouragement is becoming a problem — often just 2 or 3 private lessons are all that is needed to get him over a "stuck" area so he can re–join the group.
- If student is far more advanced than any group in the program, and the group is holding him back, private lessons will allow him to progress at his own faster rate.
How do I prevent my child forgetting and losing all his hard–learned skills over the winter months? What about Year–Round Lessons?
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This is a real challenge. There are few year–round opportunities for children to "go swimming" in many areas. Even those with Home Pools seldom heat them for year–round use. Most of my parents just accept the fact that their children will be "rusty" at the start of each swim lesson season. This is why it is essential that the child attend at least 15 lessons each year. Year–Round Lessons, even just once a week, is an "Idea Whose Time Has Come". More and more quality Swim Schools offer Indoor and/or Year Round Programs. The only reason I do not run a longer or year–round program is that I am doing well to secure facilities during the Spring/Summer. If there are any year–round pools in your area with "Open Swim" hours, I highly recommend you take your child even if just for play at least once a week during the "off season". There are a few things that could be done throughout the "dry season" to help, however:
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My child is subject to constant earaches and infections. He is having ear tubes put in before summer. What can I do about his swimming lessons?
Consult with your Doctor. A few drops of equal parts of Rubbing Alcohol, Vinegar and (optionally) Glycerine in each ear after immersion will dry up water in the ear canal. This may cause drying of the tender ear canal tissues, so drop a few drops of Aloe Vera in each ear also. Usually, swimming is OK with an ear infection or Swimmer's Ear, as long as the head is kept within 12" of the surface (no diving), and the student has no fever. If your child has ear tubes, ask your doctor about "Ear Molds" so he can enjoy water fun. "Doc's Pillow–Soft Ear Plugs" or "Silly Putty" Ear Plugs are an inexpensive substitute for the "Ear Molds".
(Return to the top)What size class group do you consider ideal? How long should each lesson be?
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This depends on the type of class. Since Parent–Tot (Baby) classes are one–on–one with the parent and the baby, the class size is only limited to the number that can fit and move around comfortably in the shallow area of the pool being used. The number should also be limited so that the noise level (babies make a lot of noise crying and chattering) does not hamper communication between the Instructor and the parents. These lessons should not exceed 30 minutes and the parent should feel free to take his baby out of the water when the baby shows signs of chilling or distress. Other classes should be limited in size and time so as to be fast–paced and challenging to each student. “Leave 'em wanting more.” The lessons should allow for interaction among students, yet not be too "intense" (too few students) or boring (too many students). There should be time for individualized attention to each student as needed. Students should not get chilled through lack of activity between "turns". Warm water to 90 deg (especially for evening lessons) is essential. This generally means between 3–5 students present in half–hour classes for Beginner levels. Strokes Level classes have more activities on their repertoire; so can be 45 min long with 4–6 students, or even an hour long with 8–10 students if the class has a compatible "mix". Grouping students in their appropriate skill level class is also important. The skill mix of each class cannot ever be, or remain, perfectly homogeneous. However, parents and Instructor should be flexible and willing to transfer a student to another class where he can function better and would feel more comfortable — even in mid–session. The "best group" for your child is a delicate blend and balance, not only of skill level, but also age, gender, rate of progress, personality type and other psychological and social factors. |
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How do you handle Fear Problems and "persistent non–swimmers"?
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Often, a "Fear Problem" is not really a fear of the water. It is often a fear of the unknown or failure, stranger or separation anxiety, and/or embarrassment (in older students). The first thing I do with a new student of any age, including adults, is to establish a trust–love bond with them. Then, we build on this foundation. They are more willing to try new things if they are confident they won't be hurt, uncomfortable, ridiculed, or frightened. I teach "precept upon precept", "from the known to the related unknown", one step at a time. The skills follow so easily, smoothly and naturally — they don't even realize that they're doing something "scary". I try to make sure each student has at least one "Success Experience" as well as a "Challenge" at each lesson. |
What if my child doesn't like the lessons and/or refuses to go (or has Nightmares, digestive or other psychosomatic symptoms associated with the lessons)?
A lot depends on the age & maturity of the child. If he is 2½ or "just" 3, you might try a Parent & Tot Transitional "Baby" class, or asking for an extension of your fees to the following year when he is older & more mature.
However, if he is a 3.5 or older non or poor swimmer and you have decided to give him swimming lessons this year (a wise decision), it is important that you do not back down on his taking lessons under any circumstances. At this age you do not ask a child what he wants to do. You tell him! By the time a child is 8, however, there is no way you can "force" him to take the lessons if he really doesn't want to.
In this event, 2–way communication between parent, child and teacher is absolutely essential to make every effort to resolve any difficulties or misunderstandings "in the bud" before the situation gets "beyond the point of no return", and this becomes a "failure experience" for parent, child & teacher.
You might try him with a less aggressive, more "gentle" teacher, and definitely make the swim lessons as pleasant and appealing as possible, including "inducements", rewards, "togetherness time" alone with him on the way home, or whatever you think might motivate him. Perhaps there is 1 or 2 particular skills or activities he is especially fearful of or intensely dislikes. It is easy enough to leave those 1 or 2 items out of his lesson plan until he is more willing to try them. There are other things he can work on.
If he agrees to take the lessons, and then reneges, this is a different parenting issue that you must deal with to avoid raising a flakey, manipulative child. Perhaps you may need to impose penalties (financial, privileges, etc), in the same manner as you will suffer consequences for reneging on arrangements you have made with the swim school.
(Return to the top)How old should my child be before I start him in "formal" swimming lessons?
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I recommend Mom and Dad as the child's best “1st swimming teacher”, unless the parent(s) have hang ups or extreme fear of water themselves. In this event, may I strongly recommend swimming instruction for the parents? You are missing a very choice experience if you can't share those first water experiences with your child, which can begin in the Bathinette shortly after birth. |
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Under 3 I recommend "Parent & Tot" Baby lessons and/or informal play with parent & child in the water. "Formal" lessons without the parent in the water with a professional Instructor can start at about 2½ or 3 when the child is mature enough to handle “Stranger & Separation Anxiety”. Parent is present but not in the water at the lesson. |
What teaching methods do you use with babies? Baby Swim lessons have had so much "bad press" lately. I don't want to do anything that will be traumatic or harmful to my baby.
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To start off, let me give my assurances that I do not approve of the so–called "Drownproofing", "Total Push" or "force" method of teaching students of any age. I feel that under age 3, we really aren't teaching them to swim anyway. We are trying to train them to survive, and hope in an actual emergency they may be more likely to react as they've been trained: to roll onto their backs and/or "go back to the wall" or steps. The Back Float "Drownproofing" method will only work if the child does not panic, rolls to his back and lies quietly without making waves that wash over his face making it impossible for him to breathe. There is a strong possibility that the child will hit his head and be knocked unconscious or stunned and disoriented as he falls or slips into the water. |
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Babies often will not take the lifesaving measures they have been taught (roll onto back, go back to the wall) until it is too late, because they don't realize they are in danger until they get desperate for air. There is never a substitute for constant vigilant supervision and creating as many "layers of safety" barriers between the child and the water as possible, including swim lessons, locked gates, pool cover, unclimbable fences, alarms, locks, etc. I do not believe in "teaching" a child it is OK to swim with regular clothes on, even once to pass a h2o Safety Test. They need to be trained that “we only go in the water when wearing 'special swimming clothes' (swimsuit)”; and the corollary “We never wear our swim attire except at the pool, beach or lake” when we plan to "go swimming". I believe that “Gentle ways are best”. Realistic goals at this age are:
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Am I too old to learn to swim?
There is no such thing as “too old to learn” to swim. I have seen non–swimmers in their 90's learn to be comfortable in the water and enjoy swimming.
Adults will generally progress faster through the first levels, once they overcome any fear problems they have. Many adults learn to float both front and back in their first lesson or two. However, progress will be slower to gain the necessary endurance to pass the Beginner test. Once they have passed the Beginner Test, Adults have greater concentration and attention span, and so learn the techniques and form of the strokes and other skills quicker than children. However, they lack and may never gain the strength and stamina to swim fast or powerfully. Physical disabilities & limited range–of–movement may make learning the proper movement patterns of over–water recovery (Crawl) strokes very difficult or impossible. Older adults need to learn strokes that are practical and comfortable for them when done PROPERLY.
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