Make Your First Swim Class Great!

Are you concerned that your child will resist swimming?  Don’t worry! Some children jump right on in the first lesson and others have fear the first lesson or two.  So here are some tips to help get your child and yourself prepared to actually enjoy that very first swimming lesson (and the many more that will follow)!

Frame Swimming in a Positive Light

Our children’s perspective is influenced by the signals they receive from us. In the weeks leading up to their first lesson, be positive and supportive of the experience. Try to make any connection they have with water a positive one.

For little ones, make bath time fun and a no-fear zone by introducing bath-time-only toys, like a watering can or floating animals. It’s a great way to get kids used to water on their head and face!

The First Day of Class

There’s a lot to do before class and time goes by really fast. To make the most of lesson time, here are some ways to minimize distractions and maximize the fun and learning!

• Avoid having your child swim on an empty stomach or one that’s too full. Either could interfere with their comfort level during the lesson which potentially means less time in the water for them. Providing them with a light snack beforehand will keep up their energy level and help their focus during the lesson. Pack a snack for after the lesson, too.
• For your first lesson arrive 10-15 minutes early. The time it takes to find parking, get through the building and change your child into their swimsuit can add up!
• If you child’s first class is a water survival class like our Starfish or Minnow class, please try to forget to bring their goggles! Those classes focus on water survival in case you child ever gets pushed in or falls into the water.  The odds of them having their goggles on when they are get pushed in or fall in are not very good.
• Please go to the bathroom and have them do their business before the lesson!
• If your child has long hair, tie it up. British Swim School provides swim caps for all of our students.
• Consider having your child wear their swimsuit under their clothing and bring a change of clothes (and don’t forget underwear!) for after their swim. This makes for a quick change before the lesson.
• Team up with our Deck Ambassador and/or Aquatics Director – communication is key! Speak to the Deck Ambassador and/or Aquatics Director at the start of the first lesson. Establish open, positive communication with them. Let them know what your child is comfortable doing in the water, what they find challenging. Tell them what your goals are for your child.   What skill level do you want your child to achieve?

While almost all kids love swim lessons eventually, it does take some children a couple of classes to warm up to it. But, with a little pre-planning and by following these tips, you can easily increase the odds that they’ll love it the moment they jump in the pool!

Happy swimming!