Swim Lessons for a Reluctant Swimmer

From Landlubber to Frisky Fish
By: Barry Shrewsbury

Parents recognize the importance and value of learning to swim, so each year millions of children, ages 3 - 6, step into a pool for their first swim lesson. For some, the transition from non-swimmer to swimmer is smooth. These children enjoy being in water, are comfortable in most educational settings and readily follow directions from non-parent authority figures. If this describes your child, their swim lesson progress will probably be relatively smooth and resistance free. However, if your child is uneasy around water - even in the bathtub - the process can be daunting.

A child who dislikes getting water on their face, let alone putting their face in the water (required for learning to swim), will likely have resistance to swim instruction. This resistance can be compounded if your child is not particularly adventurous and/or is uncomfortable around new people. Fear not! You are not alone. Many of the children I have taught started with these issues and ultimately became confident, enthusiastic and pool-safe swimmers. When choosing a lesson program for this type of child, it is important to take a proactive approach with a long-term view towards your goal.

To increase the likelihood of your child's success, please consider the following factors. Most importantly, choose the best possible swim program and instructor. The optimal choice is for private lessons or the smallest class size available. With one-on-one lessons your child will have the opportunity to develop a strong relationship with the instructor who will have the time and attention to focus on their unique personality and needs. In general, private (or semi-private) lessons, which most swim schools offer, cost more. However, in terms of overall cost effectiveness, they can save time and money, as your child may progress more rapidly with individualized instruction. If you have your own pool (with a heating system), it may be possible to find a warm and experienced instructor to come to your house. It can be easier on your child, and convenient for you, if the lessons are in a familiar environment. I recommend waiting until reluctant swimmers are at least 4 years old to begin formal lessons. In the mean time, you might consider a “Mommy and Me” class.

When choosing a program, be thorough, check references, ask about pool temperature (85 degrees or warmer is best), and inquire about the program's philosophy on working with tentative children. I use a style which is light-hearted and compassionate, yet firm. I've had tremendous results moving a child through fear with this approach. Once children comfortably open their eyes underwater, swimming can begin and you will witness their confidence and joy growing on a lesson by lesson basis.

If your child is struggling with having water on her face, make water time at home playful. Don't give up! The more comfortable a child becomes in water, the quicker the transition into lessons. If you know the instructors' name, use it liberally as you approach your scheduled lessons, and talk up the joys of swimming. Arrive early and make sure your child uses the bathroom beforehand. Plan on being out of site during the lesson (watching from a vantage point where your child can't see you). This will allow your child to work through their anxiety and strengthen their relationship with the instructor. Immediately afterwards, and in the days following, praise them for any success. Find a swim lesson storybook which visually introduces your child to swimming and read it together frequently. Invite your child to talk about their feelings. Knowing what a child is thinking and feeling can be a great advantage for parent and instructor in working through a child's nervousness before and throughout the learning process.

For many children (and for all involved), the process of learning to swim can be a challenging and emotional experience. However, if you take a proactive approach and remember that swimming is a life-enhancing (and saving) skill, your child's, and therefore everyone's, experience can be that much more enjoyable and successful.

Barry Shrewsbury, a professional swim instructor for over 18 years, has taught over 800 children to swim and to be pool-safe. He is the author of Luca Learns to Swim: A Family's Companion to Swim Lessons.