I have been teaching private swimming lessons at people’s homes, training lifeguards around the world and certifying the general public in CPR and first aid for the last 18 years.
At the beginning of every swim season, parents and prospective clients usually ask the same questions. When should children learn to swim? What are the pros and cons for group vs private lessons? What are different teaching methods depending on the age of the swimmer? The answers to these questions are dependent on a child’s personality, the
client’s budget and their access to a private pool vs a public pool. My goal is to provide clients with as much information as possible so they can make the best decision for them and feel confident with their
choice.
Babies as young as 6 months can start taking parent and me lessons. Babies have a natural epiglottal reaction to close their mouths underwater and lose that reaction by 12 months, so it’s a good idea to start teaching them as soon as possible. In addition, studies show that gentle movements engaged through swimming teaches babies to engage both sides of their body simultaneously. This bilateral movement not only helps develop and maintain muscle memory, it also increases brain development. Find a friend who has a heated pool, bring in 4-6 parents and get a private instructor. This will lower the cost and be a fun social event.
Private lessons can be a fantastic experience. Certified instructors teach at client’s homes. Parents don’t have to rush to get them ready, out the door and sit in traffic to and from lessons, which is something most people in LA want, less time in traffic! The instructor will assess the child’s personality and abilities and tailor the lesson to them. Two to
three lessons a week is standard for private lessons. Repetition builds muscle memory which comes back to them in the water. Clients can set up a block of lessons with a few moms if one or more of them have a pool, which results in each swimmer getting a 20-30 min private lesson.
Public lessons at an accredited swim school are a great option. Ask them about their method or sit in on a class before enrolling your child to see if it’s a good fit. There are many swim schools across the US that offer great group lessons. Public pools may offer one on one lessons with instructors. Lessons should last at least 30 minutes. That may seem like a long time, but there is a point where a child will become productive enjoying the lessons.
If a parent has an outgoing personable child they might love group lessons or they could get distracted by other children. If a child is more fearful and apprehensive they may benefit from a one on one lesson until they can move into a class setting. Therefore, a personality assessment is always helpful.
Instructors for any swim lessons should be CPR/First Aid and Lifeguard Certified. Those certifications need to be from an accredited organization like the Red Cross or the American Heart Association. If they took the courses online that doesn’t count. If they didn’t physically perform CPR or first aid in front of a skilled instructor for their certification, it’s worthless. How long has the instructor been teaching? I feel that a minimum of 5yrs or more is preferable. New instructors may charge less, but it may take them three times as long to get a child swimming, if at all. I have had many frustrated parents come to me over the years lamenting that they had their child in public or private lessons
for 2 years with different instructors and they still couldn’t swim. This should not happen! In general it takes about 3 weeks to get a child fully swimming with my methodology. Parents shouldn’t hesitate to ask instructors about their method and time frame for swimming. In addition, young and inexperienced swim instructors often don’t know about the psychology of swimming, such as the tips and tricks for gaining trust with kids quickly. They’re often still learning to build their method and their confidence.
If any parents or families have further questions please don’t hesitate to email me. I’m happy to answer any and all questions, regardless of whether or not they become a client. Water safety and confident swimmers are a passionate subject to me. Here is wishing you a healthy, happy and safe summer!
