Taking the Plunge

I had no idea what to expect going into my child’s first swimming lesson at USSA. For one thing, she hadn’t so much as dipped her toe in water for almost a year, since last summer. And her last experience with swimming lessons was practically traumatizing.

She had wanted absolutely no part in those lessons and why would it be any different now? So, I watched on nervously as my youngest, Ruby (4 1/2), began her private lesson with Coach Chrissy. I was surprised that I didn’t need to get in the water with her this time. Maybe they were going to assume she was farther along than she was. But, they had asked me about her current swimming skills before the lesson.

She had wanted absolutely no part in those lessons and why would it be any different now? So, I watched on nervously as my youngest, Ruby (4 1/2), began her private lesson with Coach Chrissy. I was surprised that I didn’t need to get in the water with her this time. Maybe they were going to assume she was farther along than she was. But, they had asked me about her current swimming skills before the lesson.

To my utter surprise, Ruby didn’t hesitate or complain at all as Coach Chrissy scooped her gently into the water of the pool. And then the games began. Ruby was told to “blow her bubbles” as she transferred colorful rings from the side of the pool to a platform in the water. And did she do it? Yes! Every time! My stubborn girl was following instructions beautifully. And she was doing it with a smile plastered on her face and giggles oozing out of her.

For the next round, little squid-shaped toys became food items and even I wanted to join in the fun. And for the finale, Coach Chrissy calmly plunged Ruby completely under the water and Ruby didn’t even bat an eyelash.

But, I should have known the crying was coming: when the lesson ended, that is. Ruby did NOT want to stop. She was having too much fun! And who could blame her? What had I been so worried about? With skilled coaches and fun toys and tactics, swimming lessons really don’t have to be all tears and screams. They can be gallons of fun!

Great Beginnings At United States Swim Academy

Once your child is enrolled in swimming lessons at United States Swim Academy, a great new adventure is about to begin. And while your child's swimming instructor will be in charge of teaching him to swim, there are some things you can do to help us better serve you. It is best to get started early, before your child's first lesson. Here are some tips we find helpful. Follow these and your child will learn quickly and will be much more comfortable at the pool.

1. Try to arrive relaxed and positive, especially if the experience of swimming lessons is new to your child. She will feel calm and secure and lessons will be more successful.


2. Have a dress rehearsal at home so your child gets used to swimwear and goggles.


3. Arrive early so you and your child can become acquainted with the surroundings and will not be flustered or rushed.


4. Toilet your child just prior to their lesson to avoid accidents and disruption during swimming lessons.


5. Goggles are a vital teaching aid at various stages of the learning process. They allow for good vision and comfort underwater. It is ideal for children to have their own goggles and arrive ready for class (nose piece and strap adjusted to their individual needs). Goggles can also be used for practice in-between swmming lessons.


6. The wearing of bathing caps is strongly recommended to keep hair out of the eyes and mouth and to allow goggles to slip on more easily. They also help enormously with filtration and therefore pool cleanliness.


7. For their own safety, it is essential that children do not enter the pool before or after their scheduled swimming lesson times.


8. Please stay back from the pool edge while swimming lessons are in progress. It’s great to encourage your child, but try to leave the teaching and discipline to the swimming teacher.
   Bring a suitable ‘hanky’ for wiping the inevitable runny nose. Please use the bins provided for disposal.


9. For safety reasons and respect for other patrons, ensure your child walks and doesn’t run in the academy.


10. Finally, be considerate of others. For example, if children are having a shower, make it brief so that other users are not inconvenienced.