The Cost of Safety

At United States Swim Academy, we can and do reduce the risk of childhood drowning as part of our daily activities. What is that worth to you? Because we often hear that swimming lessons are too expensive. Are they really? If you are willing to spend money on the newest technology or a lavish birthday party for your little one, shouldn’t you be willing to pay the price for your child’s safety?

Invest in your child’s future by completing their water safety and swimming training. Some training is not enough to save your child. Their swimming lessons must be completed if you want to be sure they are safer around water. And these lessons don’t just affect your son or daughter for a short time; completing their training here at USSA ensures a lifetime of water safety and confidence. A party is over in a few hours. An iPod is outdated in a few months. A child’s swimming ability lasts forever.

Something is expensive when it does not deliver value for the money, time, or effort. That is not the definition of our swimming lessons program! We deliver risk-reducing swimming lessons for all children, a pre-swim skill program to increase learning and skill retention, and we offer the lowest student-teacher ratio in Broward County! The risk of drowning is very real in our community. Already this year, four children have died. We are value-packed and we help to prevent the tragedy of childhood drowning.

So, the next time you are planning a trip to Disney or considering purchasing an expensive toy for your little boy or girl, think about the money it costs to save your child’s life here at USSA. Is it worth it? We think so and we know you will agree as well.

Consistency is Key!

As a team we can successfully help our children succeed and learn to swim! The key to successful swim lessons are consistency and repetition. Our children can achieve this with our help.

Our classes are carefully designed to help your child learn to swim. Patterns and repetition are used throughout the lessons. Each class builds on an already learned skill that was introduced in a previous lesson. Why do we use such patterns and repetition? Maria Montessori proved, more than 100 years ago, that children love to practice until they achieve a permanent kind of mastery. Children will not retain what they have learned if it is simply taught once; they need repetition and patterns.

As a parent, you have probably noticed that your child thrives on routine. Sometimes a holiday or trip will cause chaos because your child is out of his or her regular routine. If your child is school-aged, you know they have a certain routine they follow at school which might include snack times, work times and recess. Teachers know that children really crave this regular routine schedule. Knowing what to expect makes them feel comfortable and safe. This is the environment under which children learn best.

If your child misses a lesson and has to re-schedule for a different class time, then they may have a new instructor or a different group of classmates. This can make them uncomfortable and can disrupt their rhythm. We know there will be times when a child is sick or there is an emergency and you need to miss a class. Otherwise, we urge you to be aware of the importance of consistency and early arrival. We need your help with regular attendance and early arrival! Your child will progress so much more quickly. Children who miss lessons fall back multiple classes.

Thank you for being part of the solution to preventing drowning! If you haven't already, reserve your child's spot today! Learning to swim can save a life.

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!

Swim Time is Bonding Time

Parents often sign their children up for swimming lessons with safety foremost on their minds. While safety is obviously a valid reason, there are countless other benefits to getting little ones in the water early on. These advantages start earlier than some might expect. Parents might think infant swimming lessons are just fun and games, but this time spent between parent and child is also a truly special bonding experience.

From the time a parent and infant first meet eyes, they are smitten. Let the bonding begin! This act of intensely attaching to one’s baby is not only a warm and fuzzy feeling. Studies have shown that early bonding between parent and child allows for better socialization later in life and fosters a sense of positive self image and security.

So, what is the best way for a parent to bond with their baby? Skin-to-skin contact. This is why cuddling and hugging their infant are some favorite pastimes of new parents. Add some water to this bonding time and you have infant swimming lessons!

When parents hold their baby in the warm water of the pool and gently bounce them in their arms as they sing and play games, there is obvious bonding taking place. Parent and child are physically connected and baby is learning invaluable water confidence skills at the same time. The warm water instantly relaxes both parent and child and this special time becomes a refreshing break from the day’s stresses. And parents can feel comfortable that their baby is safe with a qualified professional there to gently guide them.

So, give your little one a cuddle, a hug, and add a little water to this special bonding time. Infant swimming lessons provide more than safety. Swim time is bonding time.