In the past, Bubba has had many issues with the beginning of "pool season". He doesn't like to get his hair or face wet. He doesn't like water to get in his ears. The water is usually too cold or too hot. With this in mind, I decided to sign him up for swimming lessons at Emler Swim School (http://www.iswimemler.com/).
So...for two weeks (every single day) at the first of June Bubba had a 30 minute swimming lesson. I know it sounds intense, but he does better when you totally immerse (no pun intended) in it. Now, this same little hesitant boy is running and jumping in the pool with no one to catch him. He often looks like a duck bobbing in the water and suddenly throwing his face under the water. Thanks to swimming lessons, he has 8 second breath control (meaning he can hold his breath under water for 8 seconds) and is beginning to swim like a fish. He is so comfortable in the pool, he has begun to ask for his swimmies to be removed.
Since we had such success, we have signed Bubba up for advanced swimming lessons (at his level...nothing crazy), which will be once a week for the rest of the summer. We don't want him to lose his enthusiasm and comfortability (is that even a word?) with the water. YEAH BUBBA!!
Lilly is also taking swimming lessons once a week, but she has never been uncomfortable with the water. If anything, she is now OVER confident, which is scary!
1 comment:
Your son is a natural in the water! Is he still receiving swim lessons? That is the beauty of swim lessons – they teach your kids lifesaving skills while helping them to fall in love with the sport. It sounds like your son Bubba would be an excellent candidate for competitive swimming. Has he joined a swim team yet? It sounds like your daughter Lilly may be into the sport as well. I wouldn’t be scared about the confidence she has after taking swim lessons, but I would simply continue to be cautious and keep your eye on your daughter when she is near the water. Here is an article regarding how formal swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning, not increase it because kids feel more comfortable in the water: http://www.kastawayswimwear.com/Blog/index.php/formal-swimming-lessons-reduce-risk-of-drowning/
Thanks for sharing your story!
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