Swimming lessons

[sherrardk]

Does anyone know if there are people who provide swimming lessons for toddlers. We are hoping to go away to a villa in the summer (which will have a pool) and I am a bit concerned about safety. The older children can either swim or are well enough behaved not to go in the pool without me or their dad, but I am a bit worried about the two year old (three in March) twins. I can take them swimming as I am not allowed to take two toddlers on my own in the local pool (and my friend who would come with me has a toddler of her own) so thats out. Any ideas anyone? (Obviously we do keep our eyes on them as much as possible but I can imagine a scenario of a door being left open and one of them giving us the slip.) thanks

[sherrardk]

Sorry, should be can't take them swimming ^

[boxtops]

Sherrard, any chance you have a private pool near you? We use one at a local hotel, there are no restrictions on numbers, you could take the twins with you (if you are brave enough!!).

[sherrardk]

Hi Boxtops, I hadn't thought of that. Will investigate what's available and how much it costs (but live in Hereford so don't hold out much hope as it's a bit 'sleepy'). Thanks for the idea though.

[Hawkwalk]

whilst there are swimming lessons for babies and toddlers at most pools, it is unlikely they will be able to learn to swim unaided until around 4 or 5 years old so taking them now would not reduce the risk. It may in fact encourage them to jump in!!

Perhaps a villa without a pool may be better if there are no child safety gates etc around the pool.

[sherrardk]

Thanks for that Hawkwalk, but I don't think we would consider that as it wouldn't be fair on the other children. Will just have to make sure that they can't get out without us knowing!

[Buenchico]

While you're not allowed to take your twins to a general swimming session at Hereford Leisure Pool, you ARE allowed to take them to 'Adult and Under 8' sessions (whatever that means!):
http://www.haloleisur...s.showPage&pageID=114

I would assume that those session include the Aqua Tots sessions in the teaching pool, from 1130 to 1230 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, or in the leisure pool from 1100 to 1200 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

It's also likely that the same policy would apply to the parent & child lessons (but you might have to go on a waiting list to join them):
http://www.haloleisure.org.uk/index.cfm
(Set 'Search for a facility' to 'Swimming lessons')

Chris

[sherrardk]

Thanks for that Chris, I did ring Halo and they said I couldn't take them on my own. Will ring them again, would hate to turn up and then be sent away again.

[bednobs]

this probably dosen't help you but in florida where my sister lives, because there are so many pools around they teach kids not to swim, but to float - with the idea that if they accidentally fall in they can float till somoeon comes, rather than thrash around trying to get out. It's also a lot quicker and easier than learning to swim

[bednobs]

that's a really good idea

[Kimmy]

Hi
I know this sounds obvious but have you tried your local pool. Also, private health clubs which have their own pool also run swimming lessons. My daughter started her swimming lessons as soon as her jabs were up to date. I had to go in with her at first and as she got older, started to go alone. Would imagine it's difficult with twins but worth asking the question.

[sherrardk]

Hi Kimmy - have been in touch with my local pool and I can take them to under 8s swimming but not to lessons as it has to be one-to-one.

[society]

Whether the kids could swim or not I think it's a good idea to get them life vest, especially the younger ones, to wear when in the water or even going near the pool.

[DTCwordfan]

Have a word at the primary schools in the area to see if there are any private tutors - and they may have use of a pool somewhere. I would explain the situation.

Our youngest was taught at 18 months to float in the US - they can survive for four to five hours - head all the way back and arch the spine.

And to anybody reading with a pool, there is a fab safety system out of Houston called "Catch-a-Kid" - a safety net over the pool which has pulleys to get it really tight and supports a baby - and a 3 year old can climb off it. It has been known to even hold a Mercedes up and out of the water when it came through a fence. Don't know if they have a UK agent yet. All the notches for the hooks to the net are recessed - takes 5 mins to undo and less than 10 to refix on a decent sized US house pool.