Swimming lessons

[tamborine]

My g'kids 6, 8 & 10 have had lessons as toddlers in local pool but can only doggie paddle with youngest needing rubber ring - am not impressed !

How important is it for your children to be able to swim?

[DTCwordfan]

Ditto Carmalee here on the need to get the kids learning as we too were surrounded by pools.

We had our two learn at fore two how to survive in a pool - basically how to turn onto their backs, arch their bodies by putting their head back and then use their arms as a rest to their heads - this way toddlers can float for up to five hours......

It was only a short hop to both of them swimming and they are now both water-rats when it comes to a pool.

It is an essential skill in life and ls reinfoced by life-saving skills, even if only to bronze level.

[Jules001]

I had two non-swimmer parents, my mum was always made afraid of the water by her mum who was also obviously a non swimmer and passed the fear on. We were never given an opportunity to go for swimming lessons, so I ended up teaching myself to swim, but as a result I am not a strong swimmer and don't like to go out of my depth. I was determined not to pass this on to my children, so they both started swimming lessons when they were about 3 years old, my eldest learnt to swim, though looking rather ungainly, but didn't really enjoy it so as soon I was satisfied that he could swim well enough to be able to give him a chance of getting to safety if he fell in anywhere, I let him stop his lessons. My daughter on the other hand is almost fearless in the water and has been from the start, she continued with her swimming lessons, right up to quite an advanced award, can't remember what though. So I consider it an important skill, along with a respect for the dangers of water without being made afraid of it. Again, I would have expected your g'kids to be more advanced than they are if they have been having lessons for such a long time. Might be worth having a word with the teacher or finding a different one.

[netibiza]

I consider it very important. Mine learnt when she was 3yrs.

[netibiza]

I lived by the sea all my life and have always been terrified of water, I envy anyone who can jump or dive into a pool, even though I can now swim, I do not like it, so having my daughter being able to swim at an early age, and seeing that she can do anything in the water is a great relief.

[China Doll]

It would be very imporatant to me as I love to swim and have been doing so from a young age. I think it's a great fun way to stay fit but also a fun thing to be able to do and I wouldn't want my children to miss out on fun days at the beach or going down slides etc because they didn't feel confident in the water.

[tamborine]

now now Ed - this aint a joke. JTH my g'kids did use my 'party-pool' & will be down camping for a week & my tutoring :(

I hope more kids get to their local swimming pools; its a great way for them to spend the summer hols.

[beattie819]

My son learnt at about 4 years old, but it took a good few weeks, he was so scared. Now my grandaughter has just competed in the Nationals, and is one of the top twelve fastest 13 year old swimmers in the whole country. I am proud :)......................in fact I am VERY proud !

[Nummy]

I'm 40 and only just learning to swim now, going to lessons at my local pool...wish I'd done it years ago.

It didn't really bother me when i was young, but then i didn't go on holiday where there were pools, etc.

I think it's a good idea to encourage them to swim while they're young...confidence in the water in never a bad thing...and you never know when it might come in handy.