Enter Kids First Swim School in Severna Park. He has been taking lessons there since he was 11 months old... so, for 10 months of his life. We started with some Mommy & Me sessions to get him used to the water, sing some nursery rhymes, and increase his "swimming" comfort level. But, after four sessions, my impatient boy was ready for more. So we signed him up for private lessons.
Colby, Nick's teacher, is amazing. She has been with the school for eight years and truly has a passion for what she does. Because Nick is as young as he is, she encourages my husband to get in the water with him, if only just for comfort. In his first six weeks of private swim lessons, Nick has adjusted from clinging onto my husband, to openly "swimming" towards and with Colby, almost forgetting my husband is even there.
Given that he's not yet two, he's not swimming on his own yet, but we are making progress! One thing Nick has always been leery of is floating on his back in the water. In less than six sessions, he lays on his back in the water, blows bubbles, jumps into the pool and is learning the beginning stages of swimming himself. And, because he's so into it, he discusses going to see Colby during the week, and practices his "swim moves" in the tub!
I honestly cannot ask for more from a teacher than the instruction we've gotten from Colby, and Nick starts his next six-week private lesson session with her again on Saturday.
It's a little hard to get photos during his swim lessons, so here is a photo of Nick practicing his back float in the tub.
If you think you might be interested in getting your little fishies signed up for swim lessons, please check out Kids First Swim Schools. I have $10 off a six week swim session for anyone who wants one! Just email me at nicoledonnelly@macaronikid.com.
A wide variety of programs ensure that there is one just right for your child and your wallet.
- The popular Mommy & Me program offers you and your infant or toddler a chance to bond in the comfort of our 90 degree pools, while your child develops the three primary skills of buoy-ancy, breath control and propulsion.
- Group Lessons in a small controlled environment begin at 3 years old. Our trademarked Kids First ® Kick First / Learn to Swim System™ has developed thousands of technically proficient swimmers.
- Personal Instruction begins as early as 6 months old. These one-on-one sessions often lead to a unique bond between swimmer and instructor that accelerates the learning process.
- At the more advanced level, Competitive Stroke Mechanics are taught to children aspiring to swim on a swim team.
Robinson Crossing
470D Ritchie Highway
Severna Park, MD 21146
410-384-SWIM
