Finding swimming lessons near us that meet my criteria hasn't been easy. I don't think I'm too picky, but I don't want to pay an arm and a leg for this experience. In Pleasant Grove, James took swimming lessons at the rec center nearby which was dirt cheap. His swimming skills showed for it though, and I don't think he retained much that careless teenagers taught him.
Our rec center here in South Jordan also offers swimming lessons, but they seem nearly impossible to get into. I've tried many times and never succeeded. Our area has a few swimming lesson facilities, but the prices are hard for me to swallow. A friend mentioned that her kids do swimming lessons in a backyard pool. I immediately asked for the info and reached out. The Swim School took us several months to get into, but it was worth the wait.
When I heard lessons were in a backyard pool, I expected the pool to be uncovered or have one of those ugly bubble things on top. No, this backyard pool is completely enclosed and in its own building. It's lovely! My kids had swimming lessons in May and then we won the summer swimming lottery and they had 2 sessions (8 days) of swimming lessons in July. Miss Kimberly is a friendly and patient instructor. During the summer she has teens that help her.
A huge bonus with lessons at this pool is that my kids don't dread them. In fact, they ask constantly if it's time to go swimming. Watching my kids get so excited and learn new skills makes me happy. James' face probably hurt because of how big his grin was this week when he got to use a kickboard and fins. He was so proud of himself. He's getting good!
We had a little scare this month during swimming. Izzy was waiting for her turn to go out with the teacher and was sitting on the steps of the pool. Her toy floated away and she followed it. I didn't notice, but luckily someone else saw that she was face down in the pool. Izzy was fine and hadn't been there long, but was understandably scared. She used to be fearless in the water, but since that experience has been more hesitant. Can you blame her? She was shaken for a few days but seems to be ok now. Lesson learned... I sit right by the steps and don't let myself get too carried away with my phone or book. None of the other moms could believe that Izzy is 2 (almost 3, but still)! They also can't believe how incredibly cute she is. I mean, I can't either.
On the last day of swimming, the teachers asked the kids if they wanted to try to jump in and grab onto the swinging rope. James and Isabelle both wanted to try. It was laughable that Izzy said she wanted to. The last few days of swimming, she jumped in very catiously and sometimes needed encouraging words in order to go. She was nowhere near grabbing the rope, but kept going again and again. It was hilarious. James got pretty close to reaching the rope. Maybe next session!
At the end of each class, the kids get to pick a treat! They always remembered to do that. Daily, the kids also get to add their names into a drawing. At the end of each session, there is a winner. In May, James won a coupon for a free Crumbl cookie. In July, Izzy won a free ice cream cone at Nielsen's Custard.
Swimming is a skill I want my kids to have. These lessons will be worth every penny. I have seen so much progress! James can jump in and get all the way to the other side of the pool on his own. Izy floated for 20 seconds by herself this week. We hope we're able to continue lessons this fall, but we'll see if we're lucky enough to get in. The kids are already talking about going back.
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