DD -9 swimming still using water wings

[Anonymous]

She enjoys going to the pool but has zero confidence in the water and needs water wings to get in the pool and try swimming, she isn't a strong swimmer but could learn fast if she was more confident. When I suggest removing them she always wants to out of the water, but gets teary and panicky when in the water. How do we approach this? Or is her having fun at this age still more important? Do you have an older child still using swim aids?

[Anonymous]

swimming lessons, pronto.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:swimming lessons, pronto.

Op here - thanks we tried about a year ago, but couldn't find one which didn't terrify her with the speed of it, or one where she could start at a good pace but with children her age. I know she needs this skill but was hoping to avoid a 1-1 teacher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:swimming lessons, pronto.

Op here - thanks we tried about a year ago, but couldn't find one which didn't terrify her with the speed of it, or one where she could start at a good pace but with children her age. I know she needs this skill but was hoping to avoid a 1-1 teacher

The swim schools should accommodate her. Goldfish or whatever is close to you. A 4-1 group class should be fine. At this point she just needs to learn, even if it scares her.

[Anonymous]

Just get her 1 on 1 lessons. Most people around here know how to swim without water wings by age 9. If your daughter is invited to pool parties, or wants to go to the beach with her friends in high school, it will only be harder for her. If you find a good teacher, she will learn the basics quickly enough that she can at least leave the wings behind.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:swimming lessons, pronto.

Op here - thanks we tried about a year ago, but couldn't find one which didn't terrify her with the speed of it, or one where she could start at a good pace but with children her age. I know she needs this skill but was hoping to avoid a 1-1 teacher

Why avoid a 1-1 teacher? She needs someone who can help her face this fear, and all other beginners will be three year olds. Private lessons is the only way out, and this is too important a safety skill to just ignore.

If you can find a pool that lets non-members take lessons from guards there, this summer is perfect. Our guards charge $30 for half an hour of private lessons. You should go at least twice a week.

[Anonymous]

I’m not sure where you’re located but they usually have beginner swim classes for your daughter’s age. YMCA in my area does a beginner class for 6-12 so they’re not all younger kids. They also have a tween beginner class at Kids First swim school. My 10 year old was 8 and 9 when she first took lessons and there were plenty of kids that age and older.

[Anonymous]

Goldfish may be the way to go for getting rid of the fear and easing into the water. The water is warm, there’s end benches in the water so they can sit instead of having to grab the wall, and it’s very controlled. We quit after 6 months because they were moving so slowly, but at least he wasn’t afraid of water.

[Anonymous]

It makes sense she is scared if she has been using water wings for years. Usually those are just for the toddler and preschool years. Can you try switching to pool noodles or kickboard instead? Even a float belt might be better than the wings.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m not sure where you’re located but they usually have beginner swim classes for your daughter’s age. YMCA in my area does a beginner class for 6-12 so they’re not all younger kids. They also have a tween beginner class at Kids First swim school. My 10 year old was 8 and 9 when she first took lessons and there were plenty of kids that age and older.

Op here Thanks I'll have a look we'll be willing to travel if it helps. lessons didn't seem like the answer after a couple of bad experiences but the posts here sound positive

I'd not looked at 1-1 as honestly thought they were more expensive than that

[Anonymous]

Water wings are the worst. You should have ditched these at least 6 yrs ago! Or never used them in the first place. Use a pool noodle instead and get lessons asap. But just note, fear of swimming getting stronger the later you wait. Expect a lot of push back from her.

[Anonymous]

Just a few 1:1s can help her get over her fears.

1:1 can be more cost-effective because if your child learns better that way, you don't need to do it for as many sessions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd not looked at 1-1 as honestly thought they were more expensive than that

We have no idea of your family income, but if I were in your shoes, I'd be prioritizing water safety (and ability to hang out socially at the pool) as my kid's #1 extracurricular for now.

[Anonymous]

Swim lessons at a place like goldfish or British swim school. She will be with younger kids, but that’s ok. She will move at her own pace.

I have a 7 year old who lacks confidence in the water and has been slow to learn to swim. But they have made progress at their own pace. They used to scream about putting their head under water and now that is not an issue. With time, patience and a lot of lessons, she will learn.

[Anonymous]

By what age do kids know how to swim around here?