swimming class for children at Fairfax County Rec Center

[Anonymous]

My DS has been taking swimming lessons at a certain Fairfax County Rec Center. He had taken Preschooler and Me Swim, then Pee Wee Paddler I and II but did not pass II because he didn't blow bubbles in the water for 3 seconds (doesn't like getting his face wet). Now he is too old for the Pee Wee classes, so I signed him up for Swimming I (age 6-12). When we got there, we were told swimming I is for kids who have not even had a class yet, so I felt like he'd be fine. To my surprise, the teacher did not have them wear any flotation. Is this normal? My DS is only 4 inches taller than the depth of the water. I wasn't sure he would be able to stand, and afterwards he said he had to stand on tippy toes. I told the teacher he had never been in the water before without flotation and she said "He's never been in the water without flotation and he's in Swimming I?!" She seemed to act like they should already know how to swim. Here is the Swimming I description: "Children must be able to function in a group setting. Class Emphasis- To help child gain basic swimming and safety skills and overcome fear of water. Skills include- entering and exiting water, blowing bubbles through mouth and nose; with assistance - floating on front and back, gliding on front and back, rolling from front to back and back to front, swimming at least two body lengths on front and back using arms and legs."

One other kid cried a little and refused to get in. Another child was crying and struggling in the water and the teacher didn't help him, and the parent rightly made the kid get out. There were about 10 kids and only 4 hand held flotation devices they took turns using. The teacher didn't seem to instruct them, or demonstrate, and most of the time stood there like a zombie. My DS wound up doing okay, but I'm still nervous about the lack of wearing flotation and the teacher not helping the kids enough. Should I keep him in the class or find something else?

[Anonymous]

I have no experience with the Fairfax County Rec programs but what you've described doesn't sound like the greatest environment for learning.

FWIW, we've been very happy with the Goldfish swim school out in Reston. It's a bit of a hike but lots of individualized attention. This past week, DD's class had 3 students and 2 instructors. The pool has a nice ledge all the way around, so no tip-toe standing required, regardless of how short you may be. I don't think the kids wear flotation devices there past age 2, but we've never had any concerns given the low teacher/kid ratio.

[Anonymous]

My kids have had swim classes at several locations and never once wore flotation. It defeats the purpose of a swim class really. If you aren't happy with the instructor, I would switch classes or schools.