looking for swim instructor for private swimming lessons with my toddler

[Anonymous]

We are looking for an experienced swim instructor to teach our toddler how to swim this summer. We live in Alexandria, VA and would love to find an experienced swim instructor to teach our almost 3 year son how to swim with lessons twice a week. My husband and I both work, so swim classess at the rec centers, etc. are not a real options for us. We do have a pool membership where the instructor could teach our son. We are hoping for a lesson on one weekeday evening around 6 pm and one lesson on the weekend.

Any recommendations? We are hoping we can find a good instructor who is looking to make a little extra money on the side.

Many thanks.

[Anonymous]

It seems that you are expecting something that your almost three year old is still too young for. It's seems more productive that at this age he learns to love just being/playing in the water, with attentive adult care.
Can 2/3 year olds really swim?

[Anonymous]

Oh, there are lots of swimming classes for toddlers. I don't expect my toddler to be a full fledged swimmer by the end of the summer, but I see it as a great way to set a good foundation for him and have fun along the way.

[Anonymous]

You're never too young or old to learn to swim!

I'm an experienced WSI certified instructor in Arlington (in Ballston). I teach for Arlington County and am actually teaching a parent/child class right now.

I'd love to hear if you were able to find an instructor and if you are still interested in lessons.

Thank you!

[e-mail]

[Anonymous]

2/3 year olds can swim! We're moving from Israel back to DC, and have been frustrated by the (perhaps cultural?) notion that toddlers can't really learn to swim. My daughter's class of 2-3 year olds were swimming. About 2 months after her 3rd birthday, DD swam 50 meters (2 laps, modified breast stroke) by herself, no flotation devices, no grabbing the wall. Just her fins. Her best friend, same age, did it too. The other 2 to 3 year olds in their class did one lap, 25 m. Yet in DC people look at us like we're crazy when we say we want real swim lessons for her! We're going to have to find a private instructor. Any recommendations would be really appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Check with the university swim programs - they will probably have instructors.

[Anonymous]

The JCC of Northern Virginia starts swimming with 3yo in both small group and private lessons. Both my kids started swimming at 3 there and it was a very positive experience. I know they have weekday classes and Sunda morning sessions too.

[circe8]

My sister-in-law is a swim instructor in the greater DC area and has openings in the evenings. She's 26 years old and has experience as a lifeguard, swim team coach, and has taught all age groups ranging from Parent/Infant lessons through 14 year old swim team members. If you're interested in lessons please send her an email at: [e-mail]. We have a 7 month old and she swims with him!

[Anonymous]

For Tot swim lessons Try Arlington County Parks and Recreation.
I am taking Sat. morning Water-tots class at Washington - Lee HS pool.
The class is the best I have found ever!
The instructor has a great educational program for children as well as parents and my 2 year old is now swimming after only 2 sessions.
Instructor Liz is the best because she gives hands on class which is the only class that has your child swimming under water before age 3yrs. This was a big advantage to my now 3yr old to advance to the pre-fin class which allows no parents in the water with children.
My child is water safe and I can enjoy him swimming without the panic we both use to have. If you get a chance to sign up for one of these outstanding classes, you will definitely be impressed. Make sure you register early though, because there is a long wait list for her class after the first day of registration. https://registration.arlingtonva.us is registration site make sure you get a house hold number before registration day!

[Anonymous]

OP - which pool do you belong to? There is a woman named Julie who teaches at our pool in Alexandria (on Ft. Hunt Rd) and I know she gives private lessons to toddlers in the summer. Ping back if you're still looking and I'll dig up her contact info!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You're never too young or old to learn to swim!

I'm an experienced WSI certified instructor in Arlington (in Ballston). I teach for Arlington County and am actually teaching a parent/child class right now.

I'd love to hear if you were able to find an instructor and if you are still interested in lessons.

Thank you!

[e-mail]

we love you Rachel!

[Anonymous]

My 3 yo DS learned to swim at 28 months through ISR. He turned 3 this fall and last summer was swimming - YES, SWIMMING - on his own. Of course, I wasn't more than 4-5 feet away from him but he did learn to swim.

I'm not sure you will be able to swing it OP, because ISR is a serious time commitment (5 days/week for 10 minutes/day for about 5-6 weeks). But if you want your 2-3 year old to learn to swim, I highly suggest it.

[Anonymous]

The DCJCC has indoor classes and can also arrange private lessons. Our DD made a lot of progress last year as a 3 year old, taking weekly summer swim lessons. She went from afraid to dunk her face to playing underwater, paddling under the rope float etc. This summer I think she'll be ready to swim for real.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP - which pool do you belong to? There is a woman named Julie who teaches at our pool in Alexandria (on Ft. Hunt Rd) and I know she gives private lessons to toddlers in the summer. Ping back if you're still looking and I'll dig up her contact info!

Is it possible to provide me with Julie's information

[Anonymous]

I would love Julie's info too. I have a 3yr old and am looking for private lessons for him this summer - preferably at our pool. thanks!!