We did DC JCC and then summer camp at Lowell which has group swimming every day

My kid went to Kids First Swim School in Sterling.
We went there for like 2 yrs off and on, starting at age 5. My kid is VERY ADHD. It was okay. A lot of money, private lessons.

This summer, my kid was determined to go down this slide at Volcano Island waterpark and it said "Warning must be good swimmer." He went down it a couple of times. The life guard had to come over a few times and tell him, "buddy, you have to be a good swimmer to come down this slide." (He was just as tall as the water, so he wasn't going to drown) He would come back with his sad face. So, we practiced almost everyday, having him jump off the 5ft deep water and swimming to the edge.

Then he wanted to jump off the diving board at our local pool into 8 ft water. He did it. He swam to the edge.

At first, he looked like a little shrimp kicking his feet and arms and just going in a circle. lol. But then he figured it out. Anyhoo, my point is, motivation of being able to do these particular activities plus EVERYDAY practice is what really helped.

I wonder if there are private lessons that are taught everyday for 1/2 hr?

Do NOT consider anyplace that uses styrofoam swim "bubbles" to teach swimming.

Anonymous wrote:
There is also the Shriver pool. They have sessions that run all year round for group lessons - better price if you are a county resident. They offer private lessons there as well.

Not a fan of the Shriver pool group lessons for older kids (i.e. K/1/2nd). Ok for the young ones where the parent is in the water too though kid won't learn much.
Instructors are hit or miss, and when they're a "miss," you might as well be throwing your money down the drain, and if your kid is a bit sensitive/sensory then you risk him turning off to swim lessons across the board. When I reflect on my own experience, I realize I learned to swim in four steps: paddling around as a tot with mom or dad; then organized daily swim instruction at day camp; a few one on one sessions when mom or dad chatted up a friendly lifeguard; and year round swim outdoor and indoor for fun.

I liked FINS at Georgetown Prep.

How about in NW DC? St. Alban's has swim classes but not year-round.

Also looking for year-round swim lessons. We did the Kids first in Germantown and thought it was less than pristine-clean. Also not sure my child was progressing with the instructors. Any experience with the Germantown swim center- is it clean? What are the British Swim school places like?

We have been at the Kids First North Bethesda location since it opened. I HIGHLY recommend it. The manager runs a tight ship and the facility is very clean. The previous poster is correct. They do use the pool for Physical Therapy when lessons aren't being held. That is probably what the Yelp review was talking about the "sick and diseased"?????

Anonymous wrote:Try to find private lessons. We wasted so much time and money on group lessons with our oldest. Especially if you'll only be doing it once a week.

I agree. Private lessons for swimming are so worth it. You can get by with fewer lessons and the instructor can focus on your kids specific needs.

Anonymous wrote:Thank you everyone--I should have clarified that we are definitely looking for private lessons. That is what we have had this summer and I think group would indeed be a waste of time and money at this point.

For those who did Kids First, on yelp there are a couple of bad reviews saying they have a dirty pool with a bug infestation...and a couple of bad reviews citing alarm that the pool is shared by people who are sick/recovering from a disease...obviously a strange thing to mention so I'm curious as to what in the hell that's all about. Just wondering if anyone has encountered this at Kids First.

I had to go look at the reviews. All I can say is that we were in weekly lessons for 9 months and I never saw a single bug. As for the "diseased" people ... I think they use rhe pool for physical therapy sessions during the day when they are not booked for lessons. It is not like they have contagious people infecting kids. Sometimes I have to wonder what is motivating Yelp reviewers ...

Montgomery county stroke and turn, FINs stroke and turn, or NCAP strike and turn.

Thank you everyone--I should have clarified that we are definitely looking for private lessons. That is what we have had this summer and I think group would indeed be a waste of time and money at this point.

For those who did Kids First, on yelp there are a couple of bad reviews saying they have a dirty pool with a bug infestation...and a couple of bad reviews citing alarm that the pool is shared by people who are sick/recovering from a disease...obviously a strange thing to mention so I'm curious as to what in the hell that's all about. Just wondering if anyone has encountered this at Kids First.