Swim Lessons for Babies & Toddlers
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March 2009
Hello-
I have a 4 month old and would love to start him in some
''swimming''/swimming pool classes as soon as possible. I cannot find
a place that starts that early. I would love any suggestons! Thank
you.
Maya
The Berkeley Downtown Y
program is great! My son started in the water when he was
about that age. We met great parents/kids with whom we are still
in contact, and while my son didn't continue swimming training,
i.e. special strokes, etc., he is perfectly comfortable in the
water, and a very competent swimmer.
kim
Cal Rec
has swim classes for parent-baby which start at 6 months of
age. They are outdoors but by June it was quite nice. Since then
we have taken and seen others and really glad we did them at Cal -
the student-instructors were fantastic, high teacher-student ratio,
very engaging with singing and boucing in the water, and not that
pricey.
http://www.recsports.berkeley.edu/youth/yinside.aspx?uid=62670f36-f330-4b4c-89f5-13bf2bdb0f58
Mother Fish
This isn't a class per se, but Berkeley High School has a Parents
and Toddlers warm-pool swim class from 3:30-4:30 pm each Friday and
10-11 am (I think) each Saturday. The classes are an hour long,
despite what the website says.
The pool is heated to like 85 degrees and the sign says babies who
are 5 months and up can participate as long as they wear swim
diapers. There is a class leader who does songs, splashing
activities, and other things like that with parents and babies in
the pool with the intention of helping little ones feel comfortable
in the water. It's $6.50 and drop-ins are welcome. I think they do
10 classes for $60, saving a few bucks.
FWIW, they also have warm-pool drop-in hours for people with
therapeutic needs/disabilities.
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/uploadedFiles/Parks_Rec_Waterfront/Level_3__-General/Pool%20Schedule%20Flyer%20BHS%20Winter%202009%20FY%2009.pdf
Baby Audrey likes to swim!
August 2008
I'm looking for a good swim class to attend with my 2.5 year old
in the area; one that goes beyond the basic intro to the water and
focuses on swim skills. We are in Piedmont.
susan
I recently signed my 3-yo up for the tiny tots swim at
Strawberry Canyon -
then he refused to get in the water without me!! They were very
accomodating and switched us to a parent and kid class even though he was
too old. Once I got in the water he loved it! Talk to or email the
coordinator at Strawberry (or wherever else has a mommy-and-babe swim and
is convenient to you) and see if they'll allow an older child. I'd also
suggest going to the YMCA during their Tiny Waves family-swim time that is
for 4 and under. You don't really need a class to play in the water with
your kid! I think the more time in the water the better.
mama to a soon-to-be fish
Try Aquatech swim school
in Alameda. http://aquatechswimschool.com/
They've taught my 2 1/2 year old to swim! They have goggles and wetsuits
for the toddlers to borrow for free. The classes are a bit pricey, but
totally worth it in my opinion.
Olympic Swimming, Here We Come!
July 2008
Does anybody knows where can I take my baby grandson for swiming lessons? He
is two months old.
Ana
The Albany city pool
has a great teacher with a great toddler
class for three different ages. My son loves it. Happy swimming!
Irina
July 2008
Any suggestions for good, inexpensive classes for a two year
old? Thank you!
dralex
Our son was two years old last year and he really enjoyed swimming lessons.
Two-year old classes are all, I think, classes with parents primarily geared
to getting the little ones comfortable in the water.
The place we started was at Lions pool in Dimond park. Saturday mornings,
outdoor pool but heated. They actually have two classes, an A and a B. I
think the ''B'' class is supposed to be a little more ''advanced'', but in
practice, I didn't see it. The classes last summer were big classes with
little individual attention from the instructors, but enough room to move
around with the child and some attempts at structure--getting them to blow
bubbles in the water, float on their back, etc. Toys to play with in the
pool also.
We then discovered lessons at East Bay parks at the Roberts Recreation pool up in the
hills. Also outdoor heated pool, with a great play area there as well (good
for bribing). These classes (Parent-Tot) are much smaller than those at
Lions, with more individual attention. And if you can go during the week,
even evenings, you can get more classes (10) for the $50 than if you go on
the weekends (3 classes for $30).
Three year olds like my son can go into the next class (Super Tot), where
they go without parents. Good for us and good for him to be more
independent. And they also offer individual classes for not much more money.
I hear the Y also has classes that are good, but haven't been.
Hope that helps.
Bryan
Hi - we just started taking swim classes at
Roberts Recreation Area pool,
near Chabot Space and Science Center. Roberts is part of the East Pay
Regional Park system. The pool is small, beautiful, nestled in the trees,
near redwood grove, a great playground, a nice open picnic area and play
field (frisbee, not a base ball diamond), and several large ''in grove''
picnic areas that are perfect for parties. The cost $30 for a series of
three weekly classes. They even have weekend classes (yeah!), which is why
we enrolled there. We are taking parent-tot classes - not much direct
teaching of the tots, but direction and techniques to the group of parents,
some one on one work, and a group gather time at the beginning and end of
each class. Classes are large - about 15 pairs of parent-tots, but with two
teachers. We are happy with it. They have a new series beginning in two
weeks, I think. Go to the East Bay Parks web page for information.
D
sd
May 2008
I'm looking for a swim class this summer to take my 16 month old daughter to.
We live in Crocker Highlands, so ideally, we'd love something in Berkeley or
Oakland. Any suggestions?
Vanessa
Your daughter is the perfect age for the Parent/Child swim
program at the Downtown Berkeley YMCA. You can get the full
schedule at
http://www.baymca.org/dt/dt_program_list.aspx?categoryId=79&parentId=1790
My semi-grandson didn't start swim lessons until he was 3 and I
really wish we'd started him in that program at your daughters
age.
jw
April 2008
We're looking for a local place to attend a infant-parent
''swimming'' class with our 6-month old babies. We're
gearing up for the summer and would love to have the girls
used to time in the water. Does anyone have any advice on
local pools that offer such classes? Thanks!
The Downtown Berkeley YMCA
offers parent-child swim classes for
infants. You can find more information at www.baymca.org. Click on
the ''Downtown'' branch. You can reach the program director directly
at 510-665-3257. Her name is Julie Martin.
Eden
AquaTech
has infant and toddler class in Alameda. Their staff is great
and the classes really teach you tools on introducing your child to
water and help them learn the basics. So fun at this age! You can
check them out at www.aquatechswimschool.com.
SwimMom
I am taking my 3 year old to Aqua Tech
in Alameda. They have classes
at the Mariner's Square Athletic Club. He started in the lowest level
class which is parent participation and now is on his own. The class
sizes are really small (for us no more than 4 pairs and now he is all
by himself) and teachers seem to know how to deal with kids well. The
pool isn't the warmest I've been in, but it's indoors and they have a
nice family changing area. Classes start at 6 months.
http://www.aquatechswimschool.com/
Happy Swimming!
My kids both took swim lessons at the pool at the
Albany high school
when they were babies and then toddlers. The lessons were really fun
for them, and I do believe helped to get them used to the water. They
are 4- and 6-years-old now and are both little fishes. Here is some
info from a previous post on the subject: The address is 1311
Portland Ave.; their phone is 559-6440. Also
see:http://www.citynight.com/~ahs/community/swim.html.
Liz O.
I'd recommend you first consider whether your baby is comfortable being
a little bit cold, since most of the outdoor classes on this side of
the tunnel may be foggy and windy. If that's a concern, you could
consider classes in Contra Costa County (ie Orinda, Lafayette), and
Berkeley or Oakland Y.
We had an extremely poor experience with
the Piedmont Recreation swim classes,
which were highly recommended.
In addition to the fog and wind, which we managed to work around, they
were very disorganized, and seemed to have a hard time telling us which
of the several pools our class was in, and the teacher at our class
literally didn't understand infants AT ALL. The class was for 6 months
to 3 yrs, and it was really more appropriate for the 2-3 yr age, since
they expected all the ''students'' to follow directions. My 9 month old
didn't know how to blow bubbles in the water, obviously, and the only
thing they did right--letting the kids choose a toy--they screwed up 2 minutes
later by taking the toys away. A pre-toddler doesn't get that at all.
When I spoke to the director about it, he insisted that swim classes
were the same everywhere and that I shouldn't have taken the class
since I'm not a Piedmont resident.
The Berkeley Y
has a ''warm pool.'' I have had good experiences at the
Berkeley Y, and while some teachers are definitely more skilled than
others, my daughter has since learned to swim there (in the warm pool.
She's not nuts about the slightly deeper, slightly cooler pool).
Aquatech
in Alameda (in the indoor pool at Mariner Square athletic club) has
excellent classes for babies on up! The pool is pretty warm, plus if a
warmbelly wetsuit (buy it there) you babe will be better then in just a
regular suit.
I highly recommend Aquatech swim school.
happy mom of fish
Jan 2008
Hi! I am looking for a swim class for myself and my 6 month old. I
basically want a fun way to get my daughter used to water. I would love
to hear from folks who have taken classes in the area. I am interested
in El Cerrito pool, but wonder if it is too cold since it is outdoors.
What about Albany pool? I have heard there is too much chlorine. Is
that true? Are there other local pools that offer parent/tot classes?
Are these classes run by a teacher or is it just free time with your
baby in the pool?
Thanks!
anon
Berkeley Parks and Rec
has ''Parent and Tot'' swim session
at the Warm Pool (nice and warm!) at Berkeley High on Friday
afternoons (click Aquatics Programs for the current
schedule:
http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=5672). I
took my baby there a few times when he was 6-12 months
old--most of the babies were that age, although occasionally
an older toddler came. That was about a year and a half ago.
It was fun. There are supposedly two 1/2-hour sessions, but
in reality they treated it as a 1-hour session; in other
words, one could come at the beginning and swim through both
sessions. One pays for each session individually, so you can
go as often or little as you like. They have a few bath toys
to play with, and, at least when I went, the ''leader'' led
a couple of songs at some point, but otherwise it was free
swim. There are ''Tiny Tot Times'' (free swim) at Willard
and King Pools as well (regular cold pools); I don't have
any experience with these.
Bobbin' for babies
There are great parent tot class at AquaTech Swim School
in Alameda. Very
professional instruction, flexibility and fun! You can check them out at
www.aquatechswimschool.com.
Enjoy!
Anon
June 2006
I am looking for infant swim lesson. My biy will be six months
one the 22nd of June. So I'm looking for classes in July/Aug. The
only thing I've found on my own is TinyTots swim at the Berkely
pools where the mothers are in the pools with thier babies but
there is no instructer? I want actual infants lessons. Where we
are in the pools with our babies but there is an instructor there
teaching us excericses to do with our babies.....SInce I've heard
several times I won't be able to get lessons until he was six
month old, they must exist! Any reccommendations would be greatly
appreciated!
shelly
strawberry canyon is a great place to do swim lessons, even if the baby is still under a
year.
the pros: it is a beautiful place, with clean lockers, showers, a great wading pool away
from the large pool. and a huge pool, great instructors, friendly staff, great atmosphere,
lots of space for the lesson, not like at the downtown berkeley YMCA in that tiny pool..
dont get me wrong we did lessons there in the winter but when strawberry canyon has lessons
we dont miss them. another pro is that the lessons are m-th at around 6 (there are others
but this is the one that we do) so i fell like we have learned more because of the
consecutive days.
another pro for me is the songs, it is not always the same generic songs, dont get me wrong
of course we have to sing a few but there are some great new ones you child will love to
enjoy.
the cons: it is outside, so you may need to get your baby a little wet suit type deal, we
got ours at http://www.warmbelly.com/ for like $30 or so... we got our last year and it
still fits because we got it big... other cons: well it is just mostly the outside thing...,
but i enjoy it as well, so its worth the cold and some days it is just great to be in the
pool.
this will be our second year, and let me say our 2 and a half year old can tread water and
have very good safety near the water skills and loves loves loves the pool.
so if i havent convinced you yet go to.
http://www.oski.org/html/scra_aquatics_prnt_inf2.htm#sessions
to sign up
mom of swim lover
The pool classes offered around Berkeley/Oakland for infants are fun and a good introduction
to water, but if you want a real swim lesson, you might have a tough time finding an
available spot in the summer when swimming is very popular. Real ''skills acquisition''
classes are also expensive and you pretty much have to drive out of your way to get to them.
However, if you really want your infant to swim, la Petite Baleen (www.swimlpb.com) on the
Peninsula is the most well-known and respected, just a heck of a drive. I like Little
Dippers Swim School (www.Littledipperswimschool.com), as it is fairly close in Pleasant Hill
and it is where I take my son. There are 3-4 babies in the class and you and the instructor
teach them how to go underwater, float, jump off the edge of the pool, etc. at 6-
12 months old. Some of the infants cry and hate it, others start diving around like fish, it
really depends on the infant. But it is $190 for 8 weeks. It also took me 8 months on the
waiting list to get a Saturday spot. Fremont Swim School (510-567-SWIM)
is also very good for kids, but they only take 1 yr. and older and if you are interested
call them now because they also have a waiting list. They are about the same price as Little
Dippers and all of these places have a one-time membership fee of about $35 you pay along
with your first $190. Sherman Swim School in Lafayette takes infants at 9 months but they
charge $140 for 5 private lessons (there is a waiting list, too.) Harriet Plummer Swim
School in Lafayette is a fabulous school but they believe that babies should just play in
water until they are 3 years old and then begin learning to swim so no infant classes there.
Also, you could check on Canyon Swim School in El Sobrante (I didn't because I hate the
hellish drive down I-80), and Haufler Aquatics at Holy Names. Good luck, there really are
not as many swimming instruction classes actually teaching infants to swim as you might have
been led to believe
commited to swimming
May 2006
Hi
I'd like to receive recommendations for swimming classes for my
baby starting around June. He will be 8 months old. I'm
looking for an inexpensive, quality class not too far from
Richmond. Thank you, Kathleen
kathleen
Have you checked King pool on Hopkins in Berkeley? they have classes and family swim
times.
anon
Check out Canyon Swim School in El Sobrante on the San Pablo Dam
Rd. (by the intersection with Appian Way). Canyon's pool is
warm. The depth is good for a parent walking while floating baby
in the water. They are very strict about wearing a swim
diaper/suit with elasticized leg opennings to keep any accidents
out of the water... but that isn't a bad thing.
Rose
April 2006
Hi, I am looking for very inexpensive, sliding-scale, or
preferably free mommy and me swim classes for a 6 month old
infant in the Berkeley Oakland area. The Y was too pricey. Thanks.
Swimmy
Albany school district swimming pool, next to Memorial Park. http://www.enterit.com/ALBANY6640/. Or call: (510) 559-6640.
Mary
Nov 2005
I'm wondering if there are any swim classes for toddlers (20 months) that attempt to
teach the kids to swim. I checked the archives and most of the posts are old. We
have attended classes at the Y and found that those are mostly just about playing in
the water, and while I see the value in that, friends of mine who live outside the area
have reported that their children responded positively to being taught how to swim
and float in the water at this age. Thanks.
amy
What you are looking for is called Infant Swim Resource (ISR). I have seen with
my own eyes an 18month old child swim (unassisted) the length of the pool and
find the stairs or ladder and get out. I have also seen babies as young as 6
months float on their backs for lengthy periods of time with the idea being
that they are “waiting for rescue”. It is a very intense program which is
conducted EVERY DAY (monday-
friday) - the lessons are 10 min long. The idea is a swim/float/swim sequence
whereby the child is taught to float on their backs for air and resting. There
may be other programs out there that are similar but ISR instructors are
specifically trained in this particular method and in my opinion cannot be
equaled. My own child was swimming in 14 days and was a confident swimmer at
the end of 4 weeks. At the end of the classes the child goes in the pool with
summer and winter clothes on to simulate an “aquatic emergency” - an invaluable
experience! And throughout classes, the child is taught how to problem solve in
the water. ISR has a wealth of information and research on their website (too
much to go into here!) – check it out: www.infantswim.com
If you want to feel confident that your child could survive an aquatic incident
this is a no-brainer.
My only qualm is that I did not hear about it sooner! Spread the word!!
Good luck!
The Sherman Swim School in Lafayette teaches children as little as one but they
are closed until late April or early May. Harriet Plumber/Plummer is also
located in Lafayette and teaches through the winter but I believe the youngest
age is three. This may be a bit of a haul for you but Sherman is great (though
expensive) and I've heard good things about Harriet Plummer.
Martha
hello,
we had terrific success with sherman swim school in lafayette this past summer.
my daughter was 17 months and we took her there because we have a swimming pool
and she always tried to inhale water. that was scary. she would constantly
choke and sputter on water -- she loved water but simply didn't know how...
it's a wonderful place. she has always loved the water. her wonderful teacher
(and they all are great!) abby taught her how to hold her breath when submerged
and kick very well. by lesson's end, my daughter was even jumping off of the
low diving board (and wanting to do so again!). i must say, some of the steps
she took during this lesson left my husband and i with our mouths on the
ground, but it was all made fun, somehow! something i couldn't bring myself to
do as her mother... i wouldn't say it's a complete submersion program, but it
was 10 steps closer to ''swimming'' than any mommy and me or group lesson i
have ever experienced with my now 5 year old son.!
the teachers are fantastic! che
my 4 year old son was reluctantly dunking his face into the water at the
beginning of summer. we attended many classes where we felt the teachers
simply were too young to understand how to support him in taking the next step.
they commonly said, ''ok you don't want to try to float, then go splash around
a bit!'' by summers end at sherman swim school, however, he was swimming
across the pool, jumping off the diving board and ultimately snorkeling with
dad in hawaii! he was more than pleased with himself. i realize that children
who are 5 naturally take athletic strides because suddenly they are
developmentally ready to do so, but i truly believe the fun yet very structured
nature of sherman's program set both of my children in the right direction. a
tear was never shed, and my children both looked forward to seeing their
teachers...check it out!
mom of 2 lil' fish
Feb 2005
I recently saw a movie at the Chabot Space and Science Center that had footage of
babies swimming underwater with their mothers in a guided class. (Apparently,
most babies under 6 months of age have a reflex that prevents them, under non-
stress circumstances, from breathing under water.) In the instructor-led class, the
mothers would submerge with their babies, let the babies swim for a few seconds,
and then lift them out of the water for air. It was absolutely beautiful to watch, and
it looked like the babies were having so much fun! I'm wondering if anyone has
heard of such a class in the Bay Area? Thoughts or recommendations?
We went to La Petit Baleen in San Bruno from the time my son
was three months old and yes, it is a submersion program. I
recall they are (or were, at the time) the only swim school in
the Bay Area certified in infant and toddler swimming. Warm,
indoor pool, great teachers (especially Terri)and lots of other
little babies and kids swimming. Be aware however that your
pediatrician will probably not recommend swimming for your
infant. I ignored my pediatrician (the only advice from her I
ever ignored) because of what I saw at this swim place and what
the teachers and administrators told me. We had a great
experience.
March 2004
I am looking for swimming lessons for my 6 month old baby and
am interested in other places besides the YMCA that offer
infant swimm lessons. Can you recc anything? Thanks!
Justine
Recommended:
Berkeley High Pool, City of Berkeley
Lions Pool, City of Oakland
Little Dipper Swim School in Pleasant Hill
Nov 2002
Hello. I would like to learn more about infant swim classes. I
have a six month old. I have seen the recommendation board,
which recommends the Berkeley Y and the Richmond Plunge. Is the
Richmond Plunge still open? Can anyone give me info on the
quality of these programs? Are there any other programs out
there? Thanks.
carolyn
Recommendation received:
Oakland YMCA (2)
September 2002
I checked the archive, but didn't see any recommendations for
infant swim classes in Oakland or Berkeley. Am looking for
a ''Mommy and Me''-type class at an indoor pool open to a 6-month
old. Any suggestions?
Thanks, Stephanie
Recommendations received:
Albany Pool
Oakland YMCA
The Downtown Berkeley YMCA has a great variety of infant
swim classes, Mommy and me types included.
Friendly info.
the Berkeley YMCA has swim classes for 6 mos. and up several
mornings a week, including Sat. They also have several ''free
swim'' time slots for infants/toddlers. I think the classes are
open to non-members.
Sonia
Call the Berkeley and Albany YMCAs
- suzanne
The Berkeley YMCA offers a parent-child swim class. My son and
I have been going since he was six months old. I chose this
facility because their shallow pool is very warm and I didn't
want him to freeze and be uncomfortable in the water. The
current session just started a couple of weeks ago, so the next
session probably starts end of October or beginning of
November. You can join the Y as a community member and just pay
an anuual fee if you don't want to do the full membership.
We've had a wonderful experience there.
Mommy of WaterBaby
I recommend the swim classes at the Berkeley YMCA. The teacher
is friendly and knowledgable, and the pool is perfectly sized
and very warm - it's like taking a class in a big bathtub! By
contrast, we tried out a swim class at the Dimond Park pool in
Oakland during the summer, which was a fun social experience but
not at all a class.
avirose
I'm pretty sure that the Y in Berkeley has infant swim lessons. Many
communities do. San Leandro has lessons that can begin as early as 10
months. They require the kids to have a swim diaper, but those are easily
available (Cotton & Co on College has them, for instance). Dawn
I recommend Lisa Handwerker (510-841-6126) for swimming instruction.
She's a visiting scholar at
Berkeley and has been teaching swimming to kids for 6 years. She currently
teaches once a week, on Fridays from 3-5 p.m., at the Berkeley YMCA.The pool
there is ideal for kids - warm, and shallow. Lisa makes the swimming lessons
fun. She matches them to each child's needs, and moves ahead when the child
lets her know he wants to go further. Bay
March 2005
Hi, my baby is now seven months old and I am eager to get her
in the pool. Can anyone recommend any infant swim classes in
concord/walnut creek area?
Sherman Swim School in Lafayette is wonderful. Our children will
be returning this year. (925) 283-2100
Warm Pools for Babies
To Kirin, with a one year old who loves to swim.
Canyon Swim School, on San Pablo Dam Road in El Sobrante, has a very warm
pool (in the 90's). They do not offer recreational swimming, but they do
have a swim class for infants, where you and the baby are in the water with
an instructor. They also have excellent lessons for older kids. The phone
number is (510) 223-4600. It is very well run by very nice folks.
Tony
the Berkeley YMCA has a warm
shallow pool, indoors, primarily for kids.
Elizabeth
The Berkeley YMCA has a *very* warm pool for infants and small
children. Look into their infant swim classes, held Saturday mornings and
also on a weekday (I don't remember the day, since I work the normal
weekday schedule). Fees include the cost of the 8-week class PLUS annual
"Y" membership for the baby. Staff at the Y will tell you that Mom or Dad
has to buy a membership too, but I found when I took the classes last
summer that I was among the very few parents who actually did that -- no
one seemed to check membership cards for the adults.
Letitia
July 2004
I am looking for a swimming class for my 21months old son. I saw
the past posting and tried Berkeley YMCA but their registeration
deadline for this summer was already over. Other places didn't
seem to have a great information on toddler classes especially
in Berkeley, Oakland area. Does anyone know any classes that's
still taking students for this summer?
thanks
sachiko
Recommended:
Berkeley City Pools
Oakland Swimming Pools Lyons
Swimming Lessons for 2.5 year old
December 2001
We have a 2 1/2 year old who loves the water like a fish. She is
completely fearless, jumping into the pool by herself, going all the
way underwater, etc. We are feeling anxious to get her swimming
lessons so she can be safe in the water, but all the classes we've
seen for this age have focused on getting the child aquainted with the
water, rather than teaching them to actually stay afloat and swim.
Does anyone know of anyplace that has actual swim lessons for this age
(ideally with warm water, since it's winter) in the east bay?
Jennifer Flattery And Mark Vickness
Once your child turns 3, I strongly recommend the swim classes at the Downtown
Oakland YMCA. Other Ys may offer same classes, but my only personal experience
is with Downtown Oakland. The kids start with three flotation bubbles on their
back and gradually reduce to zero. The classes are affordable and you can buy a
basic membership for about $35 a year to let your kid sign up without joining
the Y. That also gives the family the right to go to the Y on Fridays for
Family Fun Night for $1/person for up to 4 people to use the pool and a few
other things. The classes are taught by teen/young adults who generally were
very good, there are about 4-5 kids a class (but sometimes as few as one), the
kids are taught important safety and basic swimming skills and it's a fun
atmosphere. Water is ok, but not especially warm. The only complaints I've
heard about it is from families with kids who really are afraid of the water,
but that doesn't sound like your problem. They have parent-&-child classes for
kids under 3 too, but I haven't tried them and it doesn't sound like they would
meet your needs. You could ask if they'd take your child early in the bubble
classes, after they observe her in the water, but they probably follow a
bright-line rule. Good luck.
Rita_Himes
My daughter was swimming at 2-1/2 & fearless as well.
The problem is that lessons can't really "waterproof"
a kid that age, because they can't be taught to be
reliable, and are very vulnerable to hypothermia. The
parent-kid lessons we took emphasized swimming to the
wall and climbing out. The other thing is to avoid swim
aids like water wings that give a false sense of security.
Unfortunately, you are just going to have to be very
vigilent until your child is 4 or 5 and develops a
reasonable sense of caution.
I am not sure where you live, but you said you were interested in swimming
lessons in the "East Bay" -- Little Dippers is a swim school in Pleasant
Hill. You can reach them at www.littledipperswim.com or through information.
This is a swim school that has been around for years and is in the backyard
of someone's home. They take a different approach to swimming than anyone
else we have seen, and they seem to have great success. I know many kids who are 2 1/2 and can swim quite well after spending some time with these folks.
My 4 year old has been there a year and LOVES it. In winter, they cover the
pool with a huge bubble so it is like a bathtub in the water. The pool is
always very clean, the dressing room leaves something to be desired (like
paper towels -- use your own!), but we have been happy there. Good luck --
it does take time to get into their program because it is quite popular, but if you are flexible, they will fit you in. Do it now before spring hits and everyone has the same idea!
Trish
2001
Can someone help me find swimming lessons in the Orinda/Lafayette area for
a 2 1/2 year old?
Colleen
I know of several, although the only one I have used is the classes taught at the Campolindo
High School aquatic center (information was in the Orinda Community center class list for the
summer sessions). I have also heard good things about Sherman Swim school and Harriet
Plumber swim school, both in Lafayette and both in the phone book. They book up VERY early, so
you should call about getting enrolled or on the waiting lists.
Claire
Sherman Swim School in Lafayette is expensive, but the pools
are very warm and the teachers patient and experienced
with little kids. The new Soda Swim Center in Moraga is also
nice.
Leslie
Shermans in Lafayette is an excellent swim school. They book
up really far in advance but if you call now, you might get a
spot.
Dylyn
My son took swim lessons at Sherman Swim School in Lafayette
last summer, and he had a very positive
experience (he was 4, but I know they do lessons with
toddlers, too). They are semi-private lessons (usually
2 kids to a teacher, I think), and the owner was in the pool
giving lessons the whole time. The teachers seem
very well-trained, especially in dealing with young kids
Meri
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