10 mistakes you’re making with your child’s swim lessons

Swim lessons are a fun way for your kids to stay active all year round. Swim instruction has changed a lot since you were a kid. Follow these tips to make sure you’re getting the best possible experience for you and your family.

Safety

Why Big Blue?

For more information on Big Blue Swim School visit: The top 10 reasons Big Blue is best for your child.

Classes for non-independent swimmers, who are not accompanied by a parent or care taker, should be overseen by a lifeguard, in addition to the instructor. Instructors should be well-trained to never turn their back to their swimmers.

Instructors

Part-time, underpaid, and undertrained instructors with poor attendance are far too common. Ask about your swim lesson provider’s instructors. Professional, adult instructors who earn health insurance are going to give your child the kind of experience they deserve.

Class size

Beginners (typically 3-5 years old) should be in a class with no more than three swimmers per instructor. Beginners over the age of five should be in a class with no more than four swimmers per instructor. You want to ensure your children will get enough attention from their teacher.

Progress

Progress in swim lessons is difficult to predict, but if you’re not seeing results after three months then it’s time to move on. Choose a program that allows you to easily track your child’s progress – Big Blue Swim School offers a real-time, online progress tracker – and speak with your instructor frequently.

Flexibility

Don’t let yourself get locked into a progress-killing session. You want your kids to be able to move up to their next level as soon as they are ready. Year-round, continuous programs that let you start and stop at your convenience are best for your schedule and ideal for your child’s progress.

Make-up lessons

Eventually other commitments will come up, and you will miss a class. Having the flexibility to make up your class with another free class will keep your cost per lesson from going through the roof and not allow your child’s progress to suffer.

Cost

A good swim lesson should last at least 30 minutes and cost a little over $20. Fees for registration, yearly memberships and use of the facility can add up. A fairly priced, no-additional-fee program keeps the focus on your child.

Facility

Facilities solely dedicated to teaching children how to swim are ideal. You want a pool with crystal clear water that is kept over 90 degrees. Additionally, all pools – even salt water ones – are required to maintain chlorine levels of 2.0 to 4.0 parts per million.

Lane size

A lesson typically occurs in a sectioned off area of the pool called a “lane.” If your child’s lane is too small, or perhaps there are too many children in the lane, then they will never be challenged to the point of making real progress. Your child should have at least a 15-foot long lane for their lesson if they are under five years old and a 25-foot long lane if they are more than five years old.

Convenience

Waiting days or even weeks to find out if you secured your ideal time-slot for your kids’ activities is outdated. You should expect the convenience of full, online registration or the option to speak with an experienced representative over the phone or in person.

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