Swimming crash courses

[skydance]

Has anyone tried a swimming crash course for their children?

I am considering booking DS(7) on one for a week in the holidays but it would be a bit of a logistical nightmare as I have 2 other younger children and no car, so just wondering if it would be worth it, he has no water confidence and really is a complete beginner.

Has it helped any other children?, or do you think it would be a waste of time and I'd be better just taking him myself lots over the holidays.

[LIZS]

Given your circumstances I'd say it would be worth it . You can't take 3 young children on your own (assuming they even allow that ratio) and be able to teach him. Sometimes it is better to let someone more experienced get them over obstacles.

[thestringcheeseincident]

Yes we do them every holiday and they really benefit from going in day after day. Dd usually progresses up a level after the week.

[skydance]

thanks LIZS, our local pool do allow 3 children per adult, but I was thinking more of going at weekends when DH could amuse the younger two and also just going as a family to increase his water confidence before he has formal lessons, as I wonder if it would be a waste of time if he is too scared to put his face in the water etc.

We could all get up early and drop DH at work, then I could have the car to take DS to the crash course, but as I say it would be a bit of a pain.

I did try asking at the pool but of course their answer is probably rather biased as they want me to sign up for the course!

[AngryFeet]

Yes they are really good. Used one at Easter and DD (6) has started swimming on her own since so both DC are doing another one next week. We use a local swimming club as the ratio is much better (4 to one teacher max).

[skydance]

thanks stringcheese that's interesting, I wouldn't mind having the hassle of getting him there and amusing the younger two for the 45 minutes each day if he would really would get some benefit from it IYSWIM

hmm am very tempted to pop to the pool and book him in.

[skydance]

Just been to the pool and booked him in for next week, thanks everyone, hopefully it will get him started whilst we wait for a place to become available at the weekly lessons.

[UniS]

Very good the other summer for 3 yr old DS, he gained lots of water confidence in a week, ended up very happy to jump in deep water and swim with with float aids.

Will you be ABLE to give him lots of swim time otherwise with 2 smaller ons in tow? Our local pool you can only supervise 2 under 8 or non swimmers over 8 at a time.