Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Toddler’s first swimming lesson

11 replies

WhatcanIdoplease · 09/04/2021 08:11

Hi all,
My daughter (3.5) has her first ever swimming lesson next week. I signed her up as she never did any of those baby swimming classes and any time we’ve taken her to the pool (literally could count on one hand) she’s been incredibly nervous in the water and held onto one of us for dear life.
We’d love for her to get confident in the water hence signing her up to the pre-school/stage 1 classes.
However I have absolutely no idea what on Earth she needs / is expected! It’s clear that parents don’t get in the water for this level so I’m guessing I sit on the side or do parents go off and sit in cafe?? Also what does she need to wear? Just little swimming costume or like those rash vests she’d wear on holiday (pre covid) and would she need flotation things (arm bands etc)?
Sorry for all the stupid questions, just don’t want to turn up next week unprepared!
Thanks

OP posts:
lurch3r · 09/04/2021 08:17

I had to bribe mine in with chocolate for the first lesson, so be prepared for her to not want to go in. They are very unlikely to be doing any 'swimming'. This is more about swishing the water with their hands, jumping up and down, playing and getting their faces wet happily. I had to stay visible in case he needed the loo. You won't need floats etc. Swim shorts and top more practical for the toilet ime.

WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants · 09/04/2021 08:17

You need to ring them as every place is different.

If it was me, I'd cancel & book later in the year. I'd spend the next couple of months getting her used to the water (& strangers)

It's not essential she can swim at 3.5 & you might put her off the water entirely making her do a class without you and with a stranger (after lockdown).

But swimming lessons at her age should be about learning to swim, not about getting her into the water without clinging in to you.

TeenMinusTests · 09/04/2021 08:37

Swimming costume with/without rash vest.
Not arm bands - they will provide what is needed, usually floats or noodles.
Goggles. To swim you need to put your face in the water.

However I agree with PP. Take her yourself so she is more confident. Waste of money paying for lessons if she is that scared unless they are 1-1 and you think the teacher will do better than you.

Go to pool with some water toys. (eg small watering can, something that floats etc). Sit on the steps and play, pouring water over each other etc. No pressure to go in. Have fun. Build up from there, sitting a step further down each time, kicking legs to make splashes etc.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Families General sports
TeddyBeans · 09/04/2021 08:42

DS is having his first swimming lesson the day after his third birthday. The website says they'll provide everything necessary and you don't get in the water with them but have to stay nearby in case they need assistance. Other than that I'm completely winging it like you!

DS is getting a new rash vest and shorts set and a drying poncho for his birthday Grin

Invisimamma · 09/04/2021 08:47

She will need a swimming costume and goggles. They will provide all the floatation devices etc.

It's been a long break for everyone so it's likely the whole class will be new swimmers and confidence will be low for all swimmers, they should start gently.

Check with the pool the arrangements for spectating though. I'm usual times parents can watch from the poolside cafe at our pool but at the moment due to covid they can't have parents gathering the cafe or poolside so we need to leave the building completely wait outside. Parents are called back in when the lesson is finished to help with changing. There's also no showerinf at our pool at the moment as it's gathering in a confined space and parents used to push in to help with shampoo etc so the showers are off. We are also allocated a numbered changing cubicle and need to use allocated number to allow for cleaning after use. It's been this way since lessons returned at the end of summer.

TeddyBeans · 09/04/2021 08:59

I'd check about goggles. DS' provider says no goggles

GeorgeandHarold66 · 09/04/2021 09:10

For this sort of swimming lesson it's usual for parents to be directed to a viewing gallery of some sort. In my experience swimming teachers prefer you to leave them to get on with it. However, if your child is very nervous you should be allowed to sit on the poolside at least until your dd knows and trusts the teacher.

It might be an idea to ring the provider ahead of time so you know what's going to happen and can talk to dd about it. They're pretty skilled at building up confidence and coaxing little ones into the water but your dd needs to know that you have confidence in them too.

Teardrop2021 · 09/04/2021 10:30

Swimming costume, no arm bands as she will be given them if needed. You will likely be asked to stay on poolside to assist with her Googles or any aids given as we cannot touch them and have to maintain social distance.

peak2021 · 09/04/2021 10:32

Good luck, hope your DD enjoys it.

TantrumInTheGarden · 09/04/2021 10:37

Some pools might require hats too. Unlikely for littler ones but best to check.

terrywynne · 09/04/2021 11:30

Definitely ask the people you have booked the lessons with as, for example, when my DCs lessons restart parents have to go into the water (even though they wouldn't for that age group usually) because the teachers are not going into the water so the parents have to be there for the children to swim to etc. But that is very small classes (c. 3 kids) so easy to space the adults 2m apart. It's the opposite of what is being done for other classes though so you do need to ask.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page