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Toddler swimming lesson issue

3 replies

LilaRose25 · 10/01/2026 20:19

My 3 year old child has been doing swimming lessons for 3 months now. They are 30 minute sessions with a group of 6 of all similar ages. The swimming instructor previously managed them all in the water very well considering it being a fairly large number of small children. The issue is that a new child started lessons a few weeks ago and is inconsolable pre lesson and throughout the session. I am torn because whilst I completely understand that some children are very anxious around the water especially at such a young age, it is starting to cause a lot of issues. Other children in the group are now picking up on the distress prior to the lesson beginning and also getting really upset and worked up, the swimming instructor is spending a considerable amount of time attempting to calm the new child down (to no avail) and none of the children are actually getting a swimming lesson anymore. After now having 2 wasted lessons where my little one has refused to get into the water due to picking up on the upset, I don’t know how to approach it. Please don’t think I am being callous and have a ‘my child is more important attitude’. I can’t stress enough how terrified the new child is about the lessons/going into the water. She is so distressed, it’s very uncomfortable to watch to the point of feeling cruel. I appreciate that the parents clearly want their child to gain an important skill but it seems that their little one either needs a little more time going to swimming pools in a relaxed family setting or would benefit from being a bit older until doing lessons. Do I remove my child from the classes as it is becoming a waste of time/money as well as feeling dangerous as the swimming lesson anymore instructor can’t give all the children the attention required, wait it out and see if things improve or raise it with the leisure centre (although I’m not sure what the outcome would be there anyway).

OP posts:
MossAndLeaves · 10/01/2026 20:23

I would take your child alone until 4 then restart in lessons which dont accept 3 year olds. Six 3 year olds with one adult doesnt even sound safe.

LML1989AL · 10/01/2026 21:39

Our three year old does “Swim!” swimming lessons, they run classes all day 7 days a week so you can just ask to move classes (we often do if we have plans) is this an option?

If not & you’re unhappy, remove your child, honestly don’t be that parent complaining that your child isn’t getting the attention they need (even if you’re right) it won’t end well.

Slothey · 10/01/2026 22:38

I’m a massive enthusiast for early swimming / but the distressed child’s parents are nuts to keep persevering with this. I’d probably hang on for a week or two to see if they move, then swap classes. And tell the instructor why!

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