Kids swimming lessons starting again

[Sunshine35x]

Just had a message from my daughters swimming lessons company. My daughter is 6.
She usually does it term time so wasn't expecting them to start back up until September. Just had a text to stay they are starting next week and running all through summer.
I really don't know how I feel about it. I take her in (her elder brother has to come with me too) get her changed in hot humid changing room, she goes in for the lesson and we sit pool side on benches watching. It's incredily humid in there and feels like a sauna.
I really don't know how I feel about her returing so soon. The instructors are hands on.
Any thoughts on this or any advise on what I should be asking them? If they tell us we need to wear masks pool side it you literally will not be able to breath. We've only left the house to go for walks since march, and I'm feeling abit nervous about it I suppose

@MotherofKitties good grief! That sounds extreme!

"If they tell us we need to wear masks pool side it you literally will not be able to breath"

You literally will be able to breathe. The parents won't all just flake and die at the poolside. Literally

I’d ask to see their risk assessment. The STA have provided templates that are comprehensive, so I’d hope they would align with those even if they are not STA members. You can see the STA templates by simply signing up. They should give you peace of mind.

Really couldn't care less if other parents want to use that 30 mins to browse their phone, have a nap, whatever. I wouldn't judge at all. But for me, I love love love seeing my kids swimming lessons. It's the highest of my week and means so much to me watching them learn and improve and celebrating their achievements after the lesson. There's not a chance in hell I'm waiting outside and missing those precious memories!

Hi I work for a local authority and deal with the swimming lessons in our area. We are doing a pay as you go system for ours so people don't feel the need to rush back if they are uncomfortable. We are also under strict guidelines from swim england so there will be no parents on poolside, cleaning in between lessons and giving time for swimmers to get change and then the next lot to put on their costumes. The pool itself should be pretty much safe as the chlorine will no doubt kill the virus. Please contact your local provider so you are sure of the set up and if you are able to let them know if you feel comfortable. If you don't feel comfortable then you have a right to decline but essentially you need to think of when will be a good time? As these measures could last for a while and unfortunately any progress made previously in the lessons there will be a regression. It's hard enough when they come back after the christmas break; in my experience of 16 years. Good luck and I hope they can give you some answers. You should also be able to access the guidelines from the swim England website- although be warned every pool/authority will view them differently as they are vague in some parts. We have to protect ourselves, the children and yourselves so please be aware things will be a bit strange like everything for a while. I can totally understand the frustration of not being able to watch but unfortunately we have to limit the amount of people in the centres. The bottom line is to keep people safe.

@Sash887 the advice doesn't say no parents poolside. It says only one parent per child should be encouraged. Do you not have a viewing area?

Yeah we have viewing areas but unfortunately that's what we will be doing in our area. As I have stated different pool will be doing things slightly different depending on the space and to be honest to protect the staff and other people using the gym.

I'll wait for them to send guidance. But think we will try to postpone for now. Think it's too soon, we chose the company specifically because they go in the water with them. I also love to watch her learning and to sit poolside. Would prefer to wait until normality resumes.

Also thanks to those who like to be sarcastic about my use of the word "literally",. A word which I have never used before in my many mumsnet posts. I remember now seeing previous posters being rediculed for using the word. Silly me! What a strange world we live in when grown women think it's OK to take the mickey out of someone because they used a word that they think is silly for some reason. Grow up

@arethereanyleftatall It is pretty hard when there are not family changing rooms.
I dont like the idea of leaving my 8year old son to get changed on his own. Its not that I dont trust him but I do not trust others.

@Wynston that's kind of my point. If a new system is started whereby kids don't get changed in the changing room, don't dilly dally, simply walk through, grab towel and wrap it round them; shower and change at home; then the debate about where 8 year old boys should be (and there's good arguments both ways) is eliminated.

I'll send DS1 back when his start (I think in September), he's going into reception with 29 other kids, so it doesnt feel less safe swimming in lots of chlorine with 9 or less other kids.

I have no issue at all about my daughter returning into the water. As you say they will be going to school etc and the water is chlorinated. That side I have no issue with at all.
My fear (irrational?) is for myself. I'm in the clinically vulnerable group and I don't think I will feel comfortable sitting poolside in a humid environment. I've spoken to them on the phone and we will be going poolside still due to safeguarding. Parents need to be on the premises

@arethereanyleftatall for me an 8 year old child should be with their parent/guardian.
You are implying this is an issue with where boys should change surley lots of ways this scenario varries?
We are yet to have any contact about swimming lessons.
I think I may well wait now until next march.

I would have thought that bathed in chlorine with a fit, healthy instructor, is quite a safe place to be in relation to Covid.

DD had her first swimming session last night, admittedly it was at a lido and training not a lesson. It was well organised, kids arrived pool ready with plastic boxes to put their dressing gowns/ dry robes and sliders in. Parents had to bring camping chairs and sit socially distanced on the grass. Each bubble had a lane and started at alternate ends of the pool. No overtaking allowed. At the end, parents moved to the car park, they got out, one bubble at a time, got their bath robes etc on then got dressed in their cars. It worked, it was chilly at the end but we had hot chocolate, fleece pj's, slipper socks and a bobble swimzi hat in the car and DD is excited to go back for her next session.