To email over swimming lesson

[Marshmallowbrain]

My son started swimming lessons today, he's 3 and it was a small group with 2 teachers and a life guard.

Son seemed to be doing well, we were watching from the viewing area near by.

At one stage he was using the noodle but it was almost like it was too far down, he was over it but was face down in the water and visually struggling and couldn't get up. It felt like forever, but realistically about 15 seconds as I started banging on the window for someone to pay attention. One of the teachers got him and I could see he was upset. It's bothering me and I'm not sure if I should email the pool.

I get there's probably a certain element of getting heads wet etc but that felt too much and it's not sitting well with me.

AIBU to say something? I'm more annoyed with the lifeguard than anything.

Honestly if they can’t pay close enough attention with that amount of staff I’d change lessons.

Why didn't you talk to the teacher?

My husband did speak to the teacher but not sure if I should make it formal in writing.

I’ve only ever seen lessons for 3 year olds where the parents are also in the water. 3 seems way too young for anything other than one on one.

Quite shocked you were off in a separate viewing area whilst DC is in a group lesson at only 3 years old. All the swim schools around here either offer the toddler lessons with parents in water or it’s 1:1 or 1:2 with the instructor and parents sit right on the edge of the pool. The ones where you go off and wait in the viewing area are all 4 years old and must be in reception, not nursery. I’d just insist on staying by the pool’s edge for now on. If they won’t let you do that then I’d ask for your money back because it doesn’t sound very safe for little ones- they can get into difficultly quite easily and aren’t always the best at following instructions so need eyes on them at all times.

I agree with PP, 3 is too young for anything other than 1:1 with an adult. I would transfer to another swim school where one of you is in the water with your child and can provide the necessary supervision.

Yes I would raise it - for reference I spent years watching swim club, my DD then helped out and now is a lifeguard. I shall never forget watching a learners gala and shallow end one of the teachers doing a shallow dive to get to a 5yr out of depth struggling which all the parents had missed watching as did lifeguard. It takes seconds for an accident to happen.

I’m not sure id go back to be honest; 15 seconds is a long time (I realise not enough for harm) but the fact that no one noticed and it was left to you would worry me too much. Our leisure centre only allows children in without parents at 4.

The viewing area is about a meter from the pool side but behind glass. There were a few chairs poolside that I could ask to sit at.

The teachers said they had eyes on him and knew he was ok but I just don't believe it. I'm no expert as both boys have only just started lessons this weekend, but it seems off to me.

Thanks all, it's good to have my concerns validated.

Honestly do you need lessons without a parent in the pool yet? Both Mine went with me a lot but didn’t start formal lessons until age 5 and completed all lesson stages 1-8 by age 8 then joined the club for training. At 3yrs age it’s about having fun, splashing, floating, blowing bubbles, kicking, jumping in for toys just enjoying the water as much as possible then when you start formal lessons they “get it” a lot quicker normally and it’s cheaper.