Taking the kids 'swimming' for the first time - can you help?

[kwaker5]

I want to take my DS 'swimming' (he is nearly 4). He was never that keen on indoor pools when younger so we gave up (having spent longer getting changed than in the pool!). However, this summer he was quite happy in a paddling pool (outdoor) and in the sea.

I also have a 17 month old DD who I will have to take with us. I have never taken her to an indoor pool before but she is mad for water when outdoors and I half suspect she will just try to jump in immediately.

But I am clueless. Should I put them both in armbands? Do you think the 'AquaPlay under 5's' session is the place to start?

Or should I just not bother?! I would really like to get DS booked into some lessons at some point but don't think I can just sign up when he's never set foot in the pool before!

Check with your pool that they don't require a 1:1 ratio for non-swimmers. They will both need support at first and arm-bands probably won't be sufficient unless it's shallow enough for your DS to stand. Would recommend taking DS to some kind of family swim session alone first to introduce him to it before lessons. I think swimming lessons generally accept 3+ yo's without an adult in pool.

second checking with the pool - it's 1 adult per one under five at my local pool

Thanks, I hadn't thought of that.

OK, it's 1:1 in the main pool but 1:2 in the teaching pool, but the AquaPlay ('fun session with play equipment for the under 5s) is in the pirate pool (?), which I think is shallow with a boat parked in it but has no information on ratios.

Should I give up and wait until DH can look after DD so I can go alone with DS? I was hoping a morning in the week when I'm not at work might be a bit quieter than a weekend though. Weekend sessions in the pirate pool and main pool are 'wet and wild', so I imagine a lot more older children, more noise, DS may freak!

Could you rope DH in and all go together on a weekend morning? A bit more flexibility if one of them hates it. My DD is not keen and I've not pushed it, but she generally comes round to it after 10 mins or so, especially at the sessions where they have lots of floats, noodles and bath toys. We're rarely in for much more than 25-30 mins, but it's good to build confidence.

Could you rope DH in and all go together on a weekend morning? A bit more flexibility if one of them hates it. My DD is not keen and I've not pushed it, but she generally comes round to it after 10 mins or so, especially at the sessions where they have lots of floats, noodles and bath toys. We're rarely in for much more than 25-30 mins, but it's good to build confidence.

Can I recommend a float jacket rather than armbands for both of them. It gives them so much better bouancy and since its round their stomachs their arms are free. DS was nervous before we got him one at around 14 months, but instantly loved swimming once wearing one. Now at 4.5 he's decided to take it off and swims without it with no lessons or prompting. Can't praise them enough, they're a bit pricey, but so worth it
www.amazon.co.uk/SplashAbout-Float-Jacket-Red-Navy/dp/B000KVRNCM