We had our oldest two children in swimming lessons before and after 18 months...Our DS was still ignoring the swimming teacher and walking across the pool. So we took them out for a year and tried again.
This time we had our three oldest children in the lessons. DD1 and DD2 have progressed well and learnt things.
But DS who is turning 7yo is struggling. He often anxious about the water, especially the deep end...which we have re labelled the 'not so shallow end'.
He is genuinely frightened that sharks are in the deep end and will kill him. We have done the logic thing...All the water comes through a tap which a shark can not fit through. Made him laugh with a silly approach that the sharks would have to put a coat and hat on and walk on their tail though the front door...he lol at this image.
He has been distracted the class teacher who can't get him swimming at all. He has had a helper in the water with him for the last two weeks but he shouts at the helper as he is so upset.
DS did go under the water at a lesson two months ago....he ducked under maybe three times...swallowing water, before grabbing the teachers stick. So I can see why he is worried at one level. But he is so anxious and over reacts to everything, I don't know how to reduce his worrying.
He says we take him to the pool to die and other joyful phrases like that.
He is very anxious at home, won't go to the toilet on his own (we stand on the stairs atm), won't sleep/play in his bedroom...he sleeps with his sisters. Hates school. etc.
So we got the end of module swimmimg reports and the girls have done well and DS is dropping down a level 
Next course he will be in the same class as his 4 yo sister
I understand why they have to drop him down again but we are thinking of a break from offical swimming lessons for now...Try and take him ourselves to see if we can improve his confidence.
Any ideas or advice ?