Swimming lessons

[nappyaddict]

Not sure what to do about the ones DS has just started. He went to some a 20 minute drive away that I have been very happy with. They were teaching him using a swim fin. When he turned up at his new lessons he had his swim fin but they took it off after 5 minutes and put arm bands.

Firstly the swim fin was £20 so I would it to be used.

Secondly we told to get the swim fin cos it gives the best body position in the water and doesn't affect arm movement like arm bands do.

Should I mention it or just let them get on with it?

Well I agree with what you've been told about the swim fin and arm bands.

I think I'd definitely be asking them why they changed to armbands and what their plans are. It might be that they were just assessing his skills during the first lesson .

I suppose different teachers do things differently

My swim teachers who are really experienced never use anything like a swim fin. They just use the swim disc arm bands.

Surfermum I thought that but they did the same today (which was his 2nd lesson). I think it's cos the arm bands make him float better maybe? I don't know if it's correct but I thought it would better to make them feel like they are sinking a little so they paddle/kick harder as opposed to making it too easy for them.

Dd's swimming teacher uses a float vest, or a float belt, never armbands because of the restriction of arm movements.

If you are unhappy with their methods then you need to talk to them.

If armbands are their preferred floatation device, and you are not happy with this, then I would suggest looking for another teacher at the end of this block of lessons (if you have paid in a block).

I prefer DS to use the fin instead of arm bands because he is more confident with that as he's not used arm bands before. Also because he doesn't use his arms as much as his legs I think it would be better not to restrict his arms.

I just didn't want to come across as an interfering busy body know it all (who actually knows bugger all about swimming)

Some people don't rate the discs either, although lots of people use them.

The thing about the flotation device is that it needs to support the child enough so that they aren't getting too tired, otherwise when you are trying to teach them they can't concentrate on the stroke as they're just trying to keep afloat! I wonder if they think he needs more buoyancy at the moment?

How old is he?

He is 3.7

So not a tiddler then. That's not a spelling mistake . I think you're going to have to ask them why they're using the arm bands instead. You don't have to say "coz his other teacher thought they were crap" .