Learn to swim as a (time poor) adult

[Nuttal]

Hello, many years ago I learnt how to swim but after completing a beginners course I didn't keep practicing and have now lost all confidence again. I really feel like I am missing out when on holidays so would love to start practicing and learn to be a better and confident swimmer. I only learnt the front crawl before and really want to learn the breaststroke so I don't have to put my face in the water. I also have a toddler at home so am very time constrained and find it difficult to get away to attend classes.

Could I perhaps watch a few YouTube videos on technique and then go to the pool with DH and DS on the weekends and have me and DH take it in turns to swim with DS while the other goes off to swim (DH / practice to swim (me)? Or is this a really silly idea and should I just find the time for some proper lessons somehow?

Breastroke involves putting your face in the water. I find the breathing easier than front crawl though.

I did a one term Adult Improvers class, then kept swimming 3 times a week to build up strength and stamina. 10 years later I still swim at least 3 times a week.

The class I took was one evening a week. Would your DH be at home to look after DS one evening a week so you could go to something similar?

I personally found it hard practicing with DC in the pool. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have learnt as much from YouTube as I did in proper lessons.

Thanks @Poblano - I will look into a class. I was just hesitant because DH ends up doing majority of nursery runs because of my inflexible full time job with long hours and commute (he WFH almost full time whereas I commute to office 3 days a week) so I'd feel guilty taking an evening out for myself on top of that. Thing is it's not like when I am at work and commuting I am enjoying myself but even so i rush home from work in the evenings to give DH a break and spend the weekends trying my best to make up for all the time I'm out the house too so don't get much time to myself. Anyway that's a whole other thread!

I learned as an adult, but I personally think you'll need lessons. I did a course of ten at first which would have been enough to get me going, although I did carry on for another ten because I enjoyed it so much. So it wouldn't be forever if you enrolled.

The reason I hadn't learned to swim was because I was afraid to put my head under the water - I love swimming now, it's so worth it.

I think if you want to learn to swim then it’s better to have lessons.
Could you work it so you have your lesson and then meet up with DH and DS after (or before) for a leisure swim or another activity? I’m sure the lessons would only be 30 or 45 minutes. Or negotiate with DH so he gets some time off another time?
You shouldn’t feel guilty about investing in yourself and it will be a positive for your DS in the long term.

Oh and I had private lessons and they were only 25 mins - the pool is right by work so with a bit of ninja changing it only took me an hour and a quarter (we have some flex time at work) so could do it in my lunch break.