swimming lessons

[purplescarf]

My dd is 5 and has been taking swimming lessons at Ainslie Park once a week since Aug 2014. Her confidence has grown however she is wearing armbands so not really learning to "swim" and I just don't see her improving much. She has fun there but she is unhappy putting her head in the water.

A friend told me that she shouldn't be learning to swim wearing armbands. Any thoughts on this and can anyone recommend another company/place that teaches kids to swim in North Edinburgh? Thanks!

Not sure if they operate in North Edinburgh, but Swimeasy are fantastic. My daughter started there just before xmas and has come on fantastically. The difference is quite amazing. They work in classes of 1:4 or 5, the teacher is in he water with them and it's very intensive (but lots of fun, not pressurised in the slightest) and have a passport system. When the children achieve a certain skill they get a sticker, which build up to bigger stickers which finally build up to them passing a level and moving on to the next stage.

They operate in lots of venues on school afternoons and at the weekends, so something might work out.

Oh and they don't do armbands. But everything is done at the kids pace and they don't rush they if they suffer from and confidence issues in the water.

If you think you might be interested, pm me as I could recommend you and we both get an incentive/ reduction in fees.

Just checked and it looks like they have classes at Craigroyston High School. Should also have said that you don't need to wait for a new term to join, we started midway through one.

Another vote for Swimeasy - they are more expensive but you get what you pay for, your child will progress more quickly and get good technique so the whole process should not take as long thereby saving you money in the long run. They have been going for about 15 years, and my DD learned with them, progressed through to Club swimming with Warrender and now at 16 is swimming at National Level and training 20 hours per week. They invest heavily in staff training and the owner is very hands on in keeping up standards.

Thanks Starfish and 3nation!
I've had a look at their website and it does look good. I'll pm you starfish so you can recommend me.

Cheers! Have pm'd you back.

Swim easy is fantastic! My daughter has came on great

Another vote for Swimeasy. The teachers we have had have been great and they really seem to bring the children on. They are learning things which I simply couldn't teach through lack of knowledge and seem to focus on getting the children to use the correct technique. We go on Saturday to Watson (lovely pool btw), but I know there are lots of classes throughout the week.

Swimeasy appreciation page!!

Waves to Hamish - we're also at GWC on a Sat morning.

I've booked swimeasy! DD starts next week. I mentioned your name Starfish so you should get a wee cheque in the post.
Thanks all!

If it is Saturday at Craigroyston then it might be my DD that is teaching her!

Thanks again Purple! Hope your DD enjoys the classes