Learning to swim

[SarahBiz]

My daughter has just turned 4, and she is terrified of swimming. Bless her she keeps trying to get into a swimming position but then just gets really scared and starts getting really angry. I've tried and will keep trying with lots of play activities and using floats and obviously arm bands but as soon as I stop holding her she is terrified. I wouldn't be that concerned normally as I am very much a 'leave it to happen naturally' kind of person, but she is unable to join in with her friends who are better swimmers of the same age....and her anger and frustration is enormous...it's a little heartbreaking....has anyone had a similar experience with any useful advice...would love to hear.....thanks Sarah :-)

One 2 one swim lesson or maybe take best friend along to lesson. Either way find a good swim teacher that is understanding that she is afraid and not one that is planning a sink or swim route.

Are you trying to teach her yourself? I wonder if she would be better with a proper teacher as they will have seen it all before and know how best to encourage a scared child.

Thanks for your comments :-)
I tried getting her proper lessons and they said she couldn't have them until her fear had passed....so that's why I was trying myself - it was a real blow.
I have actually had some success....I spent 7 hours (3 + 4) over two days myself and gradually let her go in very small 1 second then 2 second delays and low and behold she is now swimming without me holding her....I should have done more focused activities like this at the beginning, but was relying on the lessons....I bought a 'tube' style float and that goes into a 'U' position under her tummy - she is using this and also armbands. I was so elated yesterday because she was swimming with her buoyancy aids totally without me for the first time. I really hope her confidence continues.
I like the point about taking a friend....she also had one of her little friends who can already swim around the pool yesterday so that really helped her motivation. I am so glad I persevered now...I was ready to leave it for another year.
Thanks for your comments, it's nice that people care :)