Toddler swimming lessons without parents

[Smurfy23]

At what age were your children able to go into swimming lessons (and follow most of the instructions...) without you being there? DD is 2.5 and it currently feels like I'll be in there til shes 25 as she flits between absolutely loving the classes and refusing point blank to do anything shes asked....

My ds just started lone lessons at 3 prior to that we did waterbabies. I switched because of having a new baby and because it seemed like he was pissing about and not really listening, I was a bit apprehensive as he’s not the best at listening and following instructions. I’ve found that he’s now much more engaged in the lessons. I think it’s because when he was swimming with me he knew I would always hold on to him regardless and therefore put no effort in and because there were 8 in a class, sometimes there would be a wait before his turn and was getting bored. Now he’s in a class of 4 and they all listen intently and he’s much more independent and his swimming has improved massively. I would go for it and see what happens. I’m so glad we moved to independent lessons.

I didn't think pools let toddlers in without am adultt. Ours insists on what adult per child and. They can't go into swimming lessons alone until they are 5 I think.

Age 3 for my younger two. Neither had any prior formal lessons (but had been to the pool a bit with us). Oldest one was 3 too, and had a term to lessons prior with me in the water too.

If you can afford it I think 1/1 lessons are brilliant. Maybe when you're lo is a bit older. Mine didn't make real progress until then.

IME, most lessons will only take children in to lesson where their parents aren't in the water, from 4 yrs.

Thanks all. Swimming school dd goes to takes from 2.5 with parents still sitting by edge so that's why I was asking. I think she needs to wait a bit until shes closer to 3- hopefully she will start listening and following instructions a bit more by then...

Our swimming school takes them in alone from around 3.5 and I think technically you don't have to sit next to the pool thought pretty much all parents do.
Our DC was quite apprehensive to begin with since it was the first time they were in the water without a parent. So we hung about the poolside to encourage and reassure.

Mine went from age 1, DD1 loved it and engaged.
DD2 was waisted money between 1.5-3, just did what she wanted when she wanted even with parent in the water.
She re engaged around 3 and went on to competition swimming .
I kept paying as DD1 had lessons at the same time, and she loved it.