Swimming for 3 years old-parent required in water

[lady321]

Hi everyone, my son is 3.5 years and I want to enroll him for swimming in my nearby leisure centre but they have only for pre-school kids until 4 years old only classes with adult required in the water. I don’t know what to expect from this kind of classes. Can someone share experience please? Thanks

With my DDs it was water confidence games, jumping in, getting them to kick towards you, stuff like that. Having a parent in the water meant there was no waiting around for their turn.

I would want to go in with my child at that age. It can't be easy for a teacher to supervise a number of preschoolers safely in water. Also it would be a nice way to have fun with your child :)

I teach ducklings aged 3-5 without parents in the water. I have 8 in a class, so there are classes without parents in the water. In your case you take the lead from the teacher he/she will instruct you all as a group and you will assist with your child.

DS is 3 and has just gone up a class and no longer requires a parent in the water so it's not the same everywhere

I think they also want an adult in with them pre-school due to concentration span, ability to follow instructions etc which will come more when they start school. The adult need not be a confident swimmer, you’ll be waist deep and playing with them, singing etc