Swimming...waste of money?

[Freubarch]

After taking my eldest swimming as a baby and throwing the towel in when he became insanely defiant (screaming in the pool, refusing to be held but would drown if I let go, etc) we started it again after he turned 3. I found it hard to commit on a weekend morning when there is always something on or he's sick (my husband and I work during the week so weekends are the only option).
After a few months break we are trying again, however I'm finding it impossible to get him there consistently! There are ALWAYS birthday parties, an onslaught of viruses from childcare and general things that happen like other events, weekend trips etc. If he hasn't slept well the night before it's bound to ruin the lesson as he will be too tired to manage the whole being without the parent in the pool thing.
I'm ready to give up again but feel guilty for not persisting! It's just a lot of money to spend on something which is incredibly hit or miss
How do other parents make this work??

You have only one child? That's great that she can swim well at a young age. But it's not only to do with your diligence in taking her to lessons! Two of mine didn't learn despite years of lessons, whereas the third was swimming almost as soon as she hit the water.

I was like this with cycling. I was a very smug parent indeed as child one learnt very quickly, age 4. 'Oh yes, it's the balance bike you know, it's excellent' I'd say. More fool me - child 2 didn't get the hang of it until nearer 10. Child 3 was just 2!! We can't always choose when our kids are ready for the skills we want them to acquire.

Hmm this could be an option. Logistically it would be hard though as we are both working parents and have DS2 to consider also.

Haha I feel like this is for everything! It's like kids who sleep whose parents swear by the routine etc they've implemented. No no, it's the kid 🤣
We've had the easiest run with toilet training and I would love to take credit but it's absolutely been unique to my child and nothing we did as parents! ☺️

This is a great suggestion, thank you 😀