Anxiety (mine!) over first swimming lessons, have/am I completely daft?

[Martha200]

DC will be 6 later this year. We have spoken about having swimming lessons in the past, all fine. Not done anything about it as back then I heard it was difficult to get children on to the courses due to demand.

Today I applied for a card that gives us discounts for the leisure centres in our area. At the same time I asked about swimming lessons and it turns out that next week the next block starts and there were 2 places left, so I signed him up. Should be fine, but on reflection am wondering if too hasty. It's a pool dc has not been to before, and for various reasons we have not been swimming for 4-5 months (very unusual, must add!) DC seems quite ok about the idea (after the initial how cold will the water be
question!) but I'm worried he might get cold feet on the day as it's been some time he has been in a pool. (I would have at the same age!) Unfortunately I can't take him swimming before Monday as we have to go away for a burial.. but can anyone enlighten me on what they do for the beginners?

It sounds pathethic I know, but I can't stop worrying about it now. I can't even remember if 5 yr olds are allowed in the female changing rooms, probably anxious too as at the time of the lesson his one yr old sibling likes to eat a meal!

How did your dcs first lesson go?

You and DS will be fine. First lesson is usually really simple - walking up and down in the water and splashing etc - that's about it really. Any teacher worth their salt will know that their job will be much easier if they take things slowly.

Go early if possible and watch a part of an earlier lesson together very often there are loads running all day at the weekend. It will reassure you both. Is it in a smaller teaching pool? Make sure the the instructor is aware your child hasn't been in water in a wee while.

Go on you tube and type something like swim lessons for children. we've done this for our baby and lots of great videos came up. it will give you a flavour for what they do

Lots of sympathy. My ds2 is 6 and started lessons a couple of weeks ago.

So far the beginners have just been going up and down the pool with various floats depending on ability and confidence. The instructor keeps an eye on them and gives suggestions and encouragement where needed.

A couple of children were reluctant to get in at first but were soon getting into the water.

Parents can watch from the poolside if they want to but most watch from the viewing area, so your 1yr-old could still probably have something to eat.

I take ds2 into the female changing rooms. At that time of day the pool is only used for teaching/lessons so the only other people getting changed are children.

He will be fine, they are used to all sorts. Don't let your anxiety show.

Thank you for the replies.

Well, yesterday was fine as you all said.
DH turned up unexpectedly before he started which I think gave him a boost.

First width, he clung to the side of the pool and bounced along but by the third he was in the middle of the line of children and working hard. Instructor was very good with the children (I didn't realise they got in themselves, how times have changed to when I learnt, haha!)but was soo pleased he did what he did considering how long it's been since he last was in the pool! He told me last night he wants a swimming party for his 8th or 9th birthday party so he is going to practice hard and could I take him to the disco splash this week.. all good stuff