Speedo event day feedback: non attendees: all your comment about swimming to win a Speedo goodie bag! NOW CLOSED

[MichelleMumsnet]

This thread is for the Mumsnetters who attended the Speedo 'Underwater World' VIP event on Tuesday 29thOctober.

Here's what Speedo have to say, "After new research revealed that 81% of kids wished they could go swimming more often and that a third would rather get a new badge for swimming than be able to ride a bike without stabilisers, Speedo wanted to celebrate this by hosting a unique Underwater World event for kids and parents."

Non-attendees: Is swimming something you do with the whole family? Have you got any tips to share on how to introduce your children to swimming? Everyone who adds their comments or tips about getting kids in the water will be entered into a prize draw to win a Speedo goodie bag.

Attendees: Below are a few questions for you to answer but please feel free to add any other comments you may have.

• What was your and your DCs overall experience of the Speedo VIP day? Could you describe the day to non attenders?

• Did you find the swimming lessons and Q&A with the Speedo ambassador helpful and informative, or not? If so, why? If not, why not? What questions did you ask and what response did you get?

• What did you think about the Speedo products shown to you on the day? Did you like them, or not? Do you think you'd be likely to purchase any in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

• What was your DCs highlight of the day?

• Do you think the day overall helped encourage your children, and yourself perhaps, to go swimming more often and / or to learn to swim?

If you took any pictures on the day feel free to upload them onto this thread. Remember, however, only to take and upload pictures of your own children.

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

What was your and your DCs overall experience of the Speedo VIP day? Could you describe the day to non attenders?

We arrived at the lovely venue in London, got changed and into the pool are, which had been decorated beautifully with bunting and balloons. The pool was full of balls, inflatables and various toys, so it looked great fun from the outset. Saw 4 little ones parade in their Speedo finery with various swim toys and aids, and then down to the business of the day.

The kids were all shepherded in for a stretching session, and then allocated to groups with swim teachers - our group had about 1:3 ratio.

The kids abilities were mixed, and so each was given a swimming lesson which involved a lot of the play equipment - I saw babies playing with their mums, chasing little toys, tots jumping in the water and using floats, our group got down to the more serious side of swimming, although their were some relays using beach balls and even lilos in the shapes of sharks and ? frogs?

AFter half an hour or so we were given the option of getting out for lunch, or having an hour or so play before lunch. We chose the latter. This was the only downside as, by the time we got to the lunch, it had been stripped as though locusts had been through! There was also nowhere to sit.

We were given some goodie bags - a cute rucksack containing a pair of goggles and some armbands. We also received a set of throwing sharks to use to encourage diving.

One of the kids got a swimsuit, but they didnt have others in the older kids sizes.

Did you find the swimming lessons and Q&A with the Speedo ambassador helpful and informative, or not? If so, why? If not, why not? What questions did you ask and what response did you get?

Didnt really get chance to chat to the ambassador, although he was a lovely chap, especially with the kids.

What did you think about the Speedo products shown to you on the day? Did you like them, or not? Do you think you'd be likely to purchase any in the future? If so, why? If not, why not? Great products for younger kids, mine are a bit older, so not really suitable. That said, they argued all the way home about the throwing sharks.

What was your DCs highlight of the day?
DS1 was pleased to meet the ambassador, DS2 loved playing on the inflatables and DS3 just loved the 1:1 attention and the new goggles!

Do you think the day overall helped encourage your children, and yourself perhaps, to go swimming more often and / or to learn to swim?

The day helped us to play in the water, rather than train. The older 2 kids swim competitively, so having a day of swim fun was great.

Non-attendees:
Is swimming something you do with the whole family? Sort of. My dh takes the kids to the pool for a "play swim" once a week. I don't go because I'd have to shave my legs. Also, I'm not that keen on hanging out in swimming pools watching the kids muck about. I find it boring.

Have you got any tips to share on how to introduce your children to swimming? Start early. Make it fun. Play. Splash about. Don't show them you are alarmed by water going in their eyes or on their heads. If they are worried, don't make a big deal of it. If kids are confident about putting their heads in water they will probably pick up swimming quickly. Get good teachers who know how to manage a class - don't put up with your kid having to spend large parts of the lesson waiting around for their turn. Buy a shark fin float.

ttendees: Below are a few questions for you to answer but please feel free to add any other comments you may have.

Attendee here...we were late to the party (in terms of being a waiting list family) so thank you for choosing us and sorry to whichever family was unable to attend.... (Hope you are feeling better moldingsunbeams?). It was a lovely, unexpected surprise and caused great excitement with both DCs.

• What was your and your DCs overall experience of the Speedo VIP day? Could you describe the day to non attenders?

We arrived so early that we seemed to totally by-pass the signing in! Michelle-Mumsnet thought we'd not gone (we have better manner than that!). The pool was well-signposted and there were plenty of Speedo VIP Day signs and balloons. It looked as if we were going to be in for a fun day and we were!

It was a bit difficult to tell who was in charge at the poolside and there were many swimming teachers there together with Steve Parry (who I didn't recognise for my sins!). A very affable guy! The teachers all seemed really lovely and good with the children regardless of age or ability.

It was a whacky day of swimming fun with some good tips for the less confident swimmers and the beginners. I thought the swim teachers were excellent at juggling at needs of the different ability children in their groups. Free swim time at the end was fun for family time too!

Only negative was that the quality family time meant that we were late to go up to eat. As DwellsUndertheSink has already commented, the lunch table had been stripped bare so the nutritious and wholesome choice that I'm sure was there for those early to the trough, wasn't by the end (although more food did arrive just as most people were leaving) and again nowhere to sit...

• Did you find the swimming lessons and Q&A with the Speedo ambassador helpful and informative, or not? If so, why? If not, why not? What questions did you ask and what response did you get?

I'm not sure that there was a Q&A session as we stayed down at the poolside straight after the official swimming session had finished. There was no mention that there was going to be one and if so it certainly didn't happen in the swimming pool area - maybe upstairs where lunch took place? It would have been informative to have the opportunity to attend and I had several questions to ask....

• What did you think about the Speedo products shown to you on the day? Did you like them, or not? Do you think you'd be likely to purchase any in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

We really liked all of them - except they were very gender-stereotypical in terms of colour-ways! I loved the poncho towels and the strap on shark fins in particular! The swimming wear was good too! The children liked the swimming pool games and the blow-up sharks to have fun with!

• What was your DCs highlight of the day?

Meeting an Olympic swimming star and just having fun in the pool. Oh and the goodies bags went down very well to - so thank you!

• Do you think the day overall helped encourage your children, and yourself perhaps, to go swimming more often and / or to learn to swim?

Yes, indeed. DD starts her official school swimming lessons next week so this was a good way to kick-start it. We will be endeavouring to make it part of our weekend routine because it's a cheap and healthy way to have fun family time.

If you took any pictures on the day feel free to upload them onto this thread. Remember, however, only to take and upload pictures of your own children.

Sorry DS had locked his camera in the locker so I didn't take any!

Is swimming something you do with the whole family?
We didn't/aren't doing waterbabies as it was too expensive whilst I was/am on mat leave but we plan to start Saturday swims with our 2 year old starting in March (he'll be 2.5). It's likely that I'll take him as he goes to football training with his dad on Sundays.

Have you got any tips to share on how to introduce your children to swimming?
My 2 yo used to be afraid of paddling, he was very afraid of running water. We had him stand of our feet at the waves rolled in to get him used to water running over his feet. I think patience was key for our success.

My kids (12 and 9) had a great day. They got lots of attention in the pool, as they were in very small groups. One activity involved balancing a Speedo toy on their forehead whilst on their backs, to encourage them to put their heads back in the water. We got to see some of the new toys that Speedo have launched, like spinning diving toys which were fun. The kids really enjoyed meeting Steve Parry, the Olympic champion, who was so friendly and down to earth. They received great backpacks with goggles, swimsuits and toys, which they were very happy about! A yummy lunch was also provided. It was a really fun day (no formal Q and A session, but not something I needed, so not a problem).
Photos uploaded under my name and Speedo (think you have to click on my name).

Non attender (but it sounds like a fabulous day).
Ds(7) and I go swimming most weeks, twice if he gets his way, and he swims weekly at school. We've been going together since he was a baby, just having fun in the water together. Now I have to work hard to keep up with him .

Non-attendees: Is swimming something you do with the whole family?

Yes, we find it easier if we all go because then we can look after one DD each. We'd go more often but there's only one children's pool within 30 miles of us and it's always booked for lessons. We have to travel further afield to one of those pools with a beach bit.

Have you got any tips to share on how to introduce your children to swimming? Start them off in shallow water so they can build their confidence gradually, and make it fun! Splashing around in the shallows isn't a waste of time, it's getting them used to moving in water.

Dwells has given a super synopsis. We arrived late (due to running around the massive Imperial College!) but my two kids still thoroughly enjoyed the event. The decor was very well done - enjoyed the fish made out of paper plates at lunch - very clever and easy to do for kids parties! All staff were extremely helpful and friendly. My DS11 particularly enjoyed having a one-to-one chat with Steve Parry, whilst the 8 year old enjoyed the fun time in the pool after - lots of fab toys to enjoy.
My DS11, recently diagnosed diabetic, was asking Steve about swimming and diabetes and he was very encouraging, reminding us that Steve Redgrave, one of the greatest British Olympians is diabetic. I think my son feels more motivated to get back into the water again - which is great.
I thought the Ambassador throwing the toy up in the air whilst the 8 year old jumped in to get it was a fab way to encourage youngsters to swim. We love Speedo stuff and would definitely buy it. Thank you to everyone at Speedo and Mumsnet for a fun trip out!

I think the best thing I did to give my children confidence in the water is to take them in the shower with me from when they were tiny babies. I didn't do it with my first two dc (didn't have a shower) but I did with my last 2 dc and they have been so confident in the water from an early age, jumping in etc.

I reckon being splashed in the shower gets them used to having water in their face. And it is also a lovely snuggly bonding experience :)

I am a keen swimmer and have taken my DS swimming since he was 4 months old. We go weekly now and take some toys with us, a ball and a bath book normally. We kick and splash and chase after the ball. He loves to jump in too.

What was your and your DCs overall experience of the Speedo VIP day? Could you describe the day to non attenders?

We arrived just in time, the pool was lovely, and Steve Parry was very engaging with kids. The many swimming teachers were all very enthusiatic and there was a real buzz in the pool while the lessons were going on and Steve moved around the groups talking to the children.

Did you find the swimming lessons and Q&A with the Speedo ambassador helpful and informative, or not? If so, why? If not, why not? What questions did you ask and what response did you get?

There was no question and answer session, which we were quite disapointed about, after the swimming lesson it was all a bit vague as to what to do with no real direction, we went up to lunch first, lovely pastries and fruit, but as we went back down to the pool the sandwiches arrived ! We had a great time playing in the pool, on our own mostly, where did everyone go ! I understood we could stay til 4 if we wanted, but another session was starting at 2, by which time we really had had long enough though.

What did you think about the Speedo products shown to you on the day? Did you like them, or not? Do you think you'd be likely to purchase any in the future? If so, why? If not, why not?

There were lots of speedo products around but they weren't shown to us, might have been helpful if they were !

What was your DCs highlight of the day?

The swimming lesson and meeting an Olympian ! ( & getting the goodie bag :-) )

Do you think the day overall helped encourage your children, and yourself perhaps, to go swimming more often and / or to learn to swim?

My DC's are already keen swimmers, but it reminded me to have fun swim sessions with them more often.

The day was great fun , all the organisers I spoke to were lovely although I had no idea who they were ! A question and answer session would have helped and a bit more information at the beginning as to how the day would go as it differed somewhat from the information given in advance.

We enjoyed our day - thank you (we were there, even though you thought we weren't!

There was no one signing anyone in even though I spoke to several charming young women on the way in.)

The timetable for the day we had been given didn't seem to match the timetable the organisers there had, (we were told free swim 1-4 but it seemed there was another session booked for the afternoon). In any case it didn't matter as we couldn't stay too long, but I am sure the expectation of many was that it was an all day event..

Having said that it was a very friendly atmosphere, enthusiastic and approachable swiiming instructors and Olympian. There was no formal Q and A but I'm sure you could have asked Steve Parry a question anytime.

Dd was in the oldest age group and found the lesson quite intense - lots of action, racing and different strokes but no real coaching. Lunch was good - very healthy, lots of fruit, and the goodie bag was excellent - really nice swimming costume, hat goggles and whizzy toys which are good for diving practice. We enjoyed the session.

A little too chaotic to feel like real VIPs but a fun time. Thank you!

non-attender: We think swimming is a fab family activity. In fact, it is one of the few sports that we all manage to do as a family because of various ages and health conditions.

having 3 (none of which are yet competent to swim alone) makes it hard to take the kids swimming as we have to leave it til weekends when hubby is around too otherwise our local pool rules state you can't take 3 unless one can pass their competent to swim test.

It is frustrating (as he is very able in the water - just not coordinated enough to do a recognised stroke) - but at the same time I understand that safety has to come first.

We all enjoy swimming. It is great to find pools that are clean and family friendly as that helps make it an enjoyable experience too.

Non attender.

DH doesn't 'do' swimming in a 'normal' pool as the chlorine sets his asthma off - so its down to me! I took DS to swimming lessons from 10mo - he really enjoyed them, has never had armbands (only possible as he's an only so has had my undivided attention).

He's 8 now - the best option for improving his swimming is racing to objects such as a ball.

We go swimming most weeks and he also swims at school, so he gets a good amount overall.

Non-attender.

We don't swim as a family. Dh and me both had school swimming lessons in the early eighties in grim municipal pools, learnt little and have barely swum since. Our kids have all had lessons. The eldest is a cracking swimmer and swims competitively when not hampered by her asthma . Ds1 is really coming on with a mix of one-to-one tuition and swimming with a club and ds2 is slowly gaining his confidence. They all love it and I am quite and that I am so crap!

As a result of the above I have few tips for introducing kids to swimming. They seem to be getting on OK despite me!

Non Attendee Is swimming something you do with the whole family? Have you got any tips to share on how to introduce your children to swimming?

We don't generally swim as a whole family unless on holiday, DS & I try to go swimming regularly. DS 2 has been swimming since he was a few weeks old and really enjoys it. He's ridiculously confident around water but then I've never shown fear with water, I think the early swim lessons taught me how much ability a little person can have.

I meant to add a comment about the products - I tend to think of speedo as doing budgie smugglers or regulation school swimming costumes but the stuff we saw yesterday was really eye catching. The whizzy diving toys were good fun and dds new swimming costume is v funky. The goody bag is def worth winning!

Re-registered as couldn't remember my other username, I took my daughter to the event in the morning and it looked lovely with with bunting around the pool area, there were a couple of speedo characters there, and inflatables. The swimming instructors were friendly and made the children feel at ease, and Steve Parry seems a lovely chap. Was a bit confused about the time table as I thought the pool was available until 4pm, so when it came to lunch time we ate then went back downstairs and my daughter went back in the pool, I then had to get her out again as they were setting up for another session. Was given a lovely pink rucksack with goggles, cap, costume and diving toys which I thought was fab. I would like to go swimming more often now, and might even take the diving toys and give them a go myself. Thanks Mumsnet

Non-attendee

I really should take the kids swimming more but it's quite expensive locally. They are both good swimmers, having had lessons from a young age, privately and with the school. We swim more on our annual summer holiday than the rest of the year combined.

For younger children, splashing and blowing bubbles in the safety of the bath is a really good way to get over the fear of water in the eyes/face that can put them off swimming.

non-attendee

I've been taking all my dc's swimming regularly since they were a few weeks old, but I had 3 under 3's so it's got very difficult (and expensive) to manage. The local leisure centre only allows 1:1 until they are 8, and although it's free to take little ones it gets expensive when they are old enough to actually need to learn how to swim on their own and this is where we've really fallen behind. Apart from that, they all thoroughly enjoy swimming and don't mind getting properly dunked so I'm sure they'll all be confident swimmers in no time when they start lessons at school.

I've taken them all to fun teacher led drop in sessions at the local leisure centre which has been great value for money - they focus on water safety and having fun for less than £5 a session. If I take my 5yr old on my own then it's £7 and he ends up just going up and down the slide for 40mins!

Non attendee:
I used to take my children to the mother and baby sessions where they had little toys and watering cans in the water to get your child(ren) used to the water. Now they are older we have invested in a swimming membership and basically pop in for a swim as often as we can. We talk enthusiastically about all things swimming and encourage our kids to have fun in the water.

Non-attendee
We don't swim anywhere near as often as I'd like. I used to take DD1 to the pool and she enjoys messing around in the water. Since having DD2 (4 months), we've only been to the pool twice because I need someone else to come with me.
I don't really enjoy messing around in the pool. It's too cold for a start. I don't mind doing lengths, but I don't ever get the chance these days.

Non Attendee
Yes we used to swim as a whole family when the DC were younger but DS1 wouldn't be seen dead in a pool with us now he's a teenager, except on holiday where no one knows us.
I don't know if this is applicable to most people but because we had quite a big gap between the DC and only had one non-swimmer at a time we never used arm bands as our friends had found it really difficult weaning their DC off their dependence on them. With DS1 we used noodles to gain water confidence. DS2 for some reason never had any fear of water and threw himself into the deep end of the pool and started dog paddling one holiday when he was only 2 1/2 so we made sure to take him swimming regularly after that and he never lost his water confidence. He still loves swimming and swims for a club now (he's 9).