As parents, ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is always a top priority. At PPA, we believe one of the most important safety measures we can take is acquiring water safety skills through swimming lessons. While both group and private swimming lessons have their merits, we’re focusing here on the benefits of group swimming lessons for your child. Group lessons offer a unique and valuable experience that can help your child develop not only their swimming skills but also important social and emotional skills.
Social Interaction
Group lessons provide an excellent opportunity for children to interact with their peers. This social interaction is crucial to emotional development and valuable in activities both in and out of school. We see our swimmers make new friends, learn teamwork, and develop social skills that will benefit them in various aspects of life. Group lessons create a supportive and friendly environment where children can learn and grow together. We watch many children grow through our program building relationships in lessons, then into Base Camp, and finally swim team!
Healthy Competition
Healthy competition can be a great motivator for children. In a group setting, your child can witness their peers’ progress and use it as inspiration to improve their own swimming skills. This friendly competition encourages them to strive for continuous improvement and helps build their confidence. Should they choose to move on to swim team after completing our lessons program, having experienced friendly competition helps support their transition to a team setting.
Learning from Others
Many children are visual learners! In group swimming lessons, your child has the opportunity to learn not only from the instructor but also from observing their peers. They can see different techniques, ask questions, and gain a better understanding of swimming fundamentals. This exposure to different learning styles can enhance their overall swimming experience and allow them to engage in learning even while they await their turn on the platform.
Building Confidence
Swimming can be an intimidating activity for some children. However, being part of a group can boost their confidence. As they see their peers overcoming their fears and progressing, your child is more likely to feel encouraged and empowered to do the same. This positive reinforcement can have a lasting impact on their self-esteem in and out of swimming lessons.
Safety Awareness
Group lessons often emphasize water safety and rescue skills, as instructors need to manage the safety of multiple children at once. Your child will not only learn to swim but also gain valuable knowledge about staying safe in and around the water, a crucial life skill. Group lessons lend the opportunity for swimmers to learn how to recognize other swimmers in distress and how they can assist those in trouble when a lifeguard or grown-up isn’t available without entering the water and endangering themselves. Skills we just can’t fully demonstrate in a private lesson setting.
Cost-Effective
One of the most significant advantages of group swimming lessons is the cost-effectiveness. Group lessons are typically more affordable, allowing your child to receive quality instruction without breaking the bank. Since swimming is a life skill acquired and retained over time, it’s important for families to be prepared for a long-term investment in their children’s acquisition of a valuable life skill – group lessons allow you to do exactly that.
While private swimming lessons certainly have their place among swimmers with special needs, children encountering short-term anxiety, and focusing on specific skills – group swimming lessons offer numerous benefits that can positively impact your child’s overall development. They foster social interaction, promote healthy competition, help build confidence and important life skills all while being the most cost-effective option. Ultimately, the decision between group and private lessons depends on your child’s individual needs and preferences, but group lessons can be an excellent choice for many families looking to provide their child with a comprehensive swimming education in a fun and social environment.
Jaecie Montgomery | Program Operations Manager