Unlocking Your Child’s Swimming Potential: The Power of Consistent Time in the Water
As parents, we often wonder how to best support our children’s progress in swimming lessons. Is it just about attending classes, or is there more to it? Over my 20 years of experience as a swim instructor, one thing stands out: consistent time in the water. Over this past summer, I’ve observed four of my swimmers in particular make tremendous strides – I’ll discuss how their families played a pivotal role in their progress outside of our lessons.
Lesson Beyond Lessons
It’s easy to think that progress in swimming only happens during scheduled lessons. However, the truth is that foundational skills are built not just during structured sessions but also in the unstructured playtime in the water. Take M, for example. Starting timidly in March, she hesitated with submerging – a key foundational skill for both safety and stroke development. Yet, after family trips where she enjoyed the beach and family pool, her confidence soared. Her parents practiced a few skills with her, but most of her time was spent having fun. Now, she confidently goes underwater with proper breath control, has started performing skills independently, and tackles new challenges with ease.
The Transformational Power of Practice
Q’s journey highlights another crucial point. Starting with high anxiety in group lessons, she steadily gained confidence but still hesitated to swim independently – despite my confidence that she could do so. She grasped for me and clung tightly at the slightest loosening of my hold or suggestion that she try alone. A family trip immersed her in pool time with cousins, transforming her into a fearless swimmer. This unstructured playtime bolstered her skills and confidence, propelling her forward in lessons and elevating her from a very beginner Little Pikes 1 to soon join Little Pikes 2.
Reinforcement and Growth
Even swimmers like J+R, who started with a strong skill base, benefited greatly from regular pool visits with their family. These outings reinforced their lessons and accelerated their progress. It wasn’t about formal teaching sessions but rather the opportunity to practice and explore in a supportive environment. Their mom and I watched marked progress every single week simply because they had ample time at a local swimming pool throughout the summer.
Consistency is Key
A consistent attendance record also played a pivotal role in these success stories. Families prioritized lessons, even planning around vacations to ensure makeup sessions were completed the week before or after travel. This dedication not only maintained momentum but also ensured that each lesson built upon the last, maximizing progress. At Pikes Peak Athletics, we know that finding a make-up spot can be challenging, particularly if you’re a family with a busy schedule, but a private lesson make-up can often be worth the additional cost since scheduling can be a little easier.
Beyond Technique: Building Confidence
While structured lessons lay the technical foundation, confidence is where progress truly blossoms. The freedom to explore and play in the water alongside friends and family cultivates a sense of comfort and mastery that complements formal instruction. It’s not just about teaching strokes; it’s about fostering a love for swimming and a belief in one’s abilities.
The formula for unlocking your child’s swimming potential doesn’t have to be complicated! It’s about consistent exposure to the water, both in structured lessons and unstructured play. Whether it’s a family vacation or a local pool visit, every moment in the water builds skills and confidence. So, as you support your child’s swimming journey, remember: it’s not about more lessons, but about more time in the water. Encourage exploration, celebrate progress, and watch as your child dives into a world of confidence and skill.
Jaecie Montgomery | Program Operations Manager