Advice needed - force my 3yo swimming or not?

[Frangipani]

Thanks for the replies.

Yeah- i was wondering whether we teaching our boys to swim in our pool would be enough. I think i'd be right to teach the basics myself (or DH). And when i think about it...i didn't learn to swim until we moved to Queensland when i was 4.5yo and we all had pools (most our friends, family and neighbours that is). And we didn't do lessons either...it was floaties and mum or dad teaching us. We learnt pretty quickly. We're usually in our pool from the end of September every other year so we can possibly resume self taught at home lessons in the next 5-6weeks (depending on this strange weather).

I was just not sure what the 'correct' option was when the instructor was recommending basically forcing them (though i don't know if she sees or understands the amount of upset it causes) and we have so much advertising about how important kids learn to swim from an early age (well it is here on the Gold Coast- i'm not sure what its like anywhere else cause I've pretty much always lived here or near here). Though i do know it still comes down to me/us and our own personal parenting decisions. I don't want them to be scared of the water and i'm thinking forcing may lead to that (though was not sure but knew you lovely people would help me work that out).

Thanks for the advice. If there is any other views please keep them coming. I'd also love to know any swimming instructors point of view if there is any here on bb.

Thanks again.

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[Olive]

im a kids swim teacher and tbh its a tough one!
do you just go to a pool and have a play? i highly recommend that you do if you dont
id be inclined to keep trying but using different tactics...getting him to just sit on the seat with you for one week, then move to sitting on the pool side etc..playing on the side or just joining in at the end for games.
that gives him some time to feel comfortable again.

[sloane]

can he go back to the other class at all? i know that might not work in your situation (with having another to look after!) but maybe the move up in class has shaken his confidence a bit? can he tell you exactly what it is he doesn't like about swimming any more? does he have any friends who go to classes?
if it's really upsetting him & all avenues have been explored then i wouldn't see any problem with having 6 months off & trying again - you don't want it to end up being something he hates so much he never wants to learn.