I took DD for her first swimming lessons at 6months. They took her away for a spin around the pool and to duck under the water. She hated. Every kid did the first few lessons. Stick with it, it does get better. They have to get used to you not being in the water for the older classes anyway so I think it is great. They then learn to swim under the water to you and grab your shirt which is a great life saving technique.

I think DD cried for about 3 weeks, then only cried when she was taken away from me, then only cried when the normal instructor was away and it was someone else lol.

It does get better - the swim schools know what they are doing, so stick with it and good on your for starting the lessons so early! It's a life skill everyone needs imo