Swimming Lessons - now or later?

[Caramello]

Thanks everyone for your advice. Unfortunately I cannot afford to pull DS out of childcare as DH is not well enough to look after him full time and I need to work. Plus despite the illnesses he had I think its been in DS's best interest to have something stable during this time. It has been beyond frustrating the amount of leave that I have had to take this term - I was really hoping to be working 5 days a week, and I have been struggling to work 3 days. DS was put into childcare for 5 days for this very reason - but he hasn't been able to make it for a full week in a long time for many reasons.

I had a talk with DH last night, and we decided that as we haven't been able to make it to church for over 2 months then there is no point signing up for something on a Saturday that its highly likely we won't make it to. We live in the Western suburbs and have little access to pools/beaches so safety around water is not really an issue atm. Mayaness I take your point that he will lose the skill to dive, but as I didn't start swimming myself until I was 5, and I absolutely loved the water (still do), its something that he will have to learn as an older swimmer.

I suppose this is another one of those things that if life was normal, we could go ahead and do it. But until we get a final verdict for DH, unfortunately things have to be placed on hold.

Thank you once again for all your advice, I do appreciate it.

[Smoke Jaguar]

Fair enough, then.
The 'dive reflex' isn't about diving, it's about the baby using a natural reflex to close the air passageways when under water (and not necessarily the mouth), and that's when it's easiest and quickest to teach confidence and safety in the water. If you're not likely to be near bodies of water for a while, then you can get away with it till a bit later, when children are taught in other ways. It's not about not loving water if they don't get into water as babies, it's more about using their naturally existing developmental stages to teach increasing water skills, and the sooner the better, in that respect. It's one thing to love water, it's another to know how to use your body to get out of a jam and not rely on being able to reach the bottom of the pool to get out safely or to just swim for fun. It's important to know this so that you know what you'll need to compensate for later and what to potentially expect. Just like with anything child related, really - the more you know, the better you can prepare

[Beach Mama]

Just thought of something else, I got a DVD by that well known swimming coach - Laurie Lawrence who has a website about kidsafety and water safety etc. I never ended up using it much but it had 5 basic things that all swimming lessons cover and how you can do that with your child. Might be worth getting your hands on a copy ( I will see if I can find mine for you if you want it- just need to find it first!) and then you could go to the pool regularly in your own time for play and also and do some of the things he suggests. Not saying that it will be the same as lessons but you might be able to start teaching him to blow bubbles, kick, how to get in and out safely etc. xoxoxo

[Freya]

I agree with Nai. As much as I am a huge advocate of swimming lessons from as young as possible, another 10wks of waiting at 8mths old isnt a big deal. Im a swim instructor (specifically for babies classes) and I can assure you, even my babies who have been coming since they were 3mths old still hit a stage around 13-18mths where they refuse to do anything, esp putting their head under water or floating on their back. I even have 2+yr kids who were floating for 15min fully clothed as aquababies but who cant float to save their life as preschoolers (Seahorses level where I work).

If I was sticking around in Sydney I would offer to meet you one day and show you some of the drills we do with babies in the pool. If you want some idea's though, to practice in your own time, just send me a pm

PS - Laurie Lawrence is amazing so if you can get your hands on any of his DVDs (we learn to train with them) then do have a watch! I will say though that teaching your own kid to swim doesnt in any way replace having a qualified instructor do it, which is why my boys go to lessons just like everyone else even though technically I am more than able to teach them myself! Definately something for the 'mean time' but find a good reputable school close to your area for when your able to take him (even if it is summertime, we have a massive drop in classes over winter because alot of kids get sick).

[NaeNae]

Fair enough, then.
The 'dive reflex' isn't about diving, it's about the baby using a natural reflex to close the air passageways when under water (and not necessarily the mouth), and that's when it's easiest and quickest to teach confidence and safety in the water. If you're not likely to be near bodies of water for a while, then you can get away with it till a bit later, when children are taught in other ways. It's not about not loving water if they don't get into water as babies, it's more about using their naturally existing developmental stages to teach increasing water skills, and the sooner the better, in that respect. It's one thing to love water, it's another to know how to use your body to get out of a jam and not rely on being able to reach the bottom of the pool to get out safely or to just swim for fun. It's important to know this so that you know what you'll need to compensate for later and what to potentially expect. Just like with anything child related, really - the more you know, the better you can prepare

Just have to add I have seen both of Mayaness' children in the water is it was because of Miss T's abilities that I decided to get my DD invloved. I swear I have never seen a little one SO competent in the water. Master O is great too but Miss T is almost the same age as my DD and WOW that child is amazing!!!!!!!

Anyhoo,

I am glad you have come to a decision that works for you hun, the right time for a child to start swimming lessons is when the parent decides it time

Nae x

[Mad Scientist]

Um, with all due respect, colds and flus are caused by viruses and not swimming pools or wet hair.

Viruses are still contagious. All it takes is a sneeze or a big glob of infected snot or spit in the pool. I think the issue for the OP is whether it's ok to wait to start swimming lessons as her hubby is immunocompromised. I'm pretty sure she knows what causes colds and flu especially in her situation. Good to hear you've come to a decision caramello. If you change your mind in a month there's nothing stopping you from starting him then either x

[Smoke Jaguar]

Yep, I also write from the perspective of someone who was lucky enough to live within driving distance from Cookie Harkin's (at the time, and then Emma Henderson who took over) classes in Ringwood - that lady's life's work is baby swimming and the developmental connections between swimming and brain development. I do forget that this is such a unique program, taking for granted that my kids had a particularly excellent introduction to swimming! Well, I DID take it for granted...till we moved to the country!
ETA: took too long to post! Thanks, Nae, that four day summer was fun, wasn't it? *sigh*

[NaeNae]

that four day summer was fun, wasn't it? *sigh*

yeah ... welcome to Gippy it snowed my first year here maybe we'll be lucky like that again this year, its already cold enough!!

[inlove]

Caramello do what is right for your family. Sounds like you have lots on your plate at the moment and waiting till things settle down may make more sense. It will not do any harm to wait. What did people do with their babies before baby swimming lessons started? They haven't been around forever. At this age it is all about water familiarisation, when you have time just go to the pool for a play. Why stress yourself out?

[Freya]

Can I just add, alot of the time it is more than just not knowing how to swim that 'causes' drowning; its also inadequate supervision and inadequate safety precautions around bodies of water i.e pool fencing or no lifejackets. My workplace subscribes to the 4 rules of water safety - supervision, adequate safety precautions, learning CPR and learning how to swim/safety skills. So if you keep all these things in mind then Im sure bub will be fine until you can start lessons!

[krysalyss]

I would personally wait.