Life's Little Miracles: Swimming Lessons

Nathan has taken swim lessons for the last two summers at our neighborhood pool, but I wanted to try to find a more organized program. That way he could take a class and then move up as he learned certain skills. We decided to try River Chase and we couldn't be happier with how well he has done. He loves to go under the water now and spends the entire evening at the neighborhood pool jumping off of the steps and sticking his entire head under the water. In swimming lessons they worked in the baby pool on putting their face in the water (using a bandanna that they filled with air and having the kids push the air out with their face), kicking, arm circles, and walking on their arms in the water while kicking with their feet and practicing blowing bubbles at the same time (I thought this would even be difficult for me!). Then they would move to the "big pool" and use a noodle to work on sticking their face in the water, doing arm circles, and kicking all at the same time! They also worked on floating on their backs and "swimming" on their backs. We went to the neighborhood pool on Tuesday night and Nathan actually swam about 5 feet underwater without pushing off of the bottom of the pool. He just kicked and moved his arms! So proud of my little boy who refused to leave the pool steps 1 1/2 months ago.

While Nathan was at swimming lessons, I spent my time chasing Will. One night I let Will get into his swimsuit and sit on the steps while Nathan had his lessons. It is always so hot in there and the 10 days that were over 100 degrees were terrible! It was hotter in the building than it was outside!!!