Experienced Mommies,
My family and I just returned from a week long vacation in lovely Marco Island, FL.
My 16 month old daughter absolutely loved the water but hated any & all types of rafts/flotation devices; she thought she could swim like the big kids. Based on her experience, I'm contemplating putting her in swimming lessons; however I personally don't have a pool so I wonder how effective/beneficial lessons will be? Also, I'd like to know of any personal recommendations related to swimming lessons. I've found a school in Pembroke Pines, British Swim School that seems like the best bet since it's an indoor heated pool and the weather is so unpredictable lately. Thoughts/Suggestions? Appreciate the expertise!
Thank you ALL for the responses. I've contacted a few of the suggested places based on your recommendations and am waiting for replies.
Even though you don't have a pool it is beneficial...just about crucial to learn to swim in Florida. We live on a Peninsula and have all types of bodies of water everywhere. If you found a place I recommend to go for it!
Good Luck.
L.
Oh my gosh, call Baby Otter right now!!! They are the best ever!! Loving and beyond amazing!! Don't even think about another place!! You go to them for five days, and your kid really swims!!!! Mine did after day one and that is how it goes with most of the kids. www.BabyOtterSwimSchool.com
Good luck!!!
Hi M.,
My son did the British School on University. It is a slow process but they eventually get the kids jumping into the pool, floating on their backs and swimming across the pool. They are all about survival. There were so many times we were going to pull him out and then we would see some progress. In the University one the parent area is extremely cramped (not sure how the Pembroke Pines one is), but we got used to it and got to know all the other parents. We actually looked forward to going every week.
They offer swimming lessons at the Memorial West at the fitness center. It is also an indoor pool and the classes are on saturday. I use to take my son when we lived closer to the hospital.
Hi M.,
I would try the drown-prevention classes, such as British Swim School for one session and then see if you can keep doing the routine yourself as long as the weather is warm (city pool / community pool, etc.). When the weather turns cooler, go back to an indoor heated pool environment once a week. Keep in mind that if it is storming, then an indoor pool will close as well!
Good luck
I would also try the local YMCA. They have a good and affordable swim class fro all ages.
I'm sorry I can't recomend lessons here since I moved here after my two oldest took lessons in Canada. And I ended up teaching my youngest how to swim when she was 5 months old until now 3 1/2. Who I must say swims like a fish, and even can swim from the shallow end to the deep end and back in our community pool. However I would highly recommend getting swim lessons especially if you live in Florida. You may not have a pool now, but whose to say down the road you may have a pool or a community pool to swim in. Also when she is older she may be invited to a pool party, so you want to make sure she can swim with her friends. All 3 of my kids started when the were 4 or 5 months old. I have no worries when they go and swim anywhere. If you are willing to venture out a little more there is a excellent swim school at the Midtown Athletic Center in Weston. You do not have to be a member to have swim lessons there.
Hope this helped.
C. :)
My baby has one-on-one, private 2x a week swim lessons with the Swim Academy.###-###-####. He's been doing it since he was 7 months old, to encourage his love of the water. As a result he has been learning to kick, float & hold his breath longer then most!!
He loves it, the water is warm, and if it rains you have until December to have a make-up lesson.
The teachers are warm & wonderful.
We love it.
