Sam's Swimming Lessons

When I still didn't have my own kids, I got to watch a show back in Manila that feautured infant swimming. I was scared for the kids! Seeing their teachers throw them up high into the air, then down they go to the pool! Oh, those poor babies! Some parents were worried, but the teacher explained that swimming is "innate" for infants since they have been used to swimming inside their mum's tummy for 9 months. But they said that the older kids get, the higher the tendency for them to forget this "innate" skill. I remembered that explanation.

Hubby and I made a mutual decision to enroll Sam as well for Swimming lessons, as soon as she turns 6 months old. It wasn't really a hard decision for the two of us. Like Liam, we wanted to expose her to Sports and swimming is not only a sport, it is a life-saving skill as well.


The earliest that you can enroll your kids here is when they turn 6 months. Sam started last May, a few weeks before she turned 6 months. We did the class together. At first I was scared to submerge her under the water, but her teacher, Karen, was very good and allowed us to do things at our own pace.

The class is not only a bonding session for the two of us, but it also serves as a social activity for Sam to be with kids her age. There is also circle time which allows us to sing songs. The songs that we sing during her classes are her favorites! Sometimes, when we go out and she gets a bit cranky at the car, the only thing that can soothe her are our swimming songs (which I have to sing).

Now after two terms, Sam is loving the water. Well actually, she really didn't have crying spells (shrieking episodes) when we were in the pool. Even if the water was too cold for her, or she gets to drink pool water sometimes, or when she's afraid, she didn't shriek or shouted. My cuddle was enough to soothe her. And for a time, I also let her lead me to our pacing. When I felt she wasn't up to submerging, I didn't force her. Karen was of great help as well. She automatically kicks now as soon as we go into the pool. I submerge her now and she knows the trick so she won't drink water. She can now swim by herself in very short distances. I am proud of what she has achieved.

Next term, she is progressing to Beach Babies 2, which is the level for 12 months to 2 year-old kids. Again, when she starts next term (October 11), she is a few weeks away from the actual starting age.

Here are some photos of Sam in one of her swimming lessons. (Note: This was actually taken at the first session this term 3, where hubby and I decided to change her schedule so she and Liam can go to their classes at the same day and time, and for hubby to see her as well. But after this session, I decided to go back to her old teacher and old schedule. I felt Karen was better hehehe and I guess, it was the best thing for Sam ;))













Here is the letter and her 1st Swimming certificate, for progressing to Beach Babies 2 :)