My darling son, eleven years old, needs to learn to swim. He has had FOUR swim courses and can't get passed the 2nd level. I'm not a good wimmer myself, and can't really help him. Any advice? Yes, I thought about just throwing him in to sink or swim, but can't bring myself to do it.

littlemissG said:

Don't do that. It might traumatize him and give him an unreasonable fear of the water. Is someone else helping him in the lessons?

My daughter was swimming at a really early age, so I'm probably not much help...lol ...I'm better at teaching how to ride a bike.

Watching your child learn how to swim can be both heart-warmingly beautiful and heart-breakingly sad at the same time.

Have you tried talking to the instructor(s)? They might have insight into why he's having problems advancing...

Maybe he's just not very coordinated? Maybe he's scared?

I think he's afraid of sinking?
He can float on his back for a short distance, but keep touch bottom face down.
Do you think one on one lessons are the answer or a waste of money?

littlemissG said:

Try the one on one lessons. Having the individual attention might help him out a lot.

littlemissG said:

if it means he won't have problems in water, it's worth every cent

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Agreed. Swimming is one of those life skills everyone should have.

littlemissG said:

Don't do that! It could really damage your relationship with him.

I personally think one on one lessons are a good idea. Is it possible there's a physical problem? I had a lot of trouble learning to swim, because one of my arms is much weaker and has congenital musculo-skeletal problems.

You said that you are not a good swimmer yourself so why not take a swimming course together. What a great way to show him that if you can do it, he can do it.

Plus, I'm sure it will be great fun spending that time together.

JustErin said:

that might help if his inablity to pass is fear based...
what is it in level two that he hasn't been able to master??
otherwise it might be a matter of practise practise practise on his own to get stronger at the skill.

We were lucky as children cos the swimming pool was just around the corner from our house and we went swimming as a family every sunday morning before breakfast. I can remember my Dad throwing my little sister in the deep end when she was a baby and waited for her to come back to the surface, but we are all good swimmers, expect my Mum who cant swim.. although when she was young my Grandad took her out on his speedboat and MADE her water ski. I asked how she managed without knowing how to swim one single stroke, and her answer was *I just had to stay UP*
She tries when she is on holiday but she needs to go more regularly to a pool and she should have professional lessons.

I think best NOT to throw your son in.. lol, as lots have already said, it could scare him off.. but its important to go swimming often and on a regular basis.

My niece has been going swimming since she was a baby, and still goes every week with her daddy. She is 6, she swims, dives in at the deep end, touches the bottom or retrieves goggles or whatever has been thrown in and sunk to the bottom (over 6ft deep), does star jumps, hand stands swims between our legs, loves to be thrown about etc etc.

Funny thing is, she is more accustomed to swimming under water than she is on the surface.. lol..


Now Grace is getting lessons and its a shame cos she has to learn with arm bands, even though she can swim really well.. but the ho hum, scaredy world of PC and all that shit, wont let her carry on from where she is at and is making her start from scratch - again..


Take him often, or make sure your son goes to the swimming pool often, cos it will increase his confidence. I do suggest getting him swimming lessons though, and as emm said, why not you too?
[Edited 5/10/06 2:20am]

Thanks guys, good advice.
I see if I can get some private lessons for him.