Day 5 - Swim Lessons

It's important for kids to know how to swim at a very young age in Arizona. Even though we don't have a pool, most of our friends and neighbors do. Much of the summer fun here revolves around a pool. Although most of my children are already swimming, they could stand to improve their technique. These next two weeks, we will all be enjoying swim lessons through the town's recreation department.

City Swim Lessons

Gilbert offers great recreation programs for a good price. Swim lessons for all levels (except Tadpoles which is 3 students to 1 teacher) is only $25 for 8-1/2 hour lessons. The city of Phoenix has the same swim program for only $15 a session. I love that they have a variety of lesson levels to choose from. The baby and I are in a parent/tot class together. Kids over 5 have the opportunity to take diving lessons. Our aquatics department also organizes swim and dive teams. Check out what your town's recreation department offers.

Private/Semi-Private Swim Lessons 

Semi-Private Lessons 2014

I do have to say, if your child needs to learn how to swim, it is best to start with private or semi-private lessons. They do cost quite a bit more, but the difference in how quick a child learns is huge. Teachers are able to work on your child's specific needs instead of following a standard lesson plan for a class of 7 or 8 students. Usually, private teachers have more experience than city swim teachers. They know how to combine the right amount of play and learning. Sometimes it's necessary for a child to go under the water and an experienced teacher isn't going to be afraid to make them do it. When finding a teacher, ask for recommendations from friends and look for class sizes no larger than 4 students,