"Lessons at Your Pond"
 

Swimming is an essential skill needed for safety and to afford the opportunity for life-long enjoyment.  Everyone, regardless of age, should be given the opportunity to become as comfortable as possible in the water.  With each additional step toward swimming proficiency, a whole new work and exploration is opened.  It is best to begin the learning process at a young age.

The early months of a child's life are one of the most vital periods of his/her physical and mental development.  The exercise an infant is able to take in a fluid environment is far more comprehensive and unrestricted than is possible on land.  Water opens up an entirely new motoring ability, which the infant is able to exploit fully.  The result is a much sounder and earlier development of back, neck and leg muscles and "water babies" also seem to be more mentally alert and active than their non-swimming contemporaries. 

How often should lessons be?  We recommend that lessons should be given two or three times per week, lasting fifteen to thirty minutes.  The young child (under four years) should have continuous support from parents in between lessons.  On the average, infants 8 months through 2 1/2 years should have a lesson of fifteen minutes, from 2 1/2 years through 4 years should have 20 minutes, and above 4 years can be thirty minutes.

How long will it take?  This is the question heard most often.  No one can ever give a definite answer.  Progress depends so much on the endurance of the individual child, on the attitude of the parents, and on whether lessons are attended regularly.  Irrespective of how impatient we all might be to have a child survive in the water in time for summer, for that holiday at the beach, or in time for the installation of a new pool, the child MUST NOT be pushed.  Have frequent lessons by all means, but do not try to force the pace.

How much will they remember?  While they do not forget, children do lose buoyancy, muscle-tone, and above all, confidence.  Just as with any motor skill, the child will need some time to train before he/she will regain any former level of proficiency.

What can I expect?  Most young children enjoy their lesson, but there are some who kick up a fuss, though usually this has little or nothing to do with their presence in water.  Unfortunately, the child's vocal protest is often misinterpreted by anxious parents as a sign of fear, while actually fear has nothing to do with it.  Parents and teachers must become aware of the child's emotional and physical responses, therefore, giving both of them the insight to best instruct the child. 

American Red Cross - Jed Heller's Swim School uses techniques recognized by the American Red Cross as well as ones devised by the owner and director.  The program is intended to prepare children to swim.  It is not a "waterproofing" program!  Children should NEVER be considered "pool-safe" and should be safely supervised at all times.  The following is the Red Cross Progression used in conjunction with our own techniques:

Level I:  Water Exploration
Level II:  Primary Skills
Level III:  Stroke Readiness (Beginner)
Level IV:  Stroke Development (Advanced Beginner)
Level V:  Stroke Refinement (Intermediate)
Level VI:  Skill Proficiency (Swimmer)
Level VII:  Advanced Skills (Advanced Swimmer)

American Red Cross progress cards are available at the beginning of each series.  In addition, children are given achievement cards upon completion of required courses.