I decided before Oliver was born that I wanted him to learn to swim early on. My husband was nervous around water when he was younger and we both felt it would be in our son’s interest to be confident in the water as a child.
I looked t a few options and finally settled on Puddle Ducks, which runs classes nationwide. In our area, they don’t start taking children into the “Floaties,” class until they’re 12 weeks, though I believe some areas take children from a couple of weeks.
He genuinely enjoys most of the class. There’s singing and floating led activities and it does keep him happy. However, from the second week, there’s an emphasis on putting the babies underwater for a second or two in various ways. There are 4 in our class and typically 3 or the 4 each week don’t enjoy it. My son will tolerate it sometimes and other times cries. That said, one of the other parents in the class said that after a few weeks hi little girl began to actually enjoy it.
For me, I do see the value of him being comfortable under water and knowing not to panic, but it’s not my favourite part of the lesson!
That said, the remainder of the lesson is always really great. My little one is 16 weeks now and absolutely loves it.
Puddle Ducks Oldham takes place at the DW gym at Elk Mill Retail park. They are run nationwide however. See http://www.puddleducks.com/ for more information.
