Swimming...Swimming...Swimming

We started swimming lessons for Grayson at the beginning of March. We haven't done any type of swimming lessons with him since he was much younger (15 Months). It is about time! We have finally gotten him out of the floaty chest guard security blanket he became so accustomed to while swimming. It made him feel safe in the water and gave him the ability to float freely around the pool....BUT hindered his abilities to really trust his instinct and learn how to swim. Swimming is a survival tool that, especially in FL, needs to be achieved and conquered.

When we first started Grayson in swimming lessons, he was only 15 months and we opted for a hospital class. His first class was held at the indoor pool inside the hospital rehabilitation center. At first he loved it and we both were able to go into the pool with him.Towards the last few classes he would not even go into the water! At that point we decided that we would wait until he was older. We didn't own a pool anyways. Prior to registering him in those classes, which were referred by a friend, we read all about the other techniques that were offered. The guarantee to learn in 2 weeks accelerated classes, the money back guarantee to swim in one week super accelerated class, the toss your baby into the water when they are really little and watch them roll and float survival swimming classes etc. WHAT?!  I am a SUPER over protective mother and the latter was definitely NOT happening with any children in our family. I would literally cringe while watching the videos of little babies in the pool by themselves. This was after crying my eyes out while listening and watching videos from parents who lost their children to drowning! SO AWFUL!
Accidents can happen anywhere and anytime even with Hover Mothers like myself. Even with the most seasoned of swimmers. However, I was not "trusting" enough to put Grayson in one of those kind of classes nor do I think he would have enjoyed them. The babies did do well in the videos I watched but it was not enough to entice me to sign up.

I read all about drowning accidents from slip and falls to children being unsupervised. I even read about a child who played all day in the pool and swallowed too much water. Later the guardian found the child in the bed blue. The child had complained of not feeling well and went to take a nap. The guardian didn't think twice because being out in the sun and pool tends to tire you out. In this bizarre case the child Dry Drowned. The child had too much water trapped in the lungs from swallowing and drowned during sleep. SOOOOOO.....Taking swim classes at a hospital was extremely comforting to me at that time.

Now, we were referred by a friend to take classes that the city offers. The first class - Not so great! Grayson and Daddy were in the pool because I literally did not own a bathing suit that fit. I still had my pregnancy one but that was now too big. Grayson screamed the Whole. Entire. Class. The following classes I have been in the pool with him and he is doing great! He is still learning trust with himself and the water, himself and the instructor, and even with Mommy. However, just 3 classes in and he is all of a sudden fearless. Several times David had to stop him from bolting from the bench to the pool to jump in! Yet, he is apprehensive at times to jump from the pool's edge or while seated??! He keeps ordering me "Let go mommy. Don't hold me!" He is jumping into the water and going under. Most important he is learning a survival skill and having a blast doing it!

The honest truth is it makes me so nervous to see him becoming a more independent swimmer. I know that it is a good thing, but he is growing and become more and more independent with each passing day. I know with swimming I won't be able to hold his hand forever, if I want a good swimmer and an independent well rounded child. As much as it makes me proud and happy it still pains me just a little. His next class he will be in the parent child class. After that he will be in the Preschool class independently swimming with the instructor....Eh. Not sure how that will go without being in the water with him, but hopefully he will be confident and feel secure and safe enough to be okay without Mommy. Though, I will be watching and cheering him on!

I say still with a hovering heart, Swim On my little one...Swim  On!