Not too long ago on a uncharacteristically warm, spring day we decided to hang out by my in-laws’ recently opened pool. Immediately upon seeing the pool, my toddler’s eyes lit up. He was beyond excited to jump in.
The problem? He’s not yet two, doesn’t know how to swim and doesn’t know he doesn’t know how to swim.
Yet, determined as ever, W marched right up to the deep end and took a large step in as if there wasn’t a giant body of water right beneath him. Fortunately, my father in law was right there to prevent him from falling in. Unfortunately, he was completely unfazed by the event.
If you are a mom on the internet I’m sure you have seen at least one of the many articles warning parents about the dangers of water. Words like second-hand drowning, drowning is silent, and it only takes a moment fill my news feed and add to my mounting anxiety.
After witnessing my toddler’s complete lack of fear toward the swimming pool, I knew there was only one answer… swim lessons.
GoldFish Swim School
I didn’t want just any swim lessons. I didn’t want one of those classes where the kids just splash around and get used to the water. I want my son to learn how to swim. I also didn’t want something too intense that would require a session everyday of the week. Who has time for that?
When I discovered Goldfish Swim School was opening a location right near me in Fort Washington, PA, I was excited. When I was given the opportunity to partner with Goldfish and try out some free swim lessons with W, I couldn’t wait to dive right in (pun intended).
6 Reasons Goldfish Swim School is Perfect for your Toddler
1. The Facility
From the moment we walked into the beautiful Goldfish facility in Fort Washington, I was blown away with the vibrant, welcoming, clean space. The show-stopping, tropical mural caught my attention immediately. From the look on W’s face, I could tell it made an impression on him too. There are plenty of clean and comfortable changing rooms and bathrooms, along with rows of cubbies for clothes and hair dryers. There’s even this really super fast clothes dryer you can stick your wet bathing suits in so you don’t have to lug home soaking wet suits.
2. The staff
The entire staff is nothing but friendly and helpful. We love our swim instructor. The pool can be a big, scary thing for little toddlers, especially when they are asked to do some advance skills. She is very patient with the little ones. She uses lots of fun games, songs and toys to encourage the toddlers to break out of their comfort zone and learn new skills. For instance, one of my son’s favorite activities is to practice his “pulling” (i.e. paddling his arms) by finding colored balls and dunking them into a bucket.
3. The skills
After only 3 swim lessons, I am amazed at how much my not-yet-two-year-old has learned. Already he knows what to do when I say “kick, kick, kick” and “pull, pull, pull.” He is starting to know how to flip to his back right away after he jumps from the side ledge. He has even been under water a bunch of times!
4. Safety
Let’s face it- safety is the number one reason to sign your toddler up for swim lessons. Safety is a huge focus at Goldfish Swim School. They aren’t just teaching our children how to swim and have fun. They are teaching them how to be safe in the water. For instance, our toddlers practice jumping in and turning around right away to be closer to the edge, learning the proper way to climb out of the pool and even jumping in and automatically turning over to float on their backs.
5. It’s fun
Yes, safety is very important and I want W to learn how to swim, but I also want him to have a great time doing it. He can barely contain his excitement when he walks through the doors each week. Thank God Goldfish also has a cute table set up with a trucks, toys and a chalkboard to keep my son entertained if we arrive a little early. If you have a toddler, I’m sure you are aware of how patient they can be.
6. The naps
Seriously. What an added bonus! W has never slept better than after his swim lessons. All that learning, splashing and fun really wears him out.
GoldFish Swim School Grand Opening Event in Fort Washington, PA
If you are in the area, be sure to stop by tomorrow afternoon for an amazing event! If you are not in the area, check out the Goldfish site to find a location near you. For more reasons why Goldfish Swim School is perfect for your toddler, check out this article.
That sounds like a really great place! We took my daughter to swim lessons last year at the Y. It took her several weeks to loosen up, but then she loved it. I would love for her to take more lessons and to get my son in some lessons.
Tarynn Playle recently posted…Chocolate Chip Cookies, Because #BirthdayWeek
Very nice review. It sounds like you have found the perfect place for W!!
What a scary thing to witness your son almost dive into the deep end! At his age I did the same and almost drowned, so it scares the living daylight out of me. Your review is awesome and I love how they’re teaching him to flip on his back!
Alana recently posted…When The Baby Weight Doesn’t Come Off (or it does and then creeps back on again, and again)
It really is an amazing place, Alana! I would have never thought to teach him something like that.
Teaching kids water safety and how to swim is so important. This facility looks amazing!
Shelah recently posted…Science Lessons From Making Freezer Bag Ice Cream
This sounds like a great swim school! I never wanted to take a class where the kids just splashed around but didn’t want it to be too rigorous either.
Melissa Matters recently posted…6 Signs You’re Obsessed with Your Blog
Right, a good balance is always a good thing!
I have to see if there’s one close to me. This looks pretty cool. I need to put my kiddo in swim lessons ASAP.
Ellen Oliveira recently posted…New Mom Advice | My Most Embarrassing Mommy Moment
I hope there’s one close by you, Ellen! It really is a great place.