Leon's First Swimming Class at Dolphins Swim School

Leon has this weird fear of swimming. When he was one, we went to Subic with the family and he freaked out when we brought him to the beach. When we moved here in Australia, out of the numerous times we went to the beach, Leon was always afraid to step foot on the water. In fact, on our recent trip to Wollongong and Balmoral Beach, Leon was too afraid to swim,

Realizing the importance of swimming as a life skill and its tremendous benefits (especially to Leon's history of pneumonia) to health, we decided to enroll Leon to swimming lessons. While it is not required, parents here in Australia are encouraged to enroll their kids in swimming.  Due to the numerous bodies of water that families access all the time, having kids knowing how to swim definitely minimizes the risk of drowning.

The Enrollment Process

Anyways, finding the right school was a hard decision, especially when you don't have much parent friends to ask around. Fortunately, I was able to come across the City of Parramatta Swim School website that gave me information on the different classes they offer to kids.The swimming classes are being operated at the Dolphin Swim School in Epping Aquatic Centre. Enrollment was easy - I just downloaded the form on the website, emailed it back to  dolphinswimschool@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au and got confirmation in 24 hours. Afterwards, I had to pay over the phone the amount of $135 - which was good for 10 classes. Enrolling via the Parramatta Council gave us a lower rate of $13.50 / class whereas other private swimming school charges at $15-19 / class.

Leon's First Ever Swimming Lesson

Since Leon is already 3 years old, he was enrolled in the Clownfish class. Clownfish is the first level of swimming lessons without the parents joining the class. The class ran for half an hour, and is usually composed of 4 kids at the max. With only 1 other student with him that time, Leon spent half of his class crying. Prior to us going to the centre, Leon and I actually watched youtube videos of kids learning how to swim, we also practiced kicking our legs on the bed. I was able to build Leon's excitement to swim. However, his fears probably kicked in again when he saw the swimming pool.

I had to hug and comfort him during the start of his lessons. I assured him that swimming is fun and safe, and his teacher, Emily will definitely keep him safe. True enough, Emily was very very patient with him, gave him words of assurance and gave him tons of huggy throughout. Eventually, after a while, Leon finally became comfortable and started kicking his toes and swimming around. He was still reluctant on other activities, such as blowing bubbles or lying on the pool mat, but the important thing is, he conquered his fear and slowly, he will learn how to swim.

It will be good for his lungs too! Leon has always been suffering from runny nose, coughs and colds from time to time and having strong lungs will also help him have stronger immunity.

Hope you liked this post. If you're curious how his class went, please watch his video on The Mommy Roves' YouTube Channel.