James Williams Aquatics swim lessons? (appointed, YMCA, swimming lessons)

[Jai27]

Has anyone's child taken lessons here recently? I am looking for lessons for my 6 year old son. He can float and tread water, but I want to build up his confidence. We've done lessons at the Hogan Family Y, and I was quite disappointed. I took him to Williams for Mommy and Me lessons but we haven't been back since. Reviews?

[zenjenn]

I wouldn't say "recently", but maybe 4 years ago?

My kids have taken a variety of lessons and group lessons are all more or less the same. I liked Williams better than YMCA just because it seemed less loud and chaotic and they don't cram quite as many kids in the pool, but the instruction was pretty much the same.

My experience is lessons are great for initial water comfort and learning a few basics, and then after that they were largely a waste of money. What really increases swimming strength in my experience is time in the water - just sheer quantity of time. And the BEST bang for your buck after a certain point is to have him join a summer swim team, which my kids never did, but I know a number of kids who did and it really prompted swim strength more than lessons. (Usually the requisite for the team is being able to swim once across the pool without assistance, no matter how clumsily - so there's a goal to look for with the lessons.)

I say this as someone who threw a lot of money at swim lessons without seeing much progress after a certain point.. what made my kids really improve skill-wise was their first summer at camp.. 4 solid weeks spending hours in the lake every day with periodic instruction.

[walkies]

Not sure about that but I do have a friend who does swimming lessons for kids through adults. She is a sweet and fun person. Alli Meeks at Ready Set Sweat. Her website is: ReadySetSweat! - Home