Gentle swimming instructors in Smyrna/Vinings area (Woodstock, Concord: HOA, house)

[netdragon]

I've really had it. Our HOA has a pool and my 3yr old son is almost swimming but I can't get my 7 year old daughter to do anything but walk around in the shallow end of the pool. She panics if you try to prod her. We can't let her keep this up since it'll make beach trips stink, etc. Because I've been trying to get her to swim, we haven't even gone to the beach this year. I would love a reference to a swimming instructor that is very patient, preferably in a class for younger kids than 7 that is more geared towards loving the water but will get her to swim in a few lessons, hopefully.

[LovelySummer]

Take it easy on her. Some people have a (very legitimate) fear of drowning. At least she has a healthy respect for water. I have a fear of drowning too and it can be a very slow process. Don't prod her anymore, just get her in a class with other little girls her age. Note: little girls, not a bunch of wild aggressive boys. LOL.

[DawgPark]

Originally Posted by netdragon

I've really had it. Our HOA has a pool and my 3yr old son is almost swimming but I can't get my 7 year old daughter to do anything but walk around in the shallow end of the pool. She panics if you try to prod her. We can't let her keep this up since it'll make beach trips stink, etc. Because I've been trying to get her to swim, we haven't even gone to the beach this year. I would love a reference to a swimming instructor that is very patient, preferably in a class for younger kids than 7 that is more geared towards loving the water but will get her to swim in a few lessons, hopefully.

Net, we did Sarah's School of Fish right there on Concord when our daughter was 2 or 3. Was about as gentle as you can get. She won't become Michael Phelps, but she'll probably learn to like and respect the water, which is all I really wanted anyway.

I also highly recommend Smyrna Sharks at Tolleson Park each summer. It's like low intensity swim lessons every morning for the month of June.

[cislga]

My god-daughter is swim instructor for Lifetime Fitness in Woodstock. She does private lessons too. But, I think in your situation a group setting would be helpful cause if she saw a bunch of other little girls jumping in the pool and swimming, she might decide cause of peer pressure, that she too is capable of jumping in and swimming.

Good luck! I am a swim mom, my son has swam competitively for years, and I believe the ability to swim, is not just for fun, but a skill that could save your life.

[netdragon]

Thanks everyone. I'll try them. Peer pressure hasn't really helped much just with friends at parties and what-not, but I figure good swim instructions have more tricks up their sleeves. By the peer pressure creating a little more sense of urgency, combined with a good instructor, it may do the trick.

The biggest thing affecting her is socially she's the only one at the swim parties not getting in the water more than 3ft and not swimming. I'm concerned she'll stop getting invited.

cisliga: I agree about the importance. I had a pond behind my house as a toddler, and a swimming pool at the next house, used to do a 3mi round-trip swim across a lake every summer, love the beach, and pretty much have swam my whole life including taking life guard courses at some points. So, it is tough for me to see her struggle so much.

[AtlJan]

Another vote for Sarah's School of Fish. Convenient to you and Sarah is a great person and has a super staff.

[LovelySummer]

Says Sarah's is under new managemt.... Not sure whether the same service exists. Anyone know?