My explanation of Saf-T-Swim (from a former instructor)

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Member since 5/06

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Kelly

My explanation of Saf-T-Swim (from a former instructor)

I see many of you asking questions about Saf-T-Swim and I just wrote a lengthy FM about it, so I thought I'd copy and paste it here. This way I could try to explain Saf-T-Swim. I taught swimming for 15 years and finished my career at Saf-T-Swim. I wish I had taught there a lot earlier as their program is WAY above and beyond any other program that I have dealt with. Please read it through as I explain private lessons and group lessons. Feel free to FM me with questions. I don't know current prices or schedules though.

Here you go:

Saf-T-Swim is based on the concept of safety. In reality, who cares if your child can show you how to do a perfect swim stroke with their arms, if they can't save themselves. Their program is based on letting children know that the wall is their best friend.

If a child falls in the water, God forbid, they will typically come up for air and see the wall in front of them, ACROSS THE POOL. Most kids drown trying to get to that wall, because they don't realize if they just turn around that the wall is right there. Now that I am a mother, it completely kills me. As morbid as it sounds, it's what we have to teach our children.

Their program is based on repitition and getting back to the wall. The worst thing a parent does while in the pool with their child is letting them jump to them and NOT bringing them right back to the wall. (We are all guilty of doing the 'jump to me' thing.) But if our children fall into the water with us not around, they won't know where to go. They will be looking for us. They must turn around and get back to the wall. Again, repitition is key.

I have seen a one year old fall into a pool and gotten back to the wall. Granted, they really don't have full coordination to fully grab the wall and save themselves at that age, but that is HUGE at a year. I have also seen a few 18 month olds that fall in and get back to the wall and save themselves. It is completely simple, yet amazing to see. Once they can save themselves, then they are taught more proper swimming techniques.

As for the lessons, if you have the money for private lessons, then do it! I do have to tell you that the lessons are taught without you in the pool area. You watch through one way glass. That is the hardest thing to do. Many times, your child will be screaming for you (Just because of the separation anxiety) but you are told not to come back into the pool area. I was thrown up on (kids figure mommy will come get them if they throw up), punched, kicked, etc. Again, this is tough to handle as a parent. But the rewards are well worth it. Separation anxiety will happen at some point. It just stinks because this time you have to watch them. (Instead of just leaving them at Daycare, for instance, and not seeing them screaming for you.) But as you watch through the glass, absorb everything the teacher is teaching. Then use those techniques yourself, in your own pool or in the bathtub.

If you want to check out the program, head to your nearest Saf-T-Swim and ask for a tour. Talk to other parents as they sit in the viewing room.

If you want to start using the techniques and learn as much as you can, without the private lesson cost, I suggest the mommy and me classes. It's a group class where the instructors teach you the same techniques they use in private lessons. You get in the pool with the baby. Learn all you can in that class and repeat it over and over. Repitition is key! When I taught there, they had two different levels of the mommy and me class.

I believe their teaching philosphy is so important! I hope this helps!

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Please feel free to post your experiences there! (Whether positive or negative) But if you had a negative experience with an instructor named Kelly, rethink it!

Message edited 6/4/2008 5:25:23 PM.

Posted 6/4/08 5:23 PM