I signed Johnny up for swim lessons, please give me advice/share stories...

SO i bit the bullet and signed johnny up for swim classes.

It's a 6 week session and its in a small group setting.

I'm nervous a bit because although Johnny will go in the water, his big sensory thing has ALWAYS been getting his head dunked/going under water.

How do they work with kids who are scared of that??? Do you think he can really get past it? I hope so. I wish i had done swim lessons earlier but better late than never (he is 4).

Any stories or advice are greatly appreciated!!

Re: I signed Johnny up for swim lessons, please give me advice/share stories...

Chris always loved the bath. I decided it would be great to sign him up for lessons. At first he was hesitant about going under,or even being on his back. Now he loves it. He never wants to come out of the pool..

Re: I signed Johnny up for swim lessons, please give me advice/share stories...

We started in Feb. at 3.5 yo. He hated the bath, loved the pool.

His instructor is amazing. He works with other kids on the spectrum.

He is super nice but also make sure DS follows the safety rules. After 3 sessions, DS was putting his head under the water. UNHEARD of in my house!

Anyway, DS surprised us completely!

Re: I signed Johnny up for swim lessons, please give me advice/share stories...

I'm a swim instructor at the YMCA for the Catfish class-which is a special needs swim class and each child has a 1:1 instructor.
My daughter had severe sensory issues with water and is now swimming under water.
In my class, it's go at your own pace since it's 1:1. That means, if the child needs to be held the entire time, it's ok. Once they start getting more comfortable, then more instruction is applied. It might take a good chunk of time (for my DD, she's been in class for about a year and half). It all depends on the child's comfort level, how they react to the environment (noise level, etc.).
He'll be great--it's such a great skill to have and also great for p/t purposes. I also find my DD to be more focused after she swims!