As I stepped out of the car, the air was filled with the sounds of children wailing, repeatedly calling out “Mommy.” I made my way to the back passenger door, unbuckled my son, and kissed his forehead as I lifted him from his car seat. Clutching my shirt tightly with one hand and sucking on his pacifier with the other, he appeared unfazed by the surrounding chaos. I retrieved the diaper bag from the front seat and closed the car door behind us.
We approached the fence, and I unlocked the gate leading into the pool area. As we walked along the red brick pavers, the swimming instructor, busy with another child, greeted us from the pool. I settled at a nearby picnic table with my son on my lap. A fellow parent kindly directed me to a file box containing folders, instructing me to locate my child’s folder, fill out the required paperwork, and hand it to the instructor when it was time for his lesson.
Lessons were scheduled every weekday for ten minutes, and we had to arrive fifteen minutes early. It became a well-rehearsed routine. The instructor remained in the pool, while experienced parents offered guidance to newcomers.
As I filled out the daily forms, my son observed the other children and beamed at the friendly faces. He seemed joyful. I took off his shoes, dressed him in his swim diaper and bathing suit, and took out our towels. We waited excitedly for his lesson to begin.
The little girl from the previous lesson, around two years old, had cried throughout her session. The instructor handled it with professionalism, continuing the lesson without pause. I couldn’t help but wonder how my son would react, feeling a wave of relief that at just six months old, he wouldn’t be yelling “Mommy” in distress.
Moments later, the instructor called us over. She instructed me to lay out two towels on the pool deck, and I placed my son on them. He dipped his feet into the water, kicking and splashing enthusiastically. The instructor reviewed my paperwork and then picked him up, taking him into the pool. Initially, she walked him around the edge, allowing him to get wet. He giggled and splashed, delighting in the experience.
Suddenly, without warning, she submerged him completely. In that instant, I felt a wave of helplessness wash over me. My heart sank, and I leapt from my seat as my son emerged from the water, screaming in distress. He searched for me, and the instructor gently patted his back, soothing him as he caught his breath.
The first few days of lessons were some of the toughest moments of my parenting journey. I watched from the sidelines, unable to comfort my crying child. His desperate glances toward me made my heart ache, and I had to mask my worries behind a brave face, cheering him on every time he looked in my direction. Despite my concerns, I found solace in my decision to enroll him in swimming lessons at such a young age. I knew that equipping him with essential swimming survival skills could one day save his life.
Drowning can occur in just an inch of water within moments, often in silence and without warning. According to the CDC, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death worldwide, particularly in children and adolescents under 19. Between 2005 and 2009 in the U.S., the highest drowning mortality rates were among children aged 1 to 4, making it the second leading cause of death after congenital anomalies. Drowning remains a significant threat for children aged 5 to 9 and is the third leading cause in infants and teens aged 10 to 19.
By the end of the third day, my son had stopped crying entirely. It seemed as if he was reassuring me, understanding the importance of learning those vital survival skills. I believe he began to enjoy his swimming lessons. By the end of the session, he had “graduated” from the first level, mastering floating on his back, rolling over if face down in the water, and even rolling over and floating fully clothed, including a diaper and shoes. We would still need to return every six months for refresher courses and to build on the skills he had already acquired.
Now, at 5 ½ years old, my son loves swimming and has no recollection of his early lessons or the tears he shed. He has become a confident swimmer and diver. I am convinced that starting lessons at six months empowered him, enhancing his body awareness, comfort in the water, and self-confidence to tackle new challenges.
Many people were surprised—and even thought I was a bit eccentric—for enrolling my six-month-old in swim classes, but I knew it was the right decision. I never wanted my child to become a statistic. Drowning is preventable, and I believe that teaching swimming survival skills, maintaining constant supervision, and educating myself about water safety were essential steps in ensuring my son’s safety. For more insights on parenting and home insemination, check out this article and learn about essential resources for pregnancy.
In summary, despite my child’s initial resistance to swimming lessons, I persisted in enrolling him, ultimately empowering him with essential survival skills and instilling confidence in the water.