Learning to swim is one of the most essential skills that all human beings on this earth must learn to do.  The ability to swim with strength and obtain knowledge of safety precautions, can make the difference between life & death, at any given age.  If you are planning to raise children, already raising children, or have not yet learned to swim, I can assure you, that it is never too late to get started.

For parents of young children, your time and money will be well spent on giving your children swimming lessons, for a few consecutive summer seasons, until they are strong enough and skilled enough, to swim for a full hour in the pool without direct supervision.  For grownup children and adults, most especially those with deep seated fear, finding a nurturing, patient, understanding and skilled swim instructor, with at least 8 years of experience, will be most important for success.

I have been teaching swimming lessons seasonally, to children of all ages ranging from infant to adult, for over 30 years now.  My swim coach was a stickler for mechanics and I was a perfectionist.  I listened and put into practice, every tip and technique that was taught to me.  When I started lifeguarding, there was a high demand for the lifeguards to teach private swimming lessons to a growing list of children at my town lake facility.  I took on the challenge and worked on most of my “off” hours to make a difference in the lives of these children.

seek Natural Born Teachers

Within the first season of teaching swimming, I realized that I had a gift – something special that was hard to explain at the time.  Children who were having difficulty passing the deep water test would be brought to me by their parents, and in just one lesson, I coached them, tweaked technique, and fostered a level of confidence in each child to take the test just one more time, and pass!  Enthusiastic to make a difference, I embraced the demand.  I often worked 10 hour days / 7 days a week to fulfill lesson requests.

For years I worked 7 days a week, because my work with children was so meaningful and so rewarding.  I knew that I had to continue to make a difference in not only the lives of children, but in the lives of parents, who could now feel more at ease with their children being in and around the water.  Over the years, I have also had many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of adults, who for the first time in their lives, have overcome fear of the water, fear of the deep end, and confidence to swim in a pool by themselves. Conquering a fear of the water at any age is quite an accomplishment.  Don’t be afraid to give it a try with the most supportive people you can find.

Over the years, I have continued to make a difference in the lives of countless children and families.  My privately owned business, called Finally Swim, is in high demand from summer to summer.  I have the privilege of working with lovely families who have backyard pools and value the lives and livelihood of their children.  These parents make swimming lessons a priority for their children each summer, and the results that I am able to achieve with children is supported by the consistency I have in working with children week by week.  Repetition, consistency, an experienced instructor, and practice is key when it comes to learning how to swim and enjoying the water.

Finally Swim Essentials Guide with Printables

After years of teaching children and adults how to swim, I decided it was time to put into writing, my unique perspective on learning how to swim at every age, as well as how to develop a lifelong love of the water.  Finally Swim Essentials:  11 Essentials to Foster A Lifelong Love of Water – is an introductory guide for parents and swimmers of all ages.  My goal is to support future swimmers in adopting a positive mindset in regards to water and swimming. With the right tools and the right support, there is nothing to fear and a lot of joy to be gained.

Some of the inspiration you will find in the Finally Swim Essentials book includes:

• water appreciation
• realistic expectations
• safety
• relaxation & breathing
• movement & play
• basic stroke development
• the role of instructor
• the role of parent

The Finally Swim Essentials book also includes printable lists and charts such as:

• safety tips
• quick tips for parents
• quick tips for adult swimmers
• a glossary
• progress charts for infants, toddlers, and ages up to five years old

Essential Activity:

Purchase this comprehensive guide that will answer all of your questions in getting started with the learning to swim process.  The Finally Swim Essentials book retails for $21.99, but I am offering a 50% discount during this summer season, from May through August.  You may purchase the book at the discounted price of $10.99.  Find an excellent and trustworthy instructor in your location, who has many years of experience with a wide range of ages.  Purchase swim tools that are recommended by your instructor.