Swimming safety classes for the younglings?

[turil.livejournal.com]

My housemate said that she couldn't find a program that teaches little kids (think preschool age) basic swimming lessons that actually keeps them safe. But I'd be really surprised if there wasn't something like this nearby. The idea being that the kids should be able to float and tread water and maybe doggie paddle so that they don't panic and drown if they happen to wander into the deeper end of the pool or out a bit further in the pond (like they did yesterday, eek!).

The class that my housemate paid for (at the Kennedy pool, I believe) just put the kids in flotation devices and never taught them any independent swimming.

Anyone know of anything in the Somerville area? (Within a couple of miles of our fair city).

Comments

[mamabunny72.livejournal.com]

>> The class that my housemate paid for (at the Kennedy pool, I believe) just put the kids in flotation devices and never taught them any independent swimming.

^ That sounds like a Water Babies class, but then again, I have no other swim class experience there. I'm also looking for a learn-to-swim class for my 5 yo, and I plan to call the Kennedy Pool office and leave a message to ask about classes and teaching technique. (Ugh, I hate their website.)

The Arlington Boys and Girls Club offers swimming lessons for kids, small group or semi-private.
You need membership to take classes there; tot membership: $22/ year
http://www.abgclub.org/

[turil.livejournal.com]

It looks like they don't even take preschool kids for the swimming lessons, though the brochure is kind of confusing...

Arlington Boys & Girls Club

[mamabunny72.livejournal.com]

Page 8 of the Fall brochure has a "Fish" class for 3 and 4 year olds without parent, and semi-private lessons for ages 3-4.

Re: Arlington Boys & Girls Club

[turil.livejournal.com]

Heh, yeah that is a confusing brochure! Thanks for pointing out that second section of swimming. The turtle one sounds a bit more like the level we need, only it's way too expensive and takes too long for what we need. Maybe there is just one or two of those classes that focuses on basic safety stuff that the kids could attend. I'll ask...

Thanks!