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Community Corner

Family Forum: Diving In to Swimming Lessons

Local instructors offer advice on finding a program that works well for your child.

Swimming lessons might seem like fun and games, but they can be serious business for parents who want to ensure their children are strong swimmers.

According to a May 2011 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every day two children under the age of 14 drown, and drowning is the second leading cause of death for children 1 to 14 years old. The good news is, according to the same report, participation in a formal swimming lesson program can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children age one to four.

If you have been postponing signing your child up for swim lessons, or need to find a program that is a better fit for your child, keep in mind that participating in swim lessons can save your child’s life.

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Finding the right program

There are an abundance of swim lesson resources on the Eastside, including classes and one-on-one instruction in a variety of facilities from health clubs to private homes. Michael Dilley is the Washington Territory Aquatics Specialist with the American Red Cross, which provides classes in Redmond at the Redmond Pool and nearby in Sammamish at the .

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Dilley, who has been teaching Red Cross programs for swimming, lifeguarding and first aid CPR/AED for more than 40 years, suggests parents who are shopping for swim lessons take a look at the pool.

“See how the water looks, watch how well the staff supervises the swimmers and ask other parents how they like the staff and the facility," he said. "Also ask if the instructors are trained in a nationally recognized program such as the American Red Cross.”

Mel Roberts, coaches education chairman and president-elect of the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA), says one of the key things to look for when shopping for swim lessons is a low student-to-teacher ratio.

“One instructor can effectively teach about six or seven students. For younger children, ages 3 to 5, the ratio needs to be closer to three or four students per instructor,” Roberts said.

Roberts says advises that parents examine the pool and watch the instructors in action.

Preparing for lessons

Vera Garibaldi is director of the Bellevue-based Waterbabies Aquatic Program based in Bellevue, which offers a unique swim lesson program that starts at birth and is done in partnership with parents.

Garibaldi says parents can help their children prepare for swim lessons by repeatedly exposing them to water play. Consistency is an important step in helping kids get comfortable in the water.

"Swim year round when possible with a child under age 5, or they won’t retain their skills," Garibaldi said, adding that year-round swimming lessons help students maintain their ability.

Encouraging a reluctant swimmer

Mel Roberts acknowledges that not every kid starts out a strong swimmer, and parents need to look for the right program and be patient. If your child is hesitant, try having them watch a swim lesson and meet the instructor prior to his or her own lessons.

“Lessons have to be a pleasant experience for effective learning to take placem," Roberts said.

Resources in and near Redmond

If you are looking for a swim program for kids age 18 months to 13 years old that emphasizes individualized instruction, you might check out Kathy Neir's swim program in Sammamish. Neir has a Masters in Health and PE and has taught swimming for more than 25 years. Offered at her private, heated pool, Neir's program uses a floatation belt method to enhance her students' confidence.

Other options for swim lessons in and near Redmond include the , , the Orca Swim School, the Redmond Pool at  and the .

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