Summer might be over but that doesn’t mean your wee one has to bid adieu to warm weather activities like swimming. In fact, there are plenty of reasons why you should keep your little fishes moving and grooving in the colder months.
For instance, did you know that for each month out of the pool, it takes 1-2 swimming classes to relearn those skills? And did you know kids who lack water comfort need consistent and regular exposure to overcome their fear?
“Depending on the child, this can take longer than one swim session,” says Coach Ruthie Zarren, the founder of Little Fishes Swim School. “Fearful children starting a swim program in the spring are not usually comfortable or ready by summer to give up their flotation devices and learn to swim.”
That’s where Little Fishes Swim School comes into play.
“Our classes are small (no more than five children with two instructors), The instruction is individualized to be developmentally appropriate and to insure each child progresses at their optimal pace. We are building self-confidence while teaching swimming skills,” says Zarren, a mom and Red Cross certified Water Safety Instructor, with coaching certifications from the American Swimming Coaches Association. “Our experienced instructors are required to have education and/or childcare background. They are all adults (college students, moms etc.) and love working with young children.”
Kids as young as six months can start swim lessons. Little Fishes has two levels for the their itty-bitty kiddie clientele. There’s the parent/baby classes (ages six months through walking) as well as the parent/toddler classes (walking through three years).
Beginning swimmers (ages three and up to “typically” six years) are five students to two instructors. In this age group, depending on the child’s comfort, skills and abilities, there are four different levels.
If you’ve got a temperamental toddler (like I had years ago) don’t worry about the sensory overload. “Our environment is designed to put children and parents at ease with our healthier, salt water pool that we keep at 90 degrees.”
Classes are 30 minutes once a week for 10 weeks. The school is open seven days a week. Little Fishes is located 8200 Brentwood Industrial Dr., about a quarter mile southwest of the intersection of Hanley and Manchester (not Hanley Industrial Court).
For more information check out their website. Or give them a call at 314-647-SWIM (7946).
