Charlie is back at swimming

Charlie at swimming lessons

Charlie has been asking to do swimming lessons, so I thought it was a perfect opportunity to spend time with him straight after Kindy.  It has been a few years since he has had lessons, as we used to take him to Blue Dolphin swim centre when he was a baby at 8 months. 

I bought him new swimming goggles, cap and bathers which he loved and the day before the session insisted on wearing them, and showing Grandma Penhall and I how he was going to swim.  It was funny to watch him on the floor thrashing around with arms and legs going everywhere. 

On the big day Thursday, we arrived at the Blue Dolphin swimming pool at 3.15pm and I as a concerned mother insisted on going in the pool with him.  The instructor didn't think it was necessary but I explain that most times Charlie the cautious child does not go swimming in pools and had only just recently swam in the holiday park swimming pool after play and splashing and getting totally drenched. 

We got changed and slid into the pool, and the water was lovely and warm at 32 degrees.  Charlie wasn't scared at all, and jumped straight into it.  Our instructor Clare, provided encouragement to him and the other children, sang songs and played different activities like swimming on their back and front, swimming after a ball and he wore a big yellow ring to keep him afloat.  By the end of it he was jumping into the pool from the edge of the pool and doing everything the other children were doing.  It was awesome to see this confidence and he looked very proud of himself. 

What a lovely activity for Charlie and I to do together and I am sure he is looking forward to next weeks lesson.