Before becoming a mother, I had no idea that Charlotte is the unofficial swim capital of the southeast (according to a focus group of one). Swim lessons are simply a given and it’s just a matter of where and what age. We have been doing some form of swim lessons for nearly 4 years at 3 different venues.
Of all the places we’ve sampled, Charlotte Swim Academy is my top pick. We prefer their private, 20 minute, weekly lesson however they offer a variety of choices at practically anytime during the week. Swimming is the only activity that both of mine can do at the same time. My kids adore their Charlotte Swim Academy instructors and look foward to going each week.
Here’s why Team Bowman prefers Charlotte Swim Academy:
- The facility has clean and private changing areas. Each changing room has a shower and bathroom so you can bathe your kids right there and in private.
- Scheduling the lesson is convenient because they offer so many times to choose from: Monday through Thursday, 8:30AM – 7:30PM & Friday 8:30AM – 12:00PM.
- Lesson choices range from private (1 student and 1 instructor) to semi-private (2 students and 1 instructor), stroke classes for a specific stroke and pre-swim team training devoted to all 4 competitive strokes.
If you are still in need of summer activities, check out Charlotte Swim Academy’s summer classes. They offer a “summer camp style option” for every week of the summer. Also, be sure to look at their fall schedule because it will be here before you know it!
4 comments
Just curious – how does CSA compare to the other 2 places you tried? Little Otter has the same things you mentioned so just trying to compare before we make a decision. Thanks for the timely post!
Hi Karen-
I haven’t personally tried either, but I know based on so many friends’ experiences that both CSA and Little Otter have incredible programs and you can’t go wrong with either. I actually sent my infants to ISR a few years back. I’m including two old links to give you some insight on moms who’ve gone to all three. It’s a personal choice, again, they are all amazing.
Little Otter: http://www.charlottesmartypants.com/2008/05/smarty-swimming-pick-2-little-otter/
ISR: http://www.charlottesmartypants.com/2008/05/infant-swimming-resource-my-pick-on-swimming-lessons/
great post! Does anyone know of anywhere in charlotte that offers a “swim camp” kind of like a kids boot camp to teach them swimming? I know of other cities that offer a 2 week camp with lessons where they basically guarantee your kid will be able to swim by the end of the 2 weeks. I’ve seen the results lately and they are impressive but I can’t find one in charlotte!
Hey Katie-
ISR, Infant Swimming Resource is the only one I know of similar to what you’re asking. It’s 6 weeks and it’s 10 minutes every day M-F. Huge commitment, but I’ve seen unbelievable results with my at the time, 2-year-old and my 1-year-old twins. Two weeks sounds a little nutty to guarantee in my opinion – I’d have to really dissect that program to believe it! The other option if your kids are a little older is private lessons to get them going and then sign up for your neighborhood swim team – starts at age 5 and they need to be able to swim one length of the pool – any style, stroke doesn’t matter.