Even as we enter the new school year, kids still want to spend their spare time enjoying the water. Muggy mornings lead to mid-ninety-degree afternoons, and the main question on my kids’ lips as soon as they have a free moment, “Can we go to the pool?” Our crew can be found every weekend at the pool staying cool from the heat. My husband and I were joking recently about how the pool experience has changed for us. Pre-kids we would lounge at the pool for hours, read a good book or smutty magazine and not worry about a single thing. Post-kids we are on full alert – no more reading or lounging. We are like hawks and on what we call, “do-not-drown mode.” Over the past couple years our stress levels at the pool have reduced a whole lot, much in part to the swim lessons the kids take weekly at The Little Otter Swim School.
My daughter started swim lessons when she was two-years-old and my son started at around six months with The Little Otter. More than learning the skills of how to swim, the teachers do an amazing job of stressing the importance of safety around the water. They teach critical lessons about what to do if you fall into the water. For example, so many kids panic when they fall in the water and forget that there is a wall right behind them. The Little Otter teaches the kids how to turn, grab the wall and pull yourself out. Turn and grab is such a simple, yet important, lesson to learn.
Every six months, The Little Otter has a special Saturday class with stations for kids to learn how to call for help in the water, how to help a friend who falls in the water, how to wear a life jacket and so much more. They participate in this class with their clothes and shoes on, so the kids know what it feels like should they fall into a pool or body of water in an everyday situation. Beyond the kids’ stations, there are great pointers for parents and grandparents, too. There should always be one dedicated person watching the kids at all times. Make that person wear a special lanyard so it’s clear who is “on duty”. If that person goes inside for something, they are to give the lanyard, and responsibility of watching the kids, to another adult. Simple idea, but so smart. The next Little Otter Safety Day is October 21st. All Little Otter students are invited to participate. The event is free for enrolled Little Otter students.
Pairing structured weekly classes with The Little Otter and recreational outside pool time has been the perfect combination. I see the benefits from the classes paying off big time each and every weekend.
Our summer days at the pool haven’t been as stressful as they were two years ago. Our kids have gained great skills in swimming but furthermore have learned a great deal about how to be safe around the water. They are more aware of their surroundings and know exactly what to do and how to act at the pool thanks to The Little Otter Swim School.
To learn more about lessons, contact The Little Otter Swim School. They have locations in Huntersville, as well as Matthews and have classes to meet any schedule!
