When you've decided that now is the perfect time to start swimming lessons for your child, the next step is to find the best swim school. When you google "swimming classes for kids near me," you will be bombarded with results. However, just because a swimming school is close by does not mean it is the best for your child! Finding the right swim school for your child is an important decision that will significantly impact how well your child performs.
So, how do you make your decision? While researching your options, keep the following things in mind while choosing swim lessons for kids near you. They improve the likelihood that you will find the best match for your child.
1. See what others have said about them
Of course, the most effective kind of marketing is still word-of-mouth, so if your relatives and friends rave about a swimming class provider, you could be onto something! However, exercise caution and conduct your research.
Although it may appear to be a no-brainer, research has revealed that over 95% of customers check internet reviews before placing an order or registering up for a service. Regrettably, those keyboard warriors out there like voicing their dissatisfaction loudly and repeatedly whenever they believe they have been wronged. When reading internet evaluations, most of us have become proficient at sifting out these annoyances, yet there are times when they make a legitimate point. There's something wrong if the swim school you're contemplating has many negative reviews on Facebook, Google, and other sites. If, on the other hand, the evaluations are mainly positive with only a few negative comments, they're certainly worth a go.
2. Choose the appropriate pool
If this is your child's first time swimming, consider the pool environment properly. A cold pool may deter a child from returning. Any pool you pick should be heated to at least 32°C, clean, well-maintained, and free from harmful chemicals. Today, clean pools are widespread. Many public pools offer a 'baby' pool that is smaller and warmer than the main pool. If you belong to a private gym with a pool, ask if you can bring your child. If you can't find a warm pool, a mini-wetsuit for your child might be a good option.
3. Meet the instructor and observe a lesson
Before enrolling, go to a class and arrange an appointment to meet the instructor teaching your child's class. Keep a watch on how the instructor interacts with the kids, particularly how they approach terrified or unruly kids. Instead of putting pressure on yourself, look for support and positive reinforcement.
A skilled instructor from a reputable swim school assists your child in developing an interest in the water and proper swimming techniques. They also convey a sense of humour while emphasising the importance of water safety. Having a subpar swim instructor, on the other hand, can make going to the pool a frustrating experience for children. Furthermore, it may result in poor technique and disregarding the inherent dangers of being in and around water.
Remember that you will be participating in these lessons, so the instructor should be someone you and your child can relate to and trust. A skilled instructor understands the fear and apprehension that can accompany swim lessons—for both the student and the parent. However, to see progress, everyone must believe in the process. Finding the right swim instructor comes down to trust. If you trust the coach's expertise, capacity, and tactics, you'll see incredible progress in the pool.
4. Choose a lower instructor-to-student ratio
Large swimming classes for kids aren't always the most secure or conducive to learning. When class sizes are smaller, instructors can give students more personalised attention. Small class sizes guarantee that your child receives one-on-one attention from the instructor, allowing issues like breath control and water phobia to be addressed before they become a problem. Choose a school where each class has four to six students. This size is ideal for socialising without being too large or impersonal. Private sessions are suitable for young children, those who need to develop specialised skills, and children with special needs.
5. Check their certifications
Look for a school with current accreditation and credentials for swimming and water safety instructors that meet the national industry standard. Instructors with the appropriate credentials have had extensive training and will be up to date on swimming instruction's latest skills and techniques. Most swim schools will list their level of accreditation on their websites, but it never hurts to ask.
Why Fulton Swim School?
At Fulton Swim School, we teach infants and toddlers, older children, and adults how to swim. Swimming New Zealand has qualified all of our teachers, and many of them have earned NZSCTA teaching awards. With a maximum of 5 students per instructor, we keep our class sizes modest. Because our facilities are solely used for swimming classes, you can be confident that your children will be less disturbed. Our pools are maintained at a consistent temperature of 32 degrees, guaranteeing that all swimmers, young and old, are always comfortable and warm. We don't use harsh chemicals, so parents and swimmers can benefit from the fact they won't be exposed to potentially toxic chemicals like those found in larger public pools and swim schools.
Positive swimming experiences bring a lot of joy to our students, and we've recognized that at Fulton Swim School. Our courses teach students how to safely participate in water activities while improving their skills and building confidence. After each swimming class, we set aside 5 minutes for your instructor to interact with you as a parent and discuss your child's progress and other topics. As a result, we've made our programs as enjoyable as possible while maintaining high standards.
So, come on down to your nearest Fulton Swim School today, and let us show you why we've been the trusted name in swim school since 2005! You can also visit our website for more information.
