Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Sink or Swim

Swim lessons 2012

Every year for Lucas' birthday Keko and Dodi give Lucas swim lessons.  My sister, being a former swim teacher, knows the importance of being a confident swimmer.  So for 3 years we have made the plunge!  This was our first year to take lessons at the Y.  I loved how the lessons were every day for 2 weeks and not spread out a couple times per week for a month.  Consistency is key in a 5 year olds world!
Lucas may look like a clone of his Dad, but has my mannerisms to a tee.  He is cautious and not much of a risk taker.  He is the quiet onlooker when it comes to something new or challenging.  The past 2 years of swim we have felt accomplished if he would blow bubbles in the water.  He could scoop and kick with the best of 'em as long as he DID NOT have to put so much as a chin in the water!
This year, we thought a good 'ol bribe may help our frightened little fish.  He is dependent, to say the least, on using a water noodle.  He is also DYING to go to The Great Wolf Lodge.  So...we married the 2 together!  Kids who go to The Great Wolf Lodge cannot swim AT ALL with a noodle and parents CANNOT plan  a trip there if there kid uses a noodle in the water.  Would this work???  He's a pretty smart boy who can see through a line of BS pretty quick style...


Week 1



First Day Jitters

It helps to have a swim buddy!  Thanks Sydney!!


The first week swimming crew!

Happy to report that after the first week Lucas was putting his face all the way under and even "swimming" alone holding onto a kick board!  I heard several mentions to his teacher about going to The Great Wolf Lodge!  The next BIG goal was to put the face under and swim all at the same time.   


Week 2

Jumping in the water without Mom pushing him in! 
The "not-so-scared" swimmer going down the slide ALONE!!!!!!

Fist pump for swimming!

Not only was the slide a hit, but this dude went back for 2nds!


Miracle Worker:  Miss Rachel

Graduates!


Week 2 was even better than week 1. Lucas successfully dove under the water to retrieve rings everyday and started to learn about different strokes, like the Breast Stroke! He feels much more confident in the water. By no means is he a full blown "swimmer" but I think his parents could book a trip to The Great Wolf Lodge and not have to pack a noodle!

 




No comments:

Post a Comment