We are thrilled to get this opportunity to work with Konfidence and we know the importance of starting swimming as early as possible as we left it later with Joshua and although he can swim he is still struggling with water near his face. This is why we were planning on starting the swimming journey early with Jacob.
Thanks to the fantastic team at Konfidence they helped track down our local baby swim class ( EMSA Babies) and we were looking forward to booking in Jacobs lessons.
There was however to be a slight glitch as those regular readers will know I am going in for major surgery in the coming weeks so starting a block session of swimming lessons was not going to be ideal as with all children and babies repetition can play a large part in learning so taking time out mid way through would only hinder his learning.
Obviously I was immensely gutted at having to postpone our swimming journey till a little later in the year, however the wonderful Sally at EMSA Babies came to my rescue and invited us along to a session so I could have a look at what happens and to see how Jacob took to it in anticipation of us starting properly in a couple of months.
Obviously I’m nothing if not honest and the thought of baby swimming lessons I had found quite daunting, having seen a group in a local pool a few years ago and the noise and the splashing I was worried Jacob might just freak out.
However I needn’t have worried, the amazing pool we attended last week was spotless, it was quiet and more importantly it was amazingly calm.
Jacob and I were greeted by a lovely lady who explained what we needed to do re changing and where we were going after and she took some time out to come and chat to Jacob while I was changing him which was so lovely especially as he was getting a little anxious.
The team at Konfidence sent us the items we would need to get Jacob in the pool with the right kit and so I popped on his Swim Nappy, NeoNappy Swim Nappy Cover and the Babywarma baby Wetsuit and he was ready to go!
Next we headed through to the poolside where we got to see Sally in action with the group before us (2 babies!) and it was so wonderfully calm.
There was not shrieking, screaming or crying that I often associate with babies and children in pools. There was singing and actions and some splashing but everything seemed so laid back.
I was joined in the pool for our session by a lovely Mum and her daughter (20 weeks) who had been attending a little while and although I believe there should have been another lady with her little tot it was just us in the end with Sally and I couldn’t believe it! I had expected 20+ in the pool.
From that point on my apprehension about swimming lessons vanished, there was a great vibe that obviously rubbed off on Jacob as he initially clung to me I felt him start to release me and with the help of short little tasks, songs and movements I saw Jacobs confidence start to grow almost in front of my very eyes! he wasn’t keen on me holding him on his back but he allowed Sally to do it and after that there was no stopping him.
With the get ready commands of “Jacob” (get babies attention) “ready” (make sure he has seen whats coming) “Go” Jacob was sprinkled with water in the face and head (gradually increasing) and even enjoyed having his face partially underwater.
I knew from bath time that he enjoyed water but swimming pools are completely different with them being bigger and obviously there were a couple of different people there that he has never met.
The whole feel of the lessons is laid back and fun instead of pressure and I loved it and I have spent some time with him re enacting some of the things at home with him and he seems to recognise them, especially the songs and the get ready commands.
Thank you so very much Sally and the team at EMSA Babies for having us and allowing us to get excited about what is to come once I have healed and for making me so excited to be able to take this journey with Jacob.
Thank you also to Konfidence for arranging this for us and for sending over the kit that was needed to get him started!
We can’t wait to get underway later in the year!
Disclaimer: This post was written as part of my role in the Konfidence Swimologist Programme.