This post was sponsored by Goldfish Swim School.
We started swimming lessons at Goldfish Swim School in Dublin this summer! So far I have nothing but good things to say about the experience! But if you’re like us on the first day, you might not know what to expect and your kids might be a little bit nervous. Here are 10 things you can expect to make your first lesson go as smoothly as possible!
1. Key Tag Check-In
When you arrive and sign in at the front desk, you will be given a key tag for your key ring. At subsequent lessons, just check in by scanning your key tag!
2. Goggles and Swim Gear
Kids are encouraged to wear goggles for the lessons (I say encouraged because my kids are a little skittish about this, and the teachers don’t push it when they are.) Kids who aren’t potty trained must wear a reusable swim diaper. I neglected to read this fine print until the morning of our first lesson, but luckily both of these items are available for purchase and you will receive a discount on your first purchase!
3. Family Friendly Changing Rooms
Lots of space is available in the changing rooms – all three of us fit in to one in order to get suits on and everyone ready to go! There always seems to be enough changing rooms – we’ve never had to wait!
4. Easy Viewing Area
To view the lessons there is a large seating area with a glass wall separating you from the pool. It’s easy to find a seat to watch your child closely. One of the teachers suggested that I try different things with my youngest who is having a harder time being separated from me, so being poolside is an option, too, if that helps your child adjust.
5. Play Area for Little Sibs
Got a little one in tow? Books, coloring sheets and some toys are available in the viewing area!
6. Hair Dryers
There are hair dryers available to dry hair if needed before you leave. This will be especially handy in the winter! (Forgive me for mentioning the “W” word in August . . . )
7. Swim Suit Dryer
After your kid’s lesson, you can put your suit in a dryer for a quick spin to get out the extra water!
8. Snacks
Snacks, drinks and coffee are available for purchase. $.25 candy is available as well – just drop a quarter in the money box and take a candy!
9. Tears
I’m not saying there will be – but there might be – tears. There have been for my kids and several moms have come up to me and said, “we’ve been there, it will get better!” A big thanks to those moms for having my back. 🙂 And also a big thanks for #10:
10. Caring Teachers
I knew my kids were going to be stand offish about swimming lessons. They haven’t had a ton of experience in the water and they’re generally cautious kids. The teachers have been nothing but supportive, encouraging and non-judegemental. We’ve had 4 lessons and their comfort level has improved each time. By lesson 4, my oldest got in without any tears and my youngest didn’t cry through the WHOLE lesson, so there’s improvement! 😉
Thanks to Goldfish Swim School for sponsoring this post!
Goldfish Swim School offers perpetual, year-round swim lessons for kids ages 4 months to 12 years old. Our pools are warm and inviting (90 degrees) and our class sizes are small (4:1) so kids receive the personalized attention from our Ellis-trained swim instructors. Our curriculum focuses on water safety so we teach kids at all levels how to be safe in and around water. Goldfish Swim School has two Central Ohio locations, in Dublin and Westerville, and for more information, visit http://westerville.goldfishswimschool.com and http://dublin.goldfishswimschool.com.
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