With the frigid winter winds blowing outside, our family has swimming on our minds. You must think I’m crazy to even bring up the idea of swimming when it is snowy and cold outside, but thanks to our friends at Bear Paddle Swim School, swimming in winter isn’t crazy at all. In fact, it’s downright delightful.
Swim in Winter, Safe in Summer!
Winter really is the perfect time for swim lessons! Before checking out Bear Paddle Swim School, our family had never experienced swim lessons. It felt odd getting the kids dressed in a swimsuit while it was snowing outside, but as soon as we entered we were greeted by the warm comfort of their spa-like surroundings. Large family-size changing rooms, warm pool water, and even swimsuit dryers await to keep your experience as hassle-free as possible. Plus, they have stepstools EVERYWHERE to allow easy access for your independent toddlers. This place is a mom’s winter dream! Not only will it keep your kids warm and busy, but they will be learning tools to help them at the pool this summer.
It’s Never Too Early!
This is a lesson we learned the hard way. My son turned two in June and we had assumed it was too early to do any kind of official swim lessons with him. We figured we would keep a puddle jumper on him and hold him whenever we were in the water, but this did nothing for him when he accidentally slipped into the pool while we were getting out. He just sank. No kicks. No grabbing the side. Just a heart-shattering, life-altering moment where he was still. We quickly dove in, pulled him out, and heard him gasping and crying. This moment was forever burned into my brain as we approached our first experience with lessons. My son has had a reasonable fear of water since this near-drowning experience, which caused me to feel like he wouldn’t get anything out of his class. Thankfully his instructor, Michael, was very patient and persistent.
No matter how much my Matthew would protest, Michael would continue with his activity or song. This would catch my son off guard and he would become distracted into attempting the actions the instructor desired. By the end of just four short weeks, my son learned where the wall was and how to pull himself up out of the pool. He also knows how to kick behind himself and has started to paddle with assistance. I absolutely cannot believe the progress Bear Paddle Swim School has helped him achieve. They have given him a security in basic swim knowledge that will inevitably help him in water the rest of his life! And make this mama breathe a little easier when we are poolside as well.
My daughter is a bit older had already shown us her love of the water. Before classes, she would willingly float with a puddle jumper as long as she stayed with her head above water. Through their unique play her instructor, Molly, helped my daughter gain confidence in her independence and relationship with the water. She will now go underwater willingly and swim a distance with little to no help. They aren’t pros yet, but you can see those fundamental movements and skills being practiced with increasing comfort.
Thank You Bear Paddle!
The entire time your child is with the Bear Paddle Crew, they are being treated as if they are one of their own cubs. Instructors are constantly watching and asking if they are comfortable and understanding. It is soothing to that mama bear anxiety to see how well your child is being taken care of. From the moment you walk in the door you are greeted by a friendly face that treats you like family.
They even celebrate your child’s accomplishments through stickers, temporary tattoos, and patches. It’s really a cute system they have! Each branch of swim lessons has a bear name and specific achievements. As your child completes their goal they are rewarded with a bear patch representing the skill they have mastered. The staff is supportive at every point, even allowing students to swim through this at their own pace.
As a self-professed helicopter parent, it can be hard to let go. Especially around something as dangerous and life-threatening as water. I’m telling you now, from one overbearing mom to another, you will feel at ease here. Put away those claws and breathe for a bit. Hibernate those ill feelings of anxiety, because Bear Paddle Swim School really has it all taken care of. This mama bear will definitely be bringing her cubs back!
Ready to Swim?
There are three convenient local locations to choose from when you are ready to swim. Our family thoroughly enjoyed our experience at the Florence, KY location, but if you are on the Cincinnati side of the river, you can also check out the equally fabulous Mason and Oakley locations. Click HERE to get started with your weekly lessons!
