Swimming lessons?

Can you recommend a place? Anyone go to Saf-T-Swim? I live in Merrick BTW.

Re: Swimming lessons?

I used to teach at Saf-T-Swim. I highly recommend it if you have the money and can maintain it for at least 6 months.

Re: Swimming lessons?

Re: Swimming lessons?

Thank you for posting! I was just looking at their ad and mentioned it to DH.

Why do you have to maintain for 6 months?

Re: Swimming lessons?

A friend of mine uses Saf-T-Swim and loved it. I have been wanting to join with Troy. I want to do MommyNMe, but I'm afraid to step into a bathing suit!

Re: Swimming lessons?

I went to Safe-T-Swim I highly recommend the program but the East Meadow location is a horror!
They are at the NY Sports Club and the GYM people not the swimming people are so nasty and won't let you use any facilities, ammenities... even the elevator so you have to carry a baby and stroller down scary metal stairs- and you NEED a stroller because the dressing room and bathroom that the swim class has doesn't have chairs so you have to put that baby somewhere while you change and you can't use the dressing rooms of the gym with benches...!!!!
We did love the class though and I am looking back into it for the spring because I loved the instructors and the classes, but I will definitely be looking into a new location!
**Oh BTW to answer your questions I did mommy and me and I think it was 6 weeks for $76 or 79???(close to that as I remember) We also started at I believe 10 or 11 months

Message edited 1/25/2008 10:23:56 PM.

Re: Swimming lessons?

my DS started swimming at Saf-T-Swim at 2mos. Best think I ever did because he looooves the water.

Re: Swimming lessons?

i really want to do this with Cadi let me know

Re: Swimming lessons?

I am assuming the cuddles and strokes is what used to be the mommy and me part 1. I don't know because that title must be new.

Anyway, the mommy and me class is the only class where you are able to actually be with your child. It is a group class. Its a great way to learn about what you can do with your child in the water. Many parents believe that immersing their child in water doesn't take skill or understanding. HA! First of all there is a set number of times that children are allowed under water. (Because they are so young they don't know how to hold their breath.) Most will inhale, or drink the water. There is such a thing as water toxicity. (It actually is like alcohol poisoning in adults.)

So, that being said: in this class you SHOULD learn about water safety and techniques to allow your child to start learning kicking and being more comfy in the water. (I say 'should' because there's always that dang teenage instructor that's only there to flirt with the other teenage instructor, instead of teach. Every job has them.) But, Saf-T-Swim doesn't allow new instructors to teach that class by themselves. It's just that important to convey the right things to parents about water safety. When I taught it there were dads and grandparents that brought the kids too. Anybody that could possibly be with the child in a pool should take it with the baby. (Not that you can have 4 adults with each child, but you understand right? )

The mommy and me down under was the second step in the mommy and me classes when I taught. It begins to really instill the underwater aspect for babies. (Hence: down under!)

Can I keep on typing? Absolutely!

The reason I say that you should do it for 6 months is because repitition is key. However, if you can take what you learn from the mommy and me class and keep on doing it at home (in a pool or bathtub), then do it!!! The private lessons really should be done for at least 6 months.

The other lessons they give are private 1:1 lessons and obviously cost more money. But those lessons are without you there. You actually watch from a room where the kids can't see you. This helps so they don't screaming for you. (And trust me, they will scream for you.) Instructors are taught not to call parents in unless absolutely necessary. I had kids throw up on me (Nearly everday), beat on me, kick me, bite me, elbow me, you name it. I was sent for x-rays to my cheekbone one time when an 18 month old clocked me so hard with her elbow because she wanted mommy. But if I called mommy in before the lesson was over, they would have learned their bad behavior would bring in mommy to stop the lesson.

Do you now understand why I didn't want to be pregnant and working there?

I taught swimming for many, many years before going to Saf-T-Swim. I can't believe more people don't teach the concepts the way they do. They teach safety first, which is absolutely key!!!!!! Who cares if your 2 year old can show you a perfect Olympic stroke if they can't even get to the side of the pool after accidentally falling in?

Re: Swimming lessons?

Posted by waterspout4

I am assuming the cuddles and strokes is what used to be the mommy and me part 1. I don't know because that title must be new.

Anyway, the mommy and me class is the only class where you are able to actually be with your child. It is a group class. Its a great way to learn about what you can do with your child in the water. Many parents believe that immersing their child in water doesn't take skill or understanding. HA! First of all there is a set number of times that children are allowed under water. (Because they are so young they don't know how to hold their breath.) Most will inhale, or drink the water. There is such a thing as water toxicity. (It actually is like alcohol poisoning in adults.)

So, that being said: in this class you SHOULD learn about water safety and techniques to allow your child to start learning kicking and being more comfy in the water. (I say 'should' because there's always that dang teenage instructor that's only there to flirt with the other teenage instructor, instead of teach. Every job has them.) But, Saf-T-Swim doesn't allow new instructors to teach that class by themselves. It's just that important to convey the right things to parents about water safety. When I taught it there were dads and grandparents that brought the kids too. Anybody that could possibly be with the child in a pool should take it with the baby. (Not that you can have 4 adults with each child, but you understand right? )

The mommy and me down under was the second step in the mommy and me classes when I taught. It begins to really instill the underwater aspect for babies. (Hence: down under!)

Can I keep on typing? Absolutely!

The reason I say that you should do it for 6 months is because repitition is key. However, if you can take what you learn from the mommy and me class and keep on doing it at home (in a pool or bathtub), then do it!!! The private lessons really should be done for at least 6 months.

The other lessons they give are private 1:1 lessons and obviously cost more money. But those lessons are without you there. You actually watch from a room where the kids can't see you. This helps so they don't screaming for you. (And trust me, they will scream for you.) Instructors are taught not to call parents in unless absolutely necessary. I had kids throw up on me (Nearly everday), beat on me, kick me, bite me, elbow me, you name it. I was sent for x-rays to my cheekbone one time when an 18 month old clocked me so hard with her elbow because she wanted mommy. But if I called mommy in before the lesson was over, they would have learned their bad behavior would bring in mommy to stop the lesson.

Do you now understand why I didn't want to be pregnant and working there?

I taught swimming for many, many years before going to Saf-T-Swim. I can't believe more people don't teach the concepts the way they do. They teach safety first, which is absolutely key!!!!!! Who cares if your 2 year old can show you a perfect Olympic stroke if they can't even get to the side of the pool after accidentally falling in?

Re: Swimming lessons?

Posted by smdl

Posted by waterspout4

I am assuming the cuddles and strokes is what used to be the mommy and me part 1. I don't know because that title must be new.

Anyway, the mommy and me class is the only class where you are able to actually be with your child. It is a group class. Its a great way to learn about what you can do with your child in the water. Many parents believe that immersing their child in water doesn't take skill or understanding. HA! First of all there is a set number of times that children are allowed under water. (Because they are so young they don't know how to hold their breath.) Most will inhale, or drink the water. There is such a thing as water toxicity. (It actually is like alcohol poisoning in adults.)

So, that being said: in this class you SHOULD learn about water safety and techniques to allow your child to start learning kicking and being more comfy in the water. (I say 'should' because there's always that dang teenage instructor that's only there to flirt with the other teenage instructor, instead of teach. Every job has them.) But, Saf-T-Swim doesn't allow new instructors to teach that class by themselves. It's just that important to convey the right things to parents about water safety. When I taught it there were dads and grandparents that brought the kids too. Anybody that could possibly be with the child in a pool should take it with the baby. (Not that you can have 4 adults with each child, but you understand right? )

The mommy and me down under was the second step in the mommy and me classes when I taught. It begins to really instill the underwater aspect for babies. (Hence: down under!)

Can I keep on typing? Absolutely!

The reason I say that you should do it for 6 months is because repitition is key. However, if you can take what you learn from the mommy and me class and keep on doing it at home (in a pool or bathtub), then do it!!! The private lessons really should be done for at least 6 months.

The other lessons they give are private 1:1 lessons and obviously cost more money. But those lessons are without you there. You actually watch from a room where the kids can't see you. This helps so they don't screaming for you. (And trust me, they will scream for you.) Instructors are taught not to call parents in unless absolutely necessary. I had kids throw up on me (Nearly everday), beat on me, kick me, bite me, elbow me, you name it. I was sent for x-rays to my cheekbone one time when an 18 month old clocked me so hard with her elbow because she wanted mommy. But if I called mommy in before the lesson was over, they would have learned their bad behavior would bring in mommy to stop the lesson.

Do you now understand why I didn't want to be pregnant and working there?

I taught swimming for many, many years before going to Saf-T-Swim. I can't believe more people don't teach the concepts the way they do. They teach safety first, which is absolutely key!!!!!! Who cares if your 2 year old can show you a perfect Olympic stroke if they can't even get to the side of the pool after accidentally falling in?

Thank you so much for all the info. That was very instructive. I especially like the fact that you explained about the leaving your kid with someone else. I actually will NEVER do that. I cannot imagine my child crying for my help and not knowing I am there. I will teach DS to swin with me. I will do the mommy and me class to introduce him to the water and go from there.

Re: Swimming lessons?

Posted by waterspout4
Sophie, separation anxiety happens to nearly every child. At some point EJ will be left with someone and he'll be screaming for you. (Daycare, babysitter, friend, family member, coach, etc.) SOmetimes it's best to have him get in the water and cry it out. You'd hate for the first time he falls in the water (God forbid) and he's looking for you and only you. It's harsh, but so true. Only you can do what you you want to do. I hope I've helped!

Re: Swimming lessons?

I am very eager to sign DD up too, she's 7 months and want to start it within the next month or two. I was considering the Cuddles & Strokes class at Saf-T-Swim too.

Re: Swimming lessons?

Thanks for all the great info. Kelly. I wish you were still teaching...I would love for you to be TJ's instructor

Does anyone have a direct # to call? I filled out the contact form on their website but have not heard back yet.

Re: Swimming lessons?

On their website call the location closest to you. Saf T Swim ROCKS!

Re: Swimming lessons?

Posted by jellybean1420

Thanks for all the great info. Kelly. I wish you were still teaching...I would love for you to be TJ's instructor

Does anyone have a direct # to call? I filled out the contact form on their website but have not heard back yet.