Swimming Lessons for Children in the St. Louis Area

Finally summer is upon us and the kids are out of school. Before we head off to the local pool or water park our children need to learn how to swim. This can start as early as 6 months of age if you attend the right school.

There are a few things you need to look at before you choose a swimming school for your child. Here is a list of tips for picking the right school.

1- Make sure the class size is appropriate for your child's age level. If you have a small baby you're not going to want more than around 5 other babies in the class. Your child is going to need extra attention at that age. However, if your kid is 9 you might want a larger class. Research the class and know what will work best for your family.

2- Ensure there are an adequate number of teachers for your class. It might take only one teacher to teach a room full of 12 year olds but it is going to take a team of instructors for a room full of 5 year olds. Do not get stuck in a class where your child is neglected because there are not enough teachers.

3- Class length is also a concern when dealing with younger children. You want to make this an enjoyable class setting for your child. Ruthie Zarren says it best on her swim school website "A child's ability to focus and concentrate is diminished after 30 minutes. Repetition, consistency and practice are important at this age to reinforce and maintain new skills."

4- See if you are allowed in the water to help or classroom to watch. If this is your child's first experience with water you both are probably a little concerned. Being able to help or watch is going to make a big difference.

Picking the right school for you and your family is not as difficult as it might seem. You want your child to be safe, well taken care of, and watched over. Here are a few places in the St. Louis area where you are going to feel totally at ease letting your child learn how to swim.

Little Fishes Swim School

You will be impressed as soon as you step foot in the door of Little Fishes Swim School. From the staff's caring attitude to the salt water pool that is easier on your child's skin without using harsh chemicals this school has all your concerns and needs taken care of. Great communication from instructors and coaches on all levels, if you have a question this school is here for you and your child.

Classes range from 6 months-3 years, and 3 years and up. Once a week for 30 minutes your child gets individual learning attention and this is ensured by the smaller class size. Children ages 6 months to 3 years are accompanied by a parent and instructor in a personalized Water Babies class that is designed for only 5 children at a time. The older children ages 3 years and up attend the Water Kids class where there are two instructors in a class of 5 students. Again the class curriculum is built around the skill level of your child.

It is not too late to sign up for summer classes at the Little Fishes Swim School. Call today for details. Fall classes start September 8 and run through November 23 for $250. The school is pre-enrolling now for Fall.

Visit Little Fishes Swim School at 8200 Brentwood Industrial Drive, Brentwood, MO 63144. You can call 1-314-647-7946 to ask any questions, schedule your class, or get directions. Also, you can contact them through their website www.littlefishesswimschool.com or email coachruthie@littlefishesswimschool.com.

YMCA of Greater St. Louis

The YMCA is a well known location for sports activities and swimming in almost every town. They offer everything from swimming for adults to lessons for children. You can take an exercise swim class or an instructional swim class.

Children have many different class types to choose from at the YMCA of Greater St. Louis. You can choose from private, semi-private, or group lessons. They have different classes that are dependent on the skill levels of the students. Each student attends class for 35 minutes once a week. Summer 1 classes are currently underway; June 1-July 3. Summer II classes will be held July 6-August 7 so call now to register your child.

Preschool private and semi-private swim lessons include 5 weeks of instruction 30 minutes each week. Private lessons are $115 for non-members and $80 for YMCA members. Semi-private lessons are $170 for non-members and $115 for YMCA members. Group weekday classes include 5 weeks of lessons that are 35 minutes long. The weekday classes are $74 for non-members and $38 for YMCA members. Group weekend classes are held on Saturday and Sunday only. You receive 4 weeks of classes that are 35 minutes. Weekend classes are $62 for non-members and $32 for YMCA members.

The YMCA of Greater St. Louis is located at 1528 Locust Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. You can call them at 1-314-436-1177 for more information on swim classes or to register your child. Visit their website www.ymcastlouis.org or email them at metro@ymcastlouis.org.

Ruthie Zarren quote can be found at http://www.littlefishesswimschool.com/faqs.html.