Swimming Lessons for Toddlers in Bloomington, Indiana

Looking for some fun activities to do with your toddler this summer? Why not sign up for parent/child swimming lessons? Bloomington, Indiana offers great resources for parents if you are interested in some fun water activities. Not only do these classes help acclimate your toddler to the water, they are a great activity to do together.

The Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department sponsors an Infant/Tot program for infants and toddlers ages 6 months to 2 years. The classes, held at the Bryan Park Pool, do not teach swimming techniques. They are meant only to get your toddler used to being in the water. Instructors also give helpful safety information to parents, focusing on how to supervise young children in the water. The class requires parent participation and, since it is held in the outdoor pool located at 1100 S. Woodlawn Avenue, packing sunscreen for your toddler is a must. Sessions begin in early June and both morning and evening classes are offered. Prices are $40 if you reside within the Bloomington city limits. The cost for out of city residents is $50. However, there are scholarships and a fee waiver application available. For more information or to register, call (812) 349-3700. You may also register online at http://bloomington.in.gov/documents/viewDocument.php?document_id=523#parentchild

The Red Cross also sponsors a Parent/Child Aquatics Program for toddlers. Held at the Monroe County YMCA, located at 2125 S. Highland Avenue in Bloomington, the class helps babies become comfortable in and around water. Parents participate in these classes as well and, since the classes are held in the indoor pool, it's a great way to get out of the sun and heat. There are two age groups in this program, 6-18 months and 18-36 months. Classes are available in two, four, or six-week sessions beginning in May and extending throughout the summer. With the two and four-week sessions taking place on weekdays and the six-week session being offered on Saturdays, there is sure to be a class to fit your schedule. If you are a member of the YMCA, registration begins at $35. The cost of the program is $55 for non-members. For more information, you may call (812)332-5555 or register online athttp://monroecountyymca.org/youthswimlessons.aspx.

Keep in mind that these classes do not teach your baby to survive in the water, so parental supervision is always necessary when your toddler is around the water. These classes are, however, a great step in teaching your child to swim. Both locations discussed above offer more advanced classes as your child gets older, so your toddler will be well on the way to being a competent swimmer!