We started swim lessons 5 or 6 weeks ago and absolutely LOVE them. As you can imagine, it isn’t easy to get three babies fed, dressed, out the door and to swim lessons by 5:30pm – but, we absolutely look forward to swim lessons each week. I’m not sure I can rave about Goldfish Swim School more than I already do. One of the best decisions we’ve made is to sign the girls up. Not only have they made huge progress in just a few lessons in the water, they have made huge strides outside of the water, too!
“Goldfish Swim School was created by parents, for parents, with this goal in mind — to give kids the platform to build essential life skills that will help them make waves in life. We’ve created an inviting and safe place where kids overcome their fears, learn to swim, respect the water and have lots of fun while doing it. Our award-winning tropical environment and shiver-free pools are simply the fun backdrop for where kids do some serious growing and learning. So while we’re focused on the serious stuff, your family will be focused on the fun. It’s what we call The Science of SwimPlay®.”
You can find a TON of information on the Goldfish Swim School website, but I thought I would answer the questions I get asked most frequently.
What age do you have to be?
Their swimming lessons are specially designed for beginners from 4 months to 12 years old, including infant swim lessons, toddler swim lessons, and more! Our girls were just about 5 months old when they started.
Did you get in right away or was there a waiting list?
We initially thought that we wanted to go on Saturday, however, there weren’t three spots available for three or four weeks (#multipleproblems). Instead, we decided to take the Thursday that was available the following week. I think it just depends on the day/time you want to go!
How long is the lesson?
Our lesson is 30 minutes long. It flies by and each lesson we are sad that it is over. I think it is the perfect amount of time for the girls at this age.
What do you do during the lesson?
I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I think I was on two ends of the spectrum. I either thought they were going to make us put them under and it was going to be very intense or it was going to be very casual, where we just sort of walk around the pool and play! I am here to say it was neither of those things! It sort of reminds me of baby time at the library, minus it’s in the water. We sing, play games, practice water safety, practice floating, play with water toys, ride in a canoe, bond with each baby, laugh and more. Each thing that we do during class has a purpose. Everything is intentional and is creating muscle memory for future swimming. For example, we pull the balls in and put them in the basket, which is getting their arms ready for actual swimming. We kick their feet. We practice getting off the edge into the pool and turning right around to teach them that if you get fall into the pool, it is safest to turn around and get out on the wall.
How many kids per class?
In our infant lesson, there can be a total of six kids. However, it is usually just us (3) or us (3) plus one other kid. One adult per kid!
Swimming lessons are offered year-round with a low 4:1 maximum student-to-teacher-ratio to ensure that your child receives the most patience, supervision and guidance.
Do you pay for one visit at a time or is six weeks worth?
The lessons are month-to-month. They use an automatic payment system.
Because Goldfish Swim School runs perpetually rather than seasonally, your lessons will continue indefinitely until you withdraw from our school. We love seeing children graduate through our levels and move on to Swim Force.
Do you think its worth it to go early vs. later?
Early, early, early! There are so many reasons I think it is important to go early. At the top of the list, water safety. I don’t think it’s every too early to teach water safety.
Also, I think it is easier to introduce them to the water before they develop a fear of it, if that makes sense? I think taking a five month old into the water vs. a two year old seems much easier.
What made you decide to go to swimming lessons when they’re so young?
- As I mentioned above, water safety is important to me. I want the girls to be comfortable around water as we spend a decent amount of time around it. Plus, any advantage I can have in feeling safe while taking three kids to any sort of water is key.
- It is a fun sensory development activity. They’re being exposed to new movements, new objects, they get to observe new things and more.
- Just a fun, new way for their bodies to move. Plus, the activities we are doing now are creating muscle memory for when they do start to swim on their own.
- Since we do need one adult per baby, it is a fun bonding experience with 1-on-1 time. It is so fun to watch them explore a new environment. (More info on the way you bond with your baby during lessons can be found here.)
Can you watch the swim lessons if you’re not in water with babies?
Yes! Looking into the pool is all glass, very easy to see. They have two rows of chairs set up the entire length – perfect for grandparents to watch.
Can you use their pool if you aren’t doing lessons?
First, did you know their pool is heated to a pleasant 90°? No more shivering and getting used to the water. It is awesome. Second, yes – you can use the pool if you aren’t there for lessons. They have designated time/days for family swim. If you’re not enrolled in Goldfish Swim School, Family Swim sessions are a great way to get your feet wet, explore their fun, safe, tropical facilities and get a glimpse of the experiences they create for their students!
For more information, Find Your Local Goldfish Swim School.
As you can tell, we ADORE Goldfish Swim School. It has been great for the girls! Plus, we get to invite a different family member each week to join in on the fun! If you have ANY questions, please reach out to me! If I don’t know the answer, I can pass it along to the staff over at Goldfish.
Locations
Westerville
765 Brooksedge Blvd
Westerville, OH. 43081
Lewis Center
7838 Green Meadows Dr
Lewis Center, OH. 43035
Dublin
6175 Shamrock Ct. Ste G
Dublin, OH. 43016
Goldfish Swim School has provided us with the experience of lessons for my candid reviews. We are thankful for this partnership and will continue to keep everyone updated on our progress!
