As parents, there’s nothing more important to us than making sure our children are safe. And what better way to ensure that than by enrolling them in swim lessons at The Cove™? Not only is it an incredible way to increase their physical fitness and confidence, but it can also potentially save their lives. This parent’s guide sheds light on all the ins and outs of The Cove™’s swim lessons, from the absolute beginner to the experienced pro.
Why Are Swim Lessons Important?
Although swimming is a fun and exhilarating activity, the fact that it can potentially be dangerous if not done properly should not go unnoticed. Studies have shown that many children are highly susceptible to drowning, so it’s of the utmost importance to prepare them for the waters. And not only does it prevent potential water-related injuries, but it also makes for a great form of exercise – with about 500-600 kcal burned per hour at a moderate level of swimming – and may open up gateways of opportunity in the future.
Age Restrictions and Requirements
The safety precautions have never been lacking at The Cove™ for child swim instructors – and for good reason. The instructors adhere to firm age restrictions for their classes, stipulating that like all the youth programs at the recreation center, participants have to be at least six months old. Children under the age of four will require an adult chaperone on deck, who adheres to strict rules while their child is undergoing training – the rules include wearing pool-appropriate attire, not using electronic devices, and monitoring their child’s progress from the sidelines.
Group Classes
The Cove™ offers group swim lessons with as few as three participants, to be sure that no child goes unattended while in the pool. The lessons take place twice a week and each class is 30 minutes long and is intended to run for 8 weeks. Each participant is evaluated before participating on the first day of class, and instructors ensure that they maintain the progress of everyone in the class. An important note is that these classes are designed for children aged 4 and up.
Private Lessons
If your child prefers to receive more individualized attention, private swim lessons are also available at The Cove™. The aquatics staff will work with you to schedule lessons that best fit your schedule, and each lesson is 30 minutes long – but can be increased to an hour if desired. Whether your child is learning the basics of breathing and floating, or perfecting their swimming prowess, the instructor will work with them where they are at to obtain the best results. These lessons are offered for children as young as 6 months and adults as old as 99.
Swim Clubs
Once your child is confident in their swimming abilities, they can also be a part of The Cove™’s regional swim clubs amongst their peers. The swim clubs are designed for children aged 7 to 18, featuring an advanced curriculum that focuses on stroke development, proper breathing technique, and race readiness. The clubs are broken down into intermediate and advanced levels to ensure all participants are comfortable with the lesson plans, and classes are a great way to promote teamwork and fun competition amongst friends.
Price and Enrollment
Participation in any of The Cove™’s swim programs is incredibly affordable, making it a great activity for families on a budget. The cost starts at $30 for group lessons for residents, and goes up to $120 for a 16-week swim club membership. There are also multiple sibling and multi-class discounts available to be taken advantage of – and with all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that The Cove™ is known as a fantastic value.
In order to enroll in any of The Cove™’s swim programs, you will have to take a trip to the recreation center to fill out a sign up form. For group swim lessons you will also need to take a small swim test to ensure that your child is enrolled in the proper class that best meets their abilities.
The Cove™’s Lifelong Mission
The aquatics staff at The Cove™ takes the safety and skill-building of all of their participants very seriously. The staff undergo constant training and improvements themselves to ensure the best instruction possible, and goes above and beyond to ensure that all participants feel part of an encouraging and fun learning environment. With programs for all ages, abilities and skill levels – it’s of no surprise that The Cove™ stands as a hub of family and community fitness and fun.
So why wait any longer? Enroll your child in one of The Cove™’s swim programs today and know that they are getting the best instruction possible to stay safe and get the most mileage out of their age-appropriate lesson.