As Liam gets older I look forward to all of the amazing milestones that he reaches and new activities he's able to participate in. Early on we decided that Liam would take swimming lessons right at the 6 month mark and this was one activity that Matt was ecstatic about participating in. All the other classes with singing, dancing and rhymes just wasn't his cup of tea.
I started researching various swim schools in the area right before Liam turned 6 months and I just couldn't get over the fact that half of the places out there are so expensive. I knew that I would have to shell over a couple of hundred dollars for a swim course that only lasted a few weeks and it just didn't settle well. If I'm willing to pay X, Y and Z on these types of activities at 7 months old, what more when he's 7 years old?
Luckily it was brought to my attention that Goldfish Swim opened up in Roscoe Village because compared to some of the other schools out there, this was on the more cost effective end. For $85 a month, the program runs like a "gym membership" - it's an on-going 30 minute class that meets once a week with a fantastic facility that caters to little infant swimmers. The changing area is extremely spacious and has multiple changing pads equipped with extra diapers just in case. On top of that, the water is a consistent 90 degrees - making it extremely compelling to visit the school on cold 30 degree snowy days like today.
The infant class isn't designed to teach technique, but more so to get your baby acclimated to the water. Despite the fact that some babies love their baths, the pool is a completely different situation, but luckily it didn't affect Liam. He loved the planned activities of chasing the giant rubber ducky, staring at himself in a mirror to work on his floating techniques and practicing his balance technique as he sat up on a floating mat. Liam easily could have stayed in the pool for much longer, but sadly the class had to end.
I have to say that I was a little skeptical about how the class is structured, but after our second class I had a better feeling for Goldfish Swim's offerings. Although it's a little distracting to have 5 other swim classes going on simultaneously, the class serves it's purpose for introducing infants to the water. I would just recommend that babies that get easily stimulated possibly find a time to take the class when the pool isn't full. It's tough enough as it is to introduce your baby to water, but to do it when a ton of other kids are in the pool can be a little overwhelming.
Overall, we really like the Goldfish Swim School. For the services that the school offers and wonderful facility, it's a great way to introduce your little one to swimming. Luckily Goldfish Swim is located across the US and offers classes to various age groups. Visit their site to find a location near you.
Thank you to the wonderful team at Goldfish Swim School for giving me an opportunity check out a few classes and enjoy the great Roscoe Village facility. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Thank you to the wonderful team at Goldfish Swim School for giving me an opportunity check out a few classes and enjoy the great Roscoe Village facility. Welcome to the neighborhood!
