How To: Teaching the Best Swim Lesson Possible

Ever since the spring of 2010 I have been working at the Stoney Point YMCA. My job includes a combination of teaching swimming lessons, lifeguarding, coaching swim team and teaching private swimming lessons. For the most part its a pretty easy job and I enjoy it. The most difficult aspect is teaching regular swim lessons. Its a big responsibility and its important to make it the best experience for all of the kids.

There are two "sections" of swim lessons at the YMCA. The pre-school lessons run for 30 minutes and are for kids under the age of 6. The youth lessons are 45 minutes and are for kids ages six and older. For the sake of this process analysis, I will focus on the youth lessons.

Its very important to try and form a relationship with the kids and try to get to know them better. This will allow them to trust you as the instructor better. Once we gather up, jumping in the pool is the next step and sometimes this is the most difficult part of the lesson! I always have the kids warm up by doing 10 bobs which are basically jumps up and down in the water making sure to get used to the cold temperature of the pool.

Next is practicing the kick for each of the strokes. Depending on the level, a review of how to hold the kickboard is necessary. Kicking normally takes about 10 or 15 minutes depending on the level and how many kids are in the class.

Typically we move into the stroke practice after kicking. I always try to incorporate all the strokes into the lessons so its not boring and it can keep the kids' interests. Its important to take the kids out individually so you can watch their stroke very carefully and give them feedback. While your doing this the other kids need to have something to do such as kicking on the wall or practicing their arms on the side.

Normally when there is about 10 minutes left of class its time to have a little fun and to practice things such as dives. All of the kids really enjoy this part of class and its great to use as a motivator to get through the "boring" stuff. Treading water is also done at this time. If there is a few minutes left of class I always let the kids jump off the starting blocks, this is definitely their favorite part.

Finally, when class is over I try and talk to the parents about the progress their child is making and what they need to work on. Most of the time if all of these steps are followed and run smoothly I have completed the best swim lesson possible!

There are also many things that most people wouldnt consider to be important while teaching swimming lessons. If your in a bad mood, too bad you have to put a smile on and pretend like you want to be there, at least for the duration of your class. You have to remember not to get frustrated and to praise the kids when they do something right. Parents notice if it looks like their kids are happy or having fun. Its also really important to make sure you treat all kids similarly. For instance Sally can't go first all the time and Billy better not be last every time or all hell will break out.

In the end teaching swimming lessons is very rewarding. Swimming is a life long sport that everyone should know how to do. The only way this is going to happen is if people are given the opportunity to take the best swimming lessons as possible.