Swimming Lessons

 This post is actually about 2 weeks in the making. Two weeks ago on a Monday, we headed to the Blue Ridge Pool after Brent finished work for the day. As we arrived, we noticed there were a lot of cars for a Monday evening. As we got ready to go into the pool, we noticed a sign that said the pool would be closed from 6 to 7 each night for swimming lessons. I knew they had swimming lessons back in June but we couldn't go then because of our Vacation Bible School. Brent and I talked it over for a few minutes and decided that Rachel was old enough this year to try swimming lessons and we were able to get her in the class. She was a little nervous at first but then very excited to try. We went days 1-3 but were unable to go day 4 due to another event. We rescheduled the last lesson for last week and weather cancelled that one, so we got her last lesson in today.

She was in a group with one of the life guards, Miss Mackenzie, and she did great with her. Miss Mackenzie was so encouraging and a great teacher for her! Day one they worked on her scoops and kicks, learning to put her face underwater, jumping off the side, and finally jumping off the diving board. The following days built on these things.

 

The little big sister played in the kiddie pool and sat as close as close as she could get to the big pool to watch the lessons. She wants very much to try swimming lessons herself next summer. Bethany spent most of her time sleeping through swimming lessons this year.

 

Day 1

Day 4

Giving me a thumbs up before heading off the diving board

Day 1

 The diving board was one of the places we saw great gains in Rachel's skills. Before swimming lessons, she would not jump off the diving board at any point. Day 1 she tried it but only if someone walked out on the board with her. Days 2 and 3 she was even more brave and would jump off by herself to one of the lifeguards in the water below. Now she is jumping, wearing her life jacket without any help!!

 Today Miss Mackenzie even had her going underwater to get a diving stick with a little help. I didn't manage to snap a picture while she did this but here she is in her goggles just before going under the water.

Now she can swim short distances both above and underwater too. They did a great job at Blue Ridge Pool with their swimming lessons and we are thrilled with all Rachel learned. We are very proud of Rachel for all her hard work on her new swimming skills!