Hey! My name is Ashley Jackson. I am the owner and instructor of all the WaterSafe swim lessons. I have been trained by Laura Canterbury, swim instructor for the past 6 years. I am red cross certified and lifeguard certified. Being a mother, I know first-hand the importance of teaching kids how to be safe around water and the basics of swimming. The earlier you can introduce a child to water, the better. Here are the steps I use to help ensure safety and to teach kids to the basics of swimming:
1. teaching children to go under water—getting each child use to having water in their face
2. teaching children to kick and move in water
3. teaching children to jump off edge and go back to wall for safety
4. teaching children to work on basic stroke and breathing—this normally happens at age 3-4
Each session is Monday-Friday for two weeks. The class is one hour, and there are under 10 children in each the class. Age range is 6 months-5 years old. The cost is $275/child which includes a non-refundable registration deposit.
The first 2-3 days are the hardest in the class. Tears should be expected because it is new to a lot of the children and the children seem to feed off each other. Parents can help improve their children's swimming once they leave the class. Practice outside of class is encouraged.
What helps children swim?
Here is what I think: I go under the water with children individually to help with their fear. I also think repetition is huge. Basically, the system is one at a time taking turns. So for an hour, children get to repeat everything they are learning, but they get to rest in between turns. Parents are welcome in the water, but normally I recommend waiting until Wednesday of the first week. Children also see their peers learning to swim, which seems to encourage them. Children who are fearful see children who don't have fear not getting hurt and enjoying swimming. Every step of the class, I will be with each child to reassure him/her.
What could you realistically expect at the end?
This depends on the child. Each child is different. It depends on child's age, ability, if the child has swimming experience in his/her past, how much time the child has spent under water, etc. My goal would be to get your child to swim to the steps/wall, jump off wall and swim back and work on breathing.
What ages do you teach?
I teach ages 6 months to 5 years old. Each class will have all ages. I find this helpful because younger kids can see older kids learning to swim and having fun while doing it. Also, if I structure classes depending on age, that would limit the time choices for parents. It is encouraged that parents keep children attentive between turns to help ensure safety and efficiency.
Why sign up my 6 month old up for lessons?
The lessons will help introduce he/she to the water. The earlier the introduction to water, the better. For a 6 month old, the focus will be on holding their breath under water, getting use to moving under water and floating on their back. A 6 month old will not learn to swim by themselves, and they probably won't swim be themselves next summer either. It will also be beneficial for bath time.
Where are the classes held?
Private residence in the Over the Mountain area. Information will be emailed prior to sessions.
When is the waiver and payment due?
Waiver and registration fee due at registration in order to hold spot. Remainder of money due 1st day of class. Checks made to Watersafe Swimming. *There is a convenience fee when using PayPal or credit cards.
Make-up policy
Missed classes will NOT be made up unless class is cancelled by instructor.
1. teaching children to go under water—getting each child use to having water in their face
2. teaching children to kick and move in water
3. teaching children to jump off edge and go back to wall for safety
4. teaching children to work on basic stroke and breathing—this normally happens at age 3-4
Each session is Monday-Friday for two weeks. The class is one hour, and there are under 10 children in each the class. Age range is 6 months-5 years old. The cost is $275/child which includes a non-refundable registration deposit.
The first 2-3 days are the hardest in the class. Tears should be expected because it is new to a lot of the children and the children seem to feed off each other. Parents can help improve their children's swimming once they leave the class. Practice outside of class is encouraged.
What helps children swim?
Here is what I think: I go under the water with children individually to help with their fear. I also think repetition is huge. Basically, the system is one at a time taking turns. So for an hour, children get to repeat everything they are learning, but they get to rest in between turns. Parents are welcome in the water, but normally I recommend waiting until Wednesday of the first week. Children also see their peers learning to swim, which seems to encourage them. Children who are fearful see children who don't have fear not getting hurt and enjoying swimming. Every step of the class, I will be with each child to reassure him/her.
What could you realistically expect at the end?
This depends on the child. Each child is different. It depends on child's age, ability, if the child has swimming experience in his/her past, how much time the child has spent under water, etc. My goal would be to get your child to swim to the steps/wall, jump off wall and swim back and work on breathing.
What ages do you teach?
I teach ages 6 months to 5 years old. Each class will have all ages. I find this helpful because younger kids can see older kids learning to swim and having fun while doing it. Also, if I structure classes depending on age, that would limit the time choices for parents. It is encouraged that parents keep children attentive between turns to help ensure safety and efficiency.
Why sign up my 6 month old up for lessons?
The lessons will help introduce he/she to the water. The earlier the introduction to water, the better. For a 6 month old, the focus will be on holding their breath under water, getting use to moving under water and floating on their back. A 6 month old will not learn to swim by themselves, and they probably won't swim be themselves next summer either. It will also be beneficial for bath time.
Where are the classes held?
Private residence in the Over the Mountain area. Information will be emailed prior to sessions.
When is the waiver and payment due?
Waiver and registration fee due at registration in order to hold spot. Remainder of money due 1st day of class. Checks made to Watersafe Swimming. *There is a convenience fee when using PayPal or credit cards.
Make-up policy
Missed classes will NOT be made up unless class is cancelled by instructor.