Moms Talk: Swimming Competence

During college, I had the opportunity to go sailing on a man-built lake in my hometown, Oroville. The day turned out to be bright and beautiful, but not very windy.

So, my friend and I decided to take a dip in the lake. As I was floating around in the cool, glistening water, I began to drift farther and farther from the boat. When it was time to make my way back, I realized that my swimming skills weren’t strong enough to get me back to the boat. Scary.

Luckily, my friend is a strong swimmer and he made it back and brought the boat to me. The realization of my not-so-great swimming skills frightened me enough that I enrolled in a swimming course.

As a child, I was exposed to a shallow water pool, but was never taught proper strokes. The class I took taught me enough swimming skills for me never to be afraid that I will be unable to swim to safety again. But, as I look at friends who learned proper swimming methods as children, I realize I may never be as good at swimming as them. The muscle memory for swimming techniques gives them a strong advantage.

Unlike other sports children learn, swimming can save their lives. It can also give them more confidence in situations where water is involved. Being able to safely and confidently engage in water play at oceans, lakes, rivers and pools starts with the ability to swim.

As my son, now ten, recounts his adventures in the ocean each day after Junior Guards this summer, I am sure that he will never face the water with fear.

For parents who need to improve or gain swimming skills, it can be a fun and healthy thing to learn together.  

Seahorse Swim School offers group and private (or semi-private) lessons at four locations in and around Capitola.  

Swimming and diving lessons are also offered at Cabrillo College Pool though Capitola Recreation Department in summer.

Click the links above for information on enrollment.