Community› The Bump Message Boards› Parenting
Parenting
New Discussion

Is age 7 too old for swimming lessons

SaraSmileSaraSmile
in Parenting
As a kid I never had swimming lessons but can swim now.  Don't remember how I learned. Tried to put my son in lessons last year and it was a disaster (mom & child class).  Our lives are so crazy right now.  We don't have a pool and don't have a ton of opportunities to visit a pool in the summer.  Once my son is 7 and my dd is 5 I am going to be a stay at home.  I was hoping with age he would get over the fear and lessons at age 7 would be better.  He isn't afraid of water (he goes in a pool by himself with a life vest by the steps or with one of us) but just hated the classes. 
Report Reply to Post

Re: Is age 7 too old for swimming lessons

  • npeacocknpeacock
    No - I don't think you're ever too old to learn such an important skill. I started swimming lessons as a child when I was 6 or 7. Just look for a place that has classes that will be appropriate for a new swimmer of his age.
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • buler23buler23
    I think seven is a great age.  They can really start to grasp the concepts.  I was a swim instructor for five years. However, I do not think that any age is to old for swimming lessons, but I am a HUGE advocate for water safety.
    Report Reply
  • GrowingFamilyGrowingFamily
    No, 7 is certainly not too old.  Better late than never, IMO. 
    Report Reply
  • SaraSmileSaraSmile
    OK thanks. People keep telling me I have to get him into lessons now ... but I just don't think it would be worth it right now.  He will hate it and it's not cheap. 
    Report Reply
  • elm1032004elm1032004

    DD took lessons last year when she was 3.  I didn't do the parent / tot lessons, it was just DD in the pool w/ the class.  Honestly I think she did much better than she would have if I was with her.  Is there a place where you could try a lesson or two for your son without you?  We did them at the Y and I was there watching the class.  My niece (who is the same age) took the class w/ DD and I think that helped too, if one could do it the other was determined to do it too.

     If that doesn't work I think you can start at age 7.  They offer classes for all levels.  I would just make sure you go some place where the rest of the kids in the class are around his age.

    Report Reply
  • littlemermaidlittlemermaid member
    You are never too old to take swim lessons.  Both of my kids are in swim lessons, I sign them up for classes all year round at the rec center.  They just move up in levels as they get better.  My kids are 9 & 6.
    Report Reply
  • hopefulmomhopefulmom member
    Unless you have plans to be at a lake, pool or ocean all summer (or if you personally have a pool)...which you said you don't...I would think 7 would be great.  He will be old enough to "remember" from year to year.  FWIW...I took lessons when I was in 4th grade and HATED it...and never learned to swim!  Unfortunately, I have no fear of water.  I wouldn't hesitate to "swim"...meaning dog paddle or float across a small lake.  I've done it many times.  I also don't hesitate to jump in the deep end of a swimming pool off a diving board either.  I feel comfortable in the water even though I "don't swim".  I guess it is good I'm a good floater.  lol  I think the reason I didn't learn to swim is because I refused to get into an unheated outdoor pool at 8 am in Michigan in early JUNE!  It was maybe 68 degrees outside.  Brrrrr.  I just stood there shivering as did several others.  Dumb idea for my parents...but they didn't know I guess.
    Report Reply
  • FloF9FloF9 member

    I don't think it's ever to late to learn how to swim.  Go for it - I agree maybe he's better off learning solo than with you present? 

    Report Reply
  • Halo79RNHalo79RN member

    good friend is 32 and taking swim lessons. 

    7 is not too old.

    Report Reply
  • ilovemygirlsilovemygirls member
    It's never too old for swimming lessons.  However, I would highly recommend taking him to swim at a pool at a local community center or YMCA regularly. We do it as a family a lot. My oldest started lessons when she was 3 & it was super easy for her because she was already so comfortable in the water.
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"