Starting swim lessons is a big milestone for both children and parents. While some kids jump right in with excitement, others may feel nervous about separating from mom or dad. If your child cries during their first few lessons, please know: this is a very normal part of childhood development. Separation anxiety is a common developmental stage where young children feel distress when separated from a primary caregiver. Child development research highlighted by Simply Psychology explains that separation anxiety often appears during infancy and toddlerhood as children form strong emotional attachments and begin to understand that caregivers can leave their sight (Simply Psychology – Separation Anxiety). For many little ones, swim lessons may also be the first time they’ve been handed to another adult in a brand-new environment , which can feel overwhelming at first. The good news is that with patience, consistency, and supportive instructors, most children adjust quickly. Why Do Kids Cry at Swim Lessons? It’s actually very common for young children to cry during their first few swim lessons. Several factors can contribute to this reaction: A new environment A new instructor Being separated from a parent A new routine or expectation The parenting resource, Raising Children Network, notes that separation anxiety often appears when children begin realizing their caregivers can leave and they aren’t yet certain when they will return (Raising Children Network – Separation Anxiety). Even though the experience may feel unfamiliar at first, many children become more comfortable once they begin building trust with their instructor and understanding the routine. Expect (and Normalize) Some Tears The first few lessons can bring big emotions. A new instructor, a new environment, and a new routine can feel overwhelming at first. Guidance from Raising Children Network explains that separation anxiety is a normal developmental phase that frequently appears between about 6 months and 3 years of age (Raising Children Network – Separation Anxiety). Tears during the beginning of swim lessons do not mean your child isn’t ready and they do not mean the lesson isn’t working. Often, it simply means your child is adjusting to something new. Once children begin interacting with their instructor and engaging in the water, many settle quickly. Try “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” It might feel natural to stay close by while your child is in the pool, but sometimes stepping out of sight can actually help. When children can see their parents nearby, they may continue reaching for them rather than engaging with their instructor. Watching from a window or stepping off the pool deck can help many children focus on the lesson and begin building trust with their teacher. Experts at Raising Children Network emphasize that brief and consistent separations help children gradually develop independence and confidence as they learn their caregiver will return (Raising Children Network – Separation Anxiety). Keep Goodbyes Short and Confident Goodbyes matter more than we sometimes realize. Research summarized by Simply Psychology highlights that children often look to their caregivers’ reactions to understand how safe a situation is. When parents remain calm and confident, children are more likely to feel secure (Simply Psychology – Separation Anxiety). Instead of long or emotional goodbyes, try a simple routine: A hug. A smile. A confident “I’ll see you right after your lesson!” Short and positive goodbyes often make the transition easier. Create a Simple Pre-Lesson Routine Young children thrive on predictability. When they know what to expect, new experiences can feel much less overwhelming. Creating a small ritual before each lesson can help your child feel more comfortable. This might include: A special high-five before entering the pool A phrase you say every time Waving to each other through the window Developmental guidance from Raising Children Network highlights that predictable routines can help children feel more secure and manage transitions away from caregivers more comfortably (Raising Children Network – Separation Anxiety). Stay Calm and Positive Children are incredibly perceptive and often mirror the emotional responses of the adults around them. Research discussed by Simply Psychology explains that caregiver responses can influence how children experience separation. When parents remain calm and reassuring, children are more likely to interpret the situation as safe (Simply Psychology – Separation Anxiety). Even if you’re feeling a little nervous yourself, showing calm confidence can help your child approach the lesson with more bravery. Trust the Process Adjusting to swim lessons takes time, especially in the beginning. Research published through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) in PubMed Central i ndicates that separation anxiety during early childhood is typically temporary and tends to decrease as children develop stronger coping skills and independence (PMC4598341 – Separation Anxiety in Childhood). During those first few lessons, building trust between the instructor and swimmer is just as important as learning swim skills. Our 30-minute private swim lessons allow instructors to move at a pace that supports each child individually while helping them feel safe and comfortable in the water. A Final Word for Parents If your child cries during their first swim lessons, remember: You’re not doing anything wrong. Your child is not behind. They’re simply learning to navigate something new. Separation anxiety is a normal developmental stage, and with encouragement, consistency, and positive experiences in the water, most children quickly build the confidence they need to thrive.  Before long, those early nerves often turn into proud smiles, splashes, and growing independence. And we’re here to support both you and your swimmer every step of the way.

Puddle Jumpers are everywhere, bright, colorful, and often marketed as the “safe” choice for kids in the water. They make children feel confident and give parents peace of mind. But here’s what the Puddle Police want families to know: Puddle Jumpers can actually interfere with the development of real water safety skills. 🚓💦 ⚠️ The Problem: They Teach the “Drowning Position” Puddle Jumpers hold children in a vertical, head-up position . While this may look safe, it’s actually the same body position a person takes when they’re struggling to stay afloat. Over time, kids learn that: Being upright = safe The water will hold them up Kicking and pulling aren’t necessary When the Puddle Jumper comes off, their bodies don’t automatically know how to float, roll, or move independently because they’ve practiced relying on flotation instead of skills. 🧠 Muscle Memory, Arm Movement & False Confidence Children learn through repetition, and what they practice in the water becomes muscle memory. Puddle Jumpers don’t just affect body position; they also prevent kids from using their arms correctly . Because flotation is attached directly to the arms, children are physically unable to practice proper arm pulls or strong “scoops” through the water. Instead of reaching forward and pulling water behind them, kids often: Hold their arms stiff and wide Paddle outward or splash on the surface Rely on flotation rather than movement Effective swimming requires arms to pull through the water, not float on top of it. When children can’t practice meaningful arm movements, those skills don’t magically appear once the device is removed. This can also create a false sense of confidence for both kids and adults. Puddle Jumpers are not lifesaving devices and should never replace close, active supervision. 💧How Puddle Jumpers Can Interfere With Swim Lesson Progress Even when children are making great progress during swim lessons, continued use of Puddle Jumpers outside of lessons can unintentionally slow or reverse that progress . When kids switch back and forth between: practicing real swim skills during lessons, and relying on flotation devices during family swim time their bodies receive mixed messages . Instead of reinforcing skills like floating independently, scooping with the arms, and moving calmly through the water, Puddle Jumpers reintroduce upright posture, restricted arm use, and dependence on flotation. Over time, this inconsistency can cause children to regress , hesitate, or struggle to apply what they’ve already learned. Consistency matters. The more opportunities children have to practice without flotation, the more confidently those skills stick. 🛟If Flotation Is Needed, What Should Be Used? There are situations such as boating, open water, or busy pool environments, where flotation may be necessary. In those cases, the only truly recommended option is a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket. These are designed, tested, and regulated for real safety scenarios. For swim practice, some tools like swim backpacks, offer light, adjustable flotation while still allowing children to stay in a horizontal swimming position . This supports proper kicking and arm scoops without locking kids into an upright posture. For a list of some of our recommended pool gear, click here . 🏊‍♀️ The Safer Path: Skills Over Straps True water confidence comes from understanding how the body works in the water. We encourage: ✅ Independent floating (especially on the back) ✅ Breath control and calm recovery ✅ Proper arm scoops and effective kicking in a horizontal body position ✅ Consistent instruction with close supervision 💙 Confidence Built Through Learning (Not Judgment) Families choose flotation devices because they care deeply about their child’s safety, and that matters. Puddle Jumpers are widely available and commonly used, so it’s understandable why many parents turn to them. Our goal isn’t to criticize past choices, but to share information that empowers families moving forward. Water safety is a learning process, and small changes, like focusing on skill-building and consistency, can make a big difference over time. 💦 Curious About Swim Lessons, But Not Sure Where to Start? If your child relies on flotation, or if swim lessons feel a little intimidating, you’re not alone. Many families come to Swim Lessons with Mary feeling unsure, hesitant, or simply curious about what their child can do without flotation. Our private, 30-minute lessons are designed to: Go at your child’s pace Build confidence gently and safely Focus on floating, breathing, and proper movement Create calm, positive experiences in the water There’s no pressure, no rushing, and no expectations, just supportive instruction that meets your child where they are. If you’re starting to wonder whether your child is ready to build real swim skills, we’d love to help you explore that next step. 👉 Learn more about Swim Lessons with Mary here!

When parents sign their kids up for swim lessons, the goal is clear: learn to swim and be safer around water. That’s the reason we do what we do, and it matters deeply. But something else happens in the pool too. Week after week, kids don’t just learn how to float, kick, and breathe. They also build skills that show up in school, at home, and everywhere life asks them to try something new. Here are a few of the most powerful things kids learn in swim lessons that have nothing to do with swimming. 1) Courage: Trying Something That Feels Scary Walking into the pool for the first time is a big deal for many kids. The water feels unfamiliar. The sounds echo. They may not know what will happen next. Even kids who like water can feel nervous about new skills like going underwater, floating on their back, or letting go of the wall. And then they do it. Sometimes with hesitation. Sometimes with a deep breath. Sometimes with a little shaky voice that says, “I don’t want to.” And we celebrate that moment because courage isn’t about never being afraid, it’s about trying anyway. ✅ That courage carries into other parts of life: raising a hand in class, joining a team, sleeping away from home, making new friends. 2) Resilience: Messing Up and Coming Back for More Swim lessons are full of small challenges. A child tries to float and sinks. They blow bubbles, then swallow water. They kick hard and still don’t move forward much. And yet, they show up next week and try again. That’s resilience: learning that progress doesn’t require perfection. It requires practice. One of the best parts of the pool is that kids can’t fake it. It’s real skill-building and real confidence comes from learning through trial and error. ✅ This is how kids learn grit: “I didn’t get it today… but I will.” 3) Trust: Building a Relationship with Their Instructor (and Themselves) For many children, swim lessons are one of the first times they’re asked to trust an adult outside their family in a hands-on, unfamiliar environment. They learn: that their instructor will keep them safe that their instructor will guide them kindly that they can try hard things with support Over time, that trust grows into something even deeper: trust in themselves. ✅ They learn: “I can do hard things.” That belief becomes a foundation for everything they learn later. 4) Listening and Focus: Following Steps in a Fun (But Structured!) Setting Swim lessons are fun, but they require focus. Kids learn how to: listen for cues and instructions follow multi-step directions stay aware of what’s happening around them And because the pool is an exciting environment, lessons also help teach kids how to regulate their bodies and attention. ✅ These are skills that support success in school, sports, and even at home during daily routines. 5) Independence: “I Did It By Myself!” There’s something special about the moment a child realizes they’ve done something without being held. It might be: their first back float their first jump in and return to the wall their first time swimming a few feet solo their first safe entry or exit That independence is huge because it isn’t just physical. It’s emotional. ✅ Kids begin to believe: “I can do hard things by myself.” That belief builds confidence far beyond the pool. 6) Patience: Progress Takes Time Swim skills don’t happen overnight. Kids learn quickly that: some things take many tries some days are harder than others improvement comes from consistency practice matters more than talent And most importantly: Ev erybody learns at their own pace. ✅ That patience becomes a lifelong skill in learning, friendships, athletics, and personal growth. 7) Pride: Real Confidence Comes From Real Effort The best confidence comes from: trying practicing learning improving Kids feel proud when they know they’ve earned their progress, even if it took time. That pride is powerful because it is rooted in effort, not perfection. ✅ That kind of confidence becomes steady and lasting. Swim Lessons Are About More Than Swimming Yes, we teach swim skills. Yes, we teach water safety. But at Swim Lessons with Mary , we also teach kids important life skills: How to keep going when something feels hard. How to trust themselves. How to be brave. How to try. And those lessons stay with them, long after the towel dries. Swim lessons aren’t just about swimming; they’re about giving your child skills they’ll carry into every new challenge. If you’re ready to begin, Swim Lessons with Mary is here to help you get started. 

The holidays are a time for giving, and few gifts are as powerful as the gift of safety, confidence, and joy in the water. This December, we’re excited to have launched our Swim for Hope Tree Fundraiser , a heartfelt campaign to sponsor private swim lessons for children in our community. Every donation helps a child learn to swim and every swim lesson is a step toward preventing drowning, building trust, and opening doors to a lifetime of confidence. Why This Matters Drowning is a silent tragedy. It’s the #1 cause of death for children ages 1–4 and the second leading cause of injury-related death for kids under 14 . Each year in the U.S., around 900 children lose their lives to drowning, a devastating number that doesn’t account for the thousands of nonfatal incidents that result in long-term trauma or medical complications. But here’s the hopeful part: Formal swim lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. That’s why this fundraiser matters. And that’s where you come in. 100% of Donations Support the Hope Floats Scholarship Fund Every dollar you give through the Swim for Hope Tree goes directly to our Hope Floats Foundation Scholarship Fund . This fund helps us provide free or reduced-cost private swim lessons to children in our community whose families are experiencing financial hardship. We’re proud to be a Hope Floats partner because they share our belief that every child deserves access to lifesaving swim education. 💙 Click here to read more about our partnership with Hope Floats and why we joined this national mission. How the Fundraiser Works Giving is easy and meaningful. You can choose to sponsor: 💧 1 swim lesson 💧 4 lessons 💧 8 lessons 💧 Or donate any custom amount that works for you Each lesson is a 30-minute private session taught by one of our caring, certified instructors, designed to build real skills, water safety awareness, and confidence in the pool. 🖥️ The donation page is live now at givebutter.com/SwimForHopeTree 🎄 And very soon, our decorated Swim for Hope Trees will be up at all SLWM pool locations. Each tree will feature donation tags you can grab! It’s a simple way to make a difference right where you swim. Give a Gift That Lasts At Swim Lessons with Mary, we’ve always believed that swimming is more than a sport, it’s a life skill. It teaches kids how to breathe through fear, how to trust their bodies, and how to stay safe around water. This holiday season, we invite you to give the gift of swimming. Your donation doesn’t just help one child, it ripples outward, touching families, building stronger swimmers, and creating safer futures.  Thank you for being part of our Swim for Hope Tree. 💙

When the weather cools and outdoor pools close, many families pause to ask: Do kids really forget how to swim over the winter? The truth is yes, swim skill regression is real , especially for younger swimmers who are still mastering the fundamentals. But the good news is that with consistency and jus t a little ongoing practice, your child can retain their confidence, safety, and skill year-round. Why Swim Skills Fade Without Practice Swimming is a complex blend of motor coordination, breath control, muscle memory, and confidence . For children, particularly those under age 7, these abilities are still developing. When lessons stop, it doesn’t take long for those hard-earned skills to slip. Common signs of regression include: Weaker kicking or arm coordination Hesitation or fear when reentering the water Difficulty floating or maintaining body position Loss of breath control or stamina Unlike riding a bike, swimming requires unique sensations and resistance that only happen in water. Without consistent exposure, children can lose not just skill, but also their ease and comfort in the pool. What the Research Says Scientific studies back this up. A 2022 review published in Frontiers in Public Health found that children’s swimming competence and water safety are strongly tied to regular, sustained practice and access to lessons , not just initial instruction. Children who stopped swimming for long periods were significantly less likely to retain essential safety and performance skills [ Frontiers, 2022 ]. Even more striking, one study reported that only 56 % of children could still perform five basic swimming skills 18 months after learning them , including floating, basic strokes, and treading water [ Frontiers, 2025 ]. In other words: nearly half of young swimmers lose measurable competence within a year and a half, simply due to time and lack of consistent exposure. Younger Swimmers: Consistency Is Everything For kids under 7, continuity in lessons is the single most important factor in long-term success. Their brains and bodies are still building the coordination and comfort needed for foundational skills like floating, breath control, and water confidence. When lessons pause for several months, these young swimmers often need to “relearn” skills that once felt easy. Keeping consistent lessons, even once a week, prevents setbacks, maintains comfort, and keeps safety skills strong. At Swim Lessons with Mary, we recommend year-round swim lessons for all young swimmers. The progress is smoother, the confidence is steadier, and the safety foundation stays solid no matter the season. Older Kids and Adults: Stay Sharp with Flexible Lessons More advanced swimmers like older kids, teens, and adults, generally retain their skills better. However, they still benefit from periodic practice and technique refreshers . Taking advantage of our flexible lessons helps maintain endurance, refine stroke mechanics, and keep safety instincts fresh. It’s a simple, effective way to stay confident without overcommitting during a busy season. At Swim Lessons with Mary, our flexible lesson option makes it easy to book occasional winter sessions, perfect for athletes, families with changing schedules, or anyone wanting to stay swim-ready year-round but does not have the ability to commit to recurring lessons. How to Support Swim Skill Retention You don’t need daily pool time to help your child retain their swim skills, just a consistent rhythm and positive reinforcement. Here’s how: Stay Consistent with Lessons: Weekly lessons help young swimmers maintain progress and prevent regression. Book Bi-Weekly or Monthly “Refresher” Sessions: Great for older kids or adults who need to stay sharp. Encourage Water Play at Home: Practice breath control and bubble-blowing in the bathtub or shower. Reinforce Safety Conversations: Keep pool safety rules fresh in your child’s mind year-round. Support Physical Coordination: Activities like dance, gymnastics, or martial arts improve balance and body control, skills that translate directly to swimming. The Bottom LineGe Swim skills don’t disappear overnight, but they do fade without practice. The research is clear: children need consistent exposure to water to retain both their ability and confidence . Younger swimmers, in particular, thrive when lessons continue throughout the year, while older or more advanced swimmers can maintain their progress with periodic, flexible lessons. If you want your child to start next summer strong, confident, capable, and safe, the time to keep swimming is now. Ready to keep your swimmer’s skills strong this winter? Get started today and give your child the confidence that lasts all year long.

Many parents reach out to us with the same concern: “My child is afraid of the water. Can swim lessons still work for them?” The answer is yes, and we specialize in helping nervous swimmers feel safe, supported, and successful. At Swim Lessons with Mary, we believe in building water confidence through trust, patience, and one-on-one attention. Here’s how we do it: Starting with Trust We never force progress. Instead, we start with small, positive experiences that help each swimmer feel comfortable. Sometimes that means sitting on the pool steps or simply playing with water toys on the edge of the pool. That’s okay! Building trust comes first. Working at your child's pace helps them feel more in control and allows them to build better rapport with their instructor. Private Lessons Make a Big Difference Our 30-minute private lessons are completely customized to your child’s pace, skill level, and comfort level. With lessons being just your swimmer and the instructor, we can adapt in the moment, reduce distractions, and focus entirely on what helps them feel calm and confident. Every lesson can look completely different, and that is the beauty of taking 1-1 lessons! Celebrating Small Wins We cheer for every milestone, no matter how big or small. Whether your swimmer blows their first bubbles, floats with support, or simply feels brave enough to leave the pool steps, each step forward is a big deal. When swimmers are nervous, it can take a lot of courage to try skills that may appear simple to others. This is why each new accomplishment deserves a big celebration! Focusing on Progress, Not Pressure Every child learns differently. That’s why our goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress. Over time, those small steps build strong swimmers who feel proud, capable, and safe in the water. While we often get asked: "How many lessons will it take for my child to learn to swim?" The answer is not quite so straightforward. Truthfully, everyone learns at a different pace! Factors like the swimmer's age, developmental milestones , fear level, current swim experience, learning style, and more can all play a role in how many lessons it will take for them to learn how to swim and be fully capable of self-rescuing. We always encourage parents to try out an 8-pack of lessons. Sometimes 8 lessons are all a swimmer needs, but by lesson 5 or 6 your instructor will be able to provide feedback letting you know if they recommend your swimmer takes additional lessons to reach important safety goals. Keeping Parents Involved After each lesson, your instructor will share how things went and offer tips for reinforcing skills at home. When kids feel supported by their grown-ups, it boosts their confidence in the water too. The bigger of a cheerleader you can be, both on and off the pool deck, the more empowered your child will feel! Why Fall & Winter Can Be the Perfect Time to Start Many parents don’t realize that cooler months are a great time to begin swim lessons , especially for nervous swimmers. Pools are often less crowded during fall and winter, creating a quieter, more relaxed environment. Fewer distractions and more availability make it easier for kids to focus, feel calm, and make steady progress. Plus, starting now builds skills and confidence well before summer swim season. Ready to Help Your Swimmer Build Confidence? If your child is nervous about swim lessons, we’d love to work with them! With a supportive environment and custom tailored 1-1 teaching, Swim Lessons with Mary helps turn worry into water confidence.

If you’ve been putting off learning to swim, you’re not alone and you’re definitely not too late. At Swim Lessons with Mary, we work with adult swimmers of all backgrounds: those facing lifelong fears, those chasing a new goal, and those who want to take their skills to the next level. Whether you're stepping into the water for the very first time or refining your freestyle stroke, you're welcome here. Our private, 30-minute swim lessons are tailored to your comfort level and goals. What to Expect at Your First Lesson: At your first adult swim lesson, you'll receive a warm, pressure-free welcome from your instructor in a calm, supportive environment. Every lesson is one-on-one, designed to meet you where you are. If you're a beginner, we might start with the basics like breath control, floating, and getting comfortable in the water. If you're more experienced, we can focus on refining technique, building endurance, or working on specific goals like stroke mechanics or swim efficiency. You set the pace, and we follow your lead, no pressure, no judgment. What to Bring to Your First Lesson: A well-fitting swimsuit (one-piece or trunks, whatever feels most secure). A towel and a change of clothes. Goggles (optional, but helpful if you're working on face-in-the-water comfort or stroke technique). A swim cap (optional, especially useful for long hair). Flip flops or sandals for walking on the pool deck and locker room. An open mind and willingness to try. You don’t need to be perfect, just present. Common Worries (And Why You Can Let Them Go): "I'm afraid of deep water." → We stay in the shallow end until you're ready. No pressure, ever. "I never learned as a kid. Is it too late?" → Not at all. Many of our adult clients are beginners. Our oldest was in her 70s when she first started! "I don't want to look silly." → No one looks silly taking control of their safety, confidence, and health. "I already know how to swim, but I feel slow and uncoordinated." → We can help you polish your strokes, build endurance, and swim more efficiently. Why Fall Is a Great Time to Start: Fall is the perfect season to focus on learning something new! With cooler weather and emptier pools, now is a great time to prioritize your goals in the water. Plus, starting in the fall sets you up for major confidence and progress by next summer. Learn more about the benefits of fall swim lessons in our related post: Start Early, Swim Strong: The Perks of Fall & Winter Swim Lessons Ready to Begin? Learning to swim as an adult doesn't have to be about doing laps. It’s ab out feeling comfortable, gaining control, and unlocking new experiences like snorkeling, paddleboarding, going to waterparks, and so much more!  Every lesson is a step toward that. Come as you are. Bring your goals, your fears, your courage. We’ll meet you there. Get started today!

At Swim Lessons With Mary, our mission is simple: to empower families with safety and confidence around water through fun, focused, and effective private swim lessons. This year, we’ve been blown away by the generosity of our community and the support of national organizations that share our passion for water safety. We’re proud to announce a major milestone in our journey, thanks to a powerful partnership and a generous grant, more families than ever will be able to access life-saving swim lessons. Here’s how it’s all happening: Partnering with Hope Floats Foundation In March 2025, we officially joined forces with the Hope Floats Foundation , a nonprofit dedicated to saving lives by providing scholarships for swim lessons to children in financial need. The foundation partners with high-quality swim schools like ours to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn essential water safety skills, no matter their background or financial situation. Through this partnership, we’re proud to offer need-based scholarships to families across our service areas, including Greenville and Spartanburg, SC, and Charlotte, NC. These scholarships help cover the cost of lessons so children can gain confidence and skills in the water that could one day save their life. We are honored to stand alongside Hope Floats in this vital mission and incredibly thankful to everyone in our community who has helped make this possible. To learn more about our partnership check out this blog post . Stepping into the Future with Step Into Swim This summer, we received a generous grant from Step Into Swim , a national initiative of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. Step Into Swim is focused on one thing: creating more swimmers and saving more lives. Through strategic funding, the organization empowers swim schools across the country to provide free or low-cost swim lessons to children who may otherwise go without. Their mission deeply aligns with ours, and we’re beyond excited to receive their support. This grant enables us to expand our scholarship offerings and reach even more families who need access to critical swim safety education. We’re proud to join a network of changemakers who are committed to reducing drownings and promoting lifelong safety in and around water. Fundraising Success & What’s Coming Next None of this would be possible without YOU, our incredible community of families, instructors, and donors. This past May and June, we hosted our first-ever fundraising initiative: Swim for Hope. Thanks to the commitment of our instructors, and the generosity of our donors, we raised an incredible $1,600 for our scholarship fund. That money is already helping to put swim lessons within reach for children who need them most. We want to give a huge shoutout to our team for going the extra mile and to everyone who gave from the heart. Your impact is real, and it’s already rippling out across our community. But this is just the beginning. We’re currently planning two exciting new fundraising campaigns and we can’t wait to share the details soon! Think fun, creative, and full of heart. Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook so you don’t miss the big announcements! Ready to Dive In? Whether you’re a family looking for support or a community member looking to give back, there’s a place for you in our mission. Apply for a scholarship: hopefloats.foundation/apply-for-assistance Make a donation: givebutter.com/SWIMLESSONSWITHMARY Follow along for fundraising announcements and stories from the pool: Instagram | Facebook Together, we are building stronger swimmers, safer families, and a community that believes in the power of giving back. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Summer is all about fun, but did you know that playtime in the water can also be a great way to build confidence and reinforce swim skills? At Swim Lessons with Mary, we love turning learning into laughter. Whether you're in the pool, at the lake, or at the beach, here are a few of our favorite water games that secretly strengthen swim fundamentals: 1. Treasure Hunt Skills practiced: Breath control, underwater swimming, diving How to play: Toss a handful of dive toys or rings into shallow or mid-depth water. Swimmers race to retrieve as many as they can in one breath. For beginners, start near the surface and slowly increase difficulty! Get dive toys here 2. Kickboard Races Skills practiced: Flutter kicks, straight legs, endurance How to play: Give each swimmer a kickboard (or pool noodle if that’s more fun) and race from one side of the pool to the other, no arms allowed! Try different styles like dolphin kicks, frog kicks, or flutter kicks for variety. Get a kick board here 3. Red Light, Green Light (Pool Edition) Skills practiced: Listening skills, body control, breath coordination How to play: One person stands at the end of the pool and calls out “Green light!” (swim forward), “Red light!” (stop and float), or even “Yellow light!” (slow motion swimming). Sneaky practice for stopping and floating, an essential safety skill! For beginners who are not able to float or swim independently yet, utilize tools like noodles, kickboards, or swim backpacks when playing Get a swim backpack here 4. Swim & Sing Skills practiced: Breath control, rhythmic breathing How to play: Have kids hum a song underwater while everyone else listens and tries to guess the tune. This silly game helps them practice breath holding and exhaling slowly when submerged, a key to staying calm in the water. 5. Shark in the Water Skills practiced: Treading water, quick starts, agility How to play: One player is the “shark” and others try to swim across without getting tagged. If tagged, they become a shark too. It's active, exciting, and great for building confidence in deeper water. 6. Simon Says: Swim Edition Skills practiced: Following directions, trying new swim movements How to play: Play classic “Simon Says,” but make it water-themed! Examples: “Simon says blow bubbles,” “Simon says float like a starfish,” “Simon says kick like a mermaid.” Great for all ages and confidence levels. 7. Jump & Climb Challenge Skills practiced: Safe entry, turning to the wall, independent exit How to play: With an adult watching closely, have your swimmer: Stand at the pool edge and practice a feet-first jump into the water. Once in, turn around right away and swim back to the wall. Climb out using proper technique, elbow, elbow, tummy, knee." Optional: Set a timer and try to beat their own best time or count how many smooth rounds they can do in a row. This builds essential safety and it's also a fun way to burn energy and build confidence! 8. Animal Rescue Mission Skills practiced: Surface swimming, breath timing, hand-eye coordination, returning to safety How to play: Scatter several floating animal toys across the pool. Your swimmer’s mission: rescue one animal at a time and bring it back to the “safety zone” (the wall or a floating bin). For added fun: give them a time limit, (“Rescue as many as you can in 2 minutes!”), use a toy net or have them scoop with one hand only, or narrate a mini-story as they go: “Oh no! The duck is drifting, quick, bring it back to safety!” This game helps to encourage swimmers to move with purpose, practice breath control, and reinforce the habit of always returning to the wall. Get rubber ducks here Keep It Safe, Keep It Fun! All these games are meant to be played under adult supervision, in safe, shallow areas unless your swimmer is already confident in deeper water. Make it a family challenge or turn it into a playdate! Want more tips or a custom game for your swimmer's level? Just ask us, we love helping families build confidence through fun. Ready for more structured progress? Book a private swim lesson or join our waitlist to secure a recurring spot!