Blog - Swim Lessons with Mary | Private Swim Lessons in Greenville and Spartanburg, SC

Why Parent–Instructor Teamwork Matters in Swim Lessons

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 19:39:22 GMT

When it comes to swim lessons for kids , progress doesn’t just happen in the pool, it’s built through teamwork between parents and instructors.

At Swim Lessons with Mary, we focus on teaching lifesaving water safety skills in a fun, supportive environment. But one of the biggest factors in how quickly a child learns to swim is what happens outside of their 30-minute lesson.

When parents and instructors work together, children build confidence, overcome fears, and develop strong swimming skills much faster. When mixed messages happen, progress can slow down.

Here’s how you can support your child’s success and help them become a confident, safe swimmer.

Encouraging Kids to Overcome Fear of Water

It’s very common for children to feel nervous about skills like going underwater. Learning to swim requires stepping outside of their comfort zone, and that’s where your encouragement matters most.

Instead of saying:
“You don’t have to go underwater if you don’t want to.”

Try saying:
“I know it feels scary, but you’re so brave and your instructor will help you!”

When parents encourage bravery instead of avoidance , children are more likely to push through fear and build confidence.

Pro tip: Talk with your swim instructor about your child’s fears. We can help create fun challenges, games, or small incentives that make learning new skills exciting instead of intimidating.

Stay Consistent Outside of Lessons

Progress in swim lessons comes from repetition and consistency. That’s why what happens outside of lessons matters just as much as what happens during them.

For example, if your child used a puddle jumper before starting lessons, continuing to rely on it can actually slow their progress. These devices can reinforce body positions and habits that we’re actively working to change during lessons.

Instead of continuing to use a puddle jumper, we encourage you to partner with your child’s instructor. Ask us what tools, activities, or practices we recommend so your swimmer can keep building the right skills, even outside of lesson time.

Want to learn more about why puddle jumpers can hold swimmers back? Check out this blog post .

How Parent Reactions Can Impact Water Confidence

One of the most overlooked parts of teaching kids to swim is how much children pick up on their parents’ emotions.

If your child successfully practices a new skill, like going underwater, but sees you react with fear, rush to the pool, or panic, they may interpret that moment as unsafe.

This can lead to:

Increased fear of water
Hesitation to try new skills
Slower overall progress

Instead, try to:

Stay calm and confident
Smile and show encouragement
Trust the instructor’s guidance

Your reaction helps shape how your child feels about the water. When you show confidence, they feel it too.

Trust Your Swim Instructor and the Process

We understand, it’s not always easy to watch your child struggle or try something new. But those moments are where real growth happens.

At Swim Lessons with Mary, our instructors are trained to:

Teach age-appropriate swim skills
Prioritize water safety at all times
Build confidence through positive reinforcement

When parents trust the process and support lesson goals, children feel more secure and that leads to better results.

Helping Your Child Become a Confident, Safe Swimmer

Learning to swim is a journey, and your role as a parent is incredibly important.

When you:

Encourage bravery
Stay consistent outside of lessons
Partner with your instructor
Model calm, confident behavior

…you’re helping your child build skills that could one day save their life.

If you ever have questions about how to support your child’s swim progress, we’re always here to help. At Swim Lessons with Mary, we’re proud to partner with families to build confident, capable swimmers , one lesson at a time

What to Do When Your Child Cries at Swim Lessons: Understanding Separation Anxiety

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:37:43 GMT

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.

The Puddle Police: How Puddle Jumpers Negatively Impact Young Swimmers

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 16:04:17 GMT

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!

Swim Lessons: More Than Just Water Safety

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 14:59:18 GMT

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.

Give the Gift of Safety: Our Swim for Hope Tree Fundraiser

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:17:07 GMT

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. ��

Do Kids Forget Swim Skills Over the Winter? What Parents Should Know

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 13:17:28 GMT

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.

Nervous Swimmers: How SLWM Helps Them Build Confidence in the Water

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 15:04:05 GMT

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.

It's Never Too Late: What to Expect at Your First Adult Swim Lesson

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:10:22 GMT

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!

Opening Doors to Water Safety: Grants, Partnerships & Your Impact

adrianna@swimlessonswithmary.com (Adrianna Bolton) — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 14:12:44 GMT

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.

Water Games: Our Favorite Way to Sneak in Swim Skills

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 14:25:26 GMT

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!

The Elevated Risk: Why Water Safety is So Important for Children with Autism

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 13:34:28 GMT

Water can be both a source of joy and a significant hazard, especially for children with autism. While many kids are naturally drawn to water, children on the autism spectrum face heightened risks due to factors like wandering (also known as elopement), sensory-seeking behaviors, and challenges with communication. Understanding these risks and taking proactive steps can be lifesaving.

Drowning is a leading cause of death for children with autism. According to the National Autism Association , children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than their neurotypical peers. This staggering statistic underscores the critical need for heightened water safety awareness and measures.

Wandering is a significant concern. The Autism Society reports that 49% of children with autism attempt to elope after age 4, with 74% of these incidents occurring from the child's home or someone else's home. Given that children with autism may be drawn to water, these wandering incidents can quickly become dangerous.

Why Water Is So Appealing and Risky for Children with Autism

Many children with autism are drawn to water due to its sensory qualities like the way it feels, sounds, and moves. However, this attraction can be perilous. Children may not recognize the dangers associated with water bodies like pools, lakes, or even bathtubs. The National Autism Association notes that children with autism may go straight to water regardless of its temperature or type, including ponds, lakes, fountains, rivers, canals, and even wastewater.

How Swim Lessons Can Save Lives

Early and consistent swim lessons are a vital tool in preventing drowning. The National Autism Association emphasizes the importance of enrolling children in swimming lessons as early as possible, noting that for children with autism, additional considerations include wandering prevention.

At Swim Lessons with Mary, we specialize in private, adaptive swim lessons tailored to each child's individual needs. Our instructors are trained to work with children on the autism spectrum, and create a safe, supportive environment where every child can learn at their own pace and build lifelong water safety skills.

Our instructors focus on:

Building trust between the instructor and the child
Using visual aids and clear, consistent communication
Creating a structured routine to provide predictability
Celebrating small milestones to build confidence

Our mission at Swim Lessons with Mary is to instill safety, build confidence, and make learning to swim a positive experience for every swimmer.

Water Safety Tips for All Families

Here are some actionable steps to enhance water safety for children:

Install Protective Barriers : Ensure pools and hot tubs are fenced with self-latching gates that lock. Use pool and hot tub covers when not in use.
Use Alarms and Visual Aids : Install alarms on doors, windows, and pool gates. Use visual aids like stop signs to reinforce boundaries.
Supervise Constantly : Always have a designated adult supervising children near water. Distractions can be deadly. The National Autism Association advises that more eyes do not equal more protection; assign one responsible person to watch your child at all times.
Educate Through Social Stories : Use social stories and visual schedules to teach children about water safety and the importance of staying with a trusted adult.
Practice Water Safety Skills : Regularly review water safety rules and practice safe behaviors in and around water.

Diving In Together: Swim Lessons with Mary's New Kroc Center Partnership

Mon, 12 May 2025 16:40:16 GMT

We’re thrilled about our brand-new partnership between Swim Lessons with Mary and the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Greenville, SC ! This collaboration brings together our signature one-on-one swim instruction and the Kroc Center’s top-tier facilities, offering families an outstanding place to learn, grow, and thrive in the water.

�� A Shared Mission: Excellence, Access, and Community

At Swim Lessons with Mary , we believe swimming is a life skill every child and adult should feel confident in. Our private, personalized swim lessons are designed for all skill levels, ensuring focused attention, faster progress, and a safe, supportive environment.

The Kroc Center shares this mission of empowerment. Founded on the values of The Salvation Army, the Kroc Center is a vibrant hub for recreation, education, and community connection—open to people of all backgrounds.

�� The Vision Behind Kroc Centers

The Kroc Centers began with one woman’s extraordinary vision.

Joan Kroc , philanthropist and wife of McDonald’s founder Ray Kroc, once toured a San Diego neighborhood and saw a community in need of a safe, welcoming space—a place where children could thrive through access to sports, arts, and mentorship. She dreamed of a world-class facility filled with opportunity and hope, calling it a "beacon of light" for the community.

She entrusted $90 million to The Salvation Army to build the first Kroc Center in San Diego. So inspired by what that single center achieved, she left an additional $1.5 billion in her will—ensuring that similar centers could be built in underserved communities across the country.

Today, 26 Kroc Centers stand across the U.S., each one a living legacy of Joan Kroc’s dream to uplift and empower.

��‍♀️ Why the Kroc Center?

Located in downtown Greenville, the Kroc Center offers a wide range of modern, thoughtfully designed amenities that make it the perfect home for our swim program. Their facilities include:

25 meter x 25 yard Short Course Competition Pool (80–82°F)
Recreation Pool with Water Features and Water Slide (80–82°F)
Multipurpose Gymnasium for basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball, and more
Fitness Center with 50+ cardio machines, weight room, and indoor track
Group Fitness and Cycling Studios
400-Seat Performing Arts Theater
Four Community Rooms for meetings, classes, and events
Child Watch for 2 hours for members from 8-12 Mon-Thurs and 3-7p Thurs.
11-15 year olds can do orientation with their parents to be able to use the fitness center.

2 hour guest passes so you can enjoy the Kroc Center before committing to a membership!

These outstanding resources not only support physical wellness but foster creativity, connection, and community—everything Joan Kroc envisioned. Check out more member benefits here!

�� What This Means for You

Thanks to this partnership, Swim Lessons with Mary is now offering our private 1-on-1 swim lessons at the Kroc Center's exceptional aquatic facility. Whether you're completely new to swimming or looking to fine-tune your technique, our lessons are:

Personalized to your swimmer's individual needs and goals
Flexible with scheduling to fit your lifestyle
Conducted in a high-quality, well-maintained aquatic environment

�� Join Us at the Kroc Center

We’re proud to bring our expert instruction to a space that values inclusion, wellness, and community. Come experience it for yourself!

�� Visit the Kroc Center at 424 Westfield Street, Greenville, SC 29601
�� Call (864) 527–5948
�� For more information about membership, click here!

For swim lesson inquiries, reach out directly to Swim Lessons with Mary through our website or social media.

Let’s make a splash—together. See you at the pool!

Stand Out to Stay Safe: Why High-Visibility Swimwear Matters

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:47:10 GMT

When it comes to water safety, visibility is everything. Whether you're at the beach, a lake, or the local pool, brightly colored swimwear can make a life-saving difference. High-visibility swimwear isn’t just a fashion choice—it’s a smart, simple, and effective way to help keep kids safer in and around the water.

Reduces the Risk of Accidents and Drownings

While swimming itself is a fun and healthy activity, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. A child might slip, get disoriented, or find themselves in a dangerous situation in the water. High-visibility swimwear reduces the time it takes to notice if something is wrong, lowering the risk of accidents and drownings. Whether your child is in a pool or an open water setting, having a brightly colored swimsuit can be a lifesaver in those crucial moments.

Enhances Visibility in Open Water

In natural water bodies like lakes, rivers, or oceans, conditions can change quickly. Waves, currents, or the vast expanse of water can make it hard to keep track of children, even if they’re close by. High-visibility swimwear is especially important in these environments. Bright colors stand out against the water, allowing adults, lifeguards, or other beachgoers to spot children from a distance. This extra visibility provides crucial time to intervene if something goes wrong, whether it’s a child drifting off course or encountering difficulties while swimming.

Supports Lifeguards & Parents

Lifeguards have the responsibility of monitoring swimmers to ensure their safety, especially in crowded environments. High-visibility swimwear makes it easier for lifeguards to spot children from their towers or while patrolling the area. In case of an emergency or if a child is struggling, the ability to quickly spot a child in distress is critical. High-visibility swimwear helps ensure that lifeguards are aware of your child's location, allowing for quicker response times. Likewise, for parents who are multitasking—applying sunscreen, organizing snacks, chatting with others—this swimwear provides some extra peace of mind by making it much simpler to spot your child and ensure they’re safe and accounted for.

A Simple and Effective Safety Measure

The beauty of high-visibility swimwear is that it’s a simple and cost-effective measure that can drastically improve safety. Brightly colored swimwear is easy to wear and provides immediate results in terms of visibility. It’s an affordable, low-effort safety measure that delivers real results—an easy win for any parent or caregiver.

Combines Safety with Fun

The best part? Bright doesn’t have to be boring. These swimsuits often feature vibrant colors, bold prints, and favorite characters that kids love. When children feel good in their swimwear, they’re more likely to enjoy their time in the water, and when they’re confident, they swim and play with greater ease.

Conclusion: Prioritize Safety Without Sacrificing Fun

High-visibility swimwear is a simple yet powerful tool that helps children stay visible and safer in and around the water. It can improve response times in emergencies, support lifeguards and parents in supervision, and reduce the risk of accidents—all while letting kids express their style and have fun.

But visibility alone isn’t enough.

It’s important to remember that high-visibility swimwear should be used as one part of a broader water safety strategy. Constant supervision, swimming lessons, use of life jackets when appropriate, and knowing the swimming environment are all essential safety measures that should never be overlooked.

Think of high-vis swimwear as an added layer of protection—not a replacement for attentive parenting, trained lifeguards, or proper safety equipment. You can learn more about the five layers of protection here .

So before your next trip to the pool, lake, or beach, gear up with bright swimwear and a full safety plan. Together, these precautions help ensure a fun, confident, and—most importantly— safe experience for every child in the water.

Making Waves: Our Partnership with Hope Floats Foundation

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 12:57:42 GMT

At Swim Lessons with Mary, we’re proud to announce our new partnership with the Hope Floats Foundation , an incredible organization dedicated to empowering underserved communities through the life-changing skill of swimming. This collaboration is more than just a partnership—it’s a mission to make a lasting impact on individuals and families, offering them the opportunity to thrive both in and out of the water.

What is the Hope Floats Foundation?

The Hope Floats Foundation is a non-profit organization that collaborates with high-quality swim schools to offer scholarships for swimming lessons to children from low-income families. The organization funds its efforts through partnerships with individuals, businesses, and foundations that are committed to making a positive impact in their communities. These scholarships and tuition assistance help ensure that children who may not have the financial means can access swim lessons.. Through their initiatives, they focus on ensuring that people of all ages can experience the life-saving and confidence-boosting benefits of learning how to swim. Their goal is to reduce the number of drownings and increase water safety awareness, particularly in communities where these opportunities are limited.

Why Does This Partnership Matter?

At Swim Lessons with Mary, we’re more than just about teaching people to swim. We believe in the power of swimming to transform lives—building confidence, promoting a life long sport and most importantly, saving lives. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children 4 and under, and we are passionate that water safety is for all and are expanding our reach and impact. Swim Lessons with Mary is the only swim school in the Upstate partnering with the Hope Floats Foundation to offer scholarships to the community.

One of the primary benefits of our partnership is that we’re helping make swimming lessons accessible to children and adults in underserved communities. Many families in these areas don’t have the resources to access swim lessons, which means that many people grow up without the necessary skills to be safe in and around water. This partnership enables us to offer scholarships to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity.

Water safety is often an overlooked skill, yet it’s essential in preventing drownings. The Hope Floats Foundation shares our belief that everyone should have access to water safety education, regardless of their background or financial status.

What’s Next for Our Partnership?

We are incredibly excited about the future of this partnership. In the coming months, we will be hosting fundraising efforts and additional opportunities to get involved. Our goal is to provide as many swim lesson scholarships as possible and continue to spread the message of water safety and empowerment to those in need.

Together with the Hope Floats Foundation, we’re not just teaching people how to swim—we’re giving them the chance to make waves in their own lives.

How Do I Get Involved?

If you’re inspired by our mission and want to support the cause, there are plenty of ways to get involved! Whether you’re interested in donating or simply spreading the word, every bit of support helps us bring these important opportunities to those in need.

Stay tuned for more updates and information about how we’re working together to make our community a safer and more empowering place—one stroke at a time. We hope this partnership inspires others to join us in making a difference, because together, we can create a future where everyone has the skills, confidence, and opportunity to thrive in the water.

The Happy Nappy Duo: Why It's a Swim School Must-Have

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 21:17:37 GMT

What is a Happy Nappy Duo?

The Happy Nappy Duo is Splash About’s new and improved reusable swim diaper. It takes all the amazing benefits of their original Happy Nappy such as its waterproof neoprene outer layer and snug fitting legs and waistband and adds an innovative silver lining. The lining gives the diaper antibacterial properties to knock out germs from any accidents your child may have while swimming. This cutting-edge, silver lining is why we at Swim Lessons with Mary require all non-potty-trained swimmers to wear a Happy Nappy Duo during their swim lessons to help keep the pool clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone!

Why the Silver Lining?

Silver has been used for centuries to help kill bacteria. Dr Pam Cameron completed a scientific study on behalf of Splash About and found that, “The Silver lining fabrics have been tested and redeveloped over a 2-year period. The final product is highly antibacterial in a pool water solution and Imaging at CytoViva shows Cryptosporidium Oocysts cell walls as flattened and shriveled, when interacting with the silver from the fabric.” What does this all mean? You can rest assured that you are helping to protect your child and other swimmers from nasty germs like E-Coli, Gastroenteritis, and Covid 19 when putting a Happy Nappy Duo on your baby. What’s even better? Silver has also been found to soothe skin conditions, so if your child struggles with diaper rash, eczema, or similar skin conditions, the Happy Nappy Duo will help instead of further irritating them!

Where to Get a Happy Nappy Duo?

You can find Happy Nappy Duos for purchase in several different places. We highly encourage all of our clients to purchase directly from the Splash About website in advance of your first lesson. Their website has a wonderful variety of awesome patterns and sizes.

In a pinch and forgot to bring one for your lesson? No worries! We carry a few of each size on the pool deck just in case!

Start Early, Swim Strong: The Perks of Fall & Winter Swim Lessons

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 19:16:04 GMT

Why are fall and winter the best times to start swim lessons?

Starting swim lessons in the fall or winter offers several key advantages that can set swimmers up for success by the time spring and summer arrive. Here are some of our favorite benefits.

Build Confidence Early:

Starting lessons in the fall or winter allows children and adults to develop skills and confidence in the water before peak swimming season begins. By the time spring and summer arrive, they’ll have had more time to become comfortable and ready to enjoy the water without feeling overwhelmed. Building confidence early is also why we recommend starting swim lessons as early as 6 months old. We explore this topic further in our blog post, “Dive In Early: The Benefits of Starting Swimming Lessons for Babies and The Best Age to Start.”

Avoid the Summer Rush:

Our fall and winter seasons tend to be far less busy compared to spring and summer time. This means that we have better availability for securing a recurring lesson at your preferred time with your preferred instructor. We also have a greater amount of flexible and same-day lessons available during the fall and winter.

Consistency is Key:

We notice during the fall and winter seasons that our clients travel significantly less. When swimmers are able to attend swim classes regularly, they are able to develop their skills faster, and retain them much easier. When working on skills that are life saving, this is incredibly important! To learn more about how you can help maintain consistency in your child’s swim journey, check out our other blog “How to Stay Consistent with Your Child’s Swim Lesson Progress.”

What is the takeaway?

Starting swim lessons during the fall or winter provides a better amount of time for swimmers to grow their skills. This helps ensure that they will be ready for a fun and safe summer in the water. So why wait? Sign up for swim lessons today!

SLWM Reward Program

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:31:32 GMT

What is the SLWM Reward Program?

We are excited to announce that we have a new reward program set up in the client portal and app! You can earn points and redeem them for free lessons. The easiest place to monitor this is through the Swim Lessons with Mary App , this is where all of the reward points will be tracked and totaled. Points are per student profile, tracked in app only and cannot be combined with other students. Check out the parameters below:

Way to earn points:

75 points for attending 16 lessons within a year

150 points for attending 32 lessons within a year

15 points for referring a prospective client (new client must log your email as a referral during their signup process)

25 points for referring a client that purchases a ‘Same Day Lesson’

75 points for referring a client that purchases a flexible or recurring package

75 points for booking a lesson and sharing it on Facebook (process flow through the Swim Lessons with Mary app, limit of 4 per year)

Rewards to redeem:

Redeem 150 points for a beginner, intermediate or advanced flexible lesson at our Greenville or Spartanburg locations.

Gift Guide for Swimmers

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:21:17 GMT

Gift Ideas Perfect for Your Swimmers this Holiday Season

With December right around the corner, now is the perfect time to grab some last-minute holiday gifts. Do you have a young swimmer in your family? Look no further than this ultimate gift guide to help you find the perfect present.

1. Private swim lessons at Swim Lessons With Mary

Swim lessons make the perfect gift for swimmers of all ages and skill levels. No matter if they're just starting to learn, or are wanting to perfect their stroke technique, our private lessons are able to help them reach their goals!

Get your private swim lessons here.

2. Swim Goggles

Whether your swimmer’s goggles are in need of replacing, or it is time to upgrade your goggles to a different style, goggles make a perfect stocking stuffer for this holiday season.
Speedo Kids' Swim Goggles Sunny G Ages 3-8

Speedo Kids' Swim Goggles Skoogle Ages 3-8

Speedo Kids' Swim Goggles Junior Hyper Flyer Ages 6-14

Speedo Unisex-Adult Swim Goggles Mirrored Vanquisher 2.0

3. Kick Board

Kick boards are another great gift for both beginner and advanced swimmers. They are awesome to use for working on perfecting your different kick forms. The holiday season is a great time to add one of these quintessential swimming tools to your swimmer’s collection.

Swim Training Aid Kick Board

Sunlite Sports Swimming Kickboard

Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Spark Shark Kickboard

4. Reusable Water Balloons

These reusable water balloons are a blast both in and out of the water! Better yet, this eco-friendly alternative can be reused over and over so the fun can last even longer.
SOPPYCID 12Pcs Reusable Water Balloons

12Pcs Reusable Water Balloons

5. Bi Fins

The use of bi fins can take your swimmers’ skills to the next level. Using them can help to improve their stroke technique, strength, and endurance. What’s the best part? Bi fins can make swimming extra fun!

Kids Swim Fins

Swimming Training Fins

Cressi Rocks Fins

6. Unique Dive Toys

Dive toys are a great way to practice swimming down different depths for more advanced swimmers, and are also a great incentive to encourage swimmers who may be scared to put their face in the water. Increase the fun by opting for a unique dive toy that allows kids to use their imagination, such as being a pirate or mermaid, hunting for sunken treasure!
Diving Gem Pool Toy

JOYIN 30 Pcs Diving Pool Toys for Kids Ages 3-12

BANZAI Dive Mermaids

BANZAI Precious Dive Gems

Everything you need to know about starting swim lessons at any age

mary@swimlessonswithmary.com (Mary Veideman) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 19:01:16 GMT

Beginning swim lessons is a huge step for any age, infants to adults. Here are SLWM’s best recommendations for getting started.

AGE

You can learn to swim at any age. SLWM works with swimmers from 6 months to adults. No really - the oldest client we have taught is 70 years old. The best time to start is now and we always recommend starting the earlier the better.

BABIES

SLWM recommends coming in for a parent baby water acclimation class when your child is 6 - 18 months. In place of this, you could also complete 4 - 8 weeks of private lessons. This is to ensure your child grows comfortable with water on their face/eyes/ears at an early age. This also helps get them introduced and comfortable in a new environment, socialized with the idea of working with an instructor and with correct body positioning, horizontal in the water on their tummies and back. Early exposure allows for greater comfortability and familiarity when it’s time to start 1-1 lessons.

TODDLERS

Age 2 - 3 is the perfect age range to begin private lessons. SLWM will begin working on safety milestones, to ensure that your child is water safe. There are lots of factors that weigh into progression - personality, learning style, fear level, consistency. Your instructor will work with you to set realistic goals based off your child’s needs. We see some 2 year olds that progress very quickly, have completed baby acclimation sessions and are very comforable in the pool and working with an instructor. We see others who are very fearful, this is their first time separating from mom and working with someone new, or aren’t great with their listening ears yet and can take a bit longer. This is all part of the learning and growth process for them and the SLWM team is prepared to help each individual grow and progress no matter the situation.

CONSISTENCY, PROGRESSION & PRACTICE

Consistency is key for learning anything, but especially learning to swim. It’s important to ensure you’re coming to lessons as least once weekly. For a ‘fast track’ approach, or for new swimmers that are especially fearful, we recommend coming in twice weekly (at least in the beginning). Practicing new skills at home between lessons is also critical for keeping up skills and progressing more quickly. There are a lot of ways for new swimmers to practice at home in the bathtub or pool - red light / green light kicks, back floats, bubbles, eyes in the pool, etc. Your instructor can provide you with additional resources or ideas for practicing between lessons. For toddlers that are new to the pool and swim lessons, even just talking about swim lessons at home is helpful for creating excitement and positivity around learning something new.

FIRST LESSONS -TODDLERS

The first lesson for toddlers can be tough. It’s a new environment, instructor, they’re leaving mom/dad for the first time, the list goes on. But it’s also so exciting to watch your little one learn something new that they’ll come to love and enjoy. SLWM’s best tips for a successful first lesson (or the first few): Leading up to the big day, talk with your toddler about the pool, swim lessons, what kinds of animals swim - help get them excited and prepped for this process. They’ll be much more excited. This is also a great strategy between the first few lessons as well. Tears are normal. This is a part of the learning process. By lesson 3 or 4, if you follow our recommendations, they will be excited to come to swimming and will not be crying anymore Building rapport with their instructor is key. We recommend leaving the pool deck completely for the first 3 - 4 lessons in order for your instructor to build trust with your swimmer and for the swimmer to get used to the format of lessons, and having an instructor work with them. We’d love for you to watch from somewhere out of sight (behind the windows or glass doors or poke your head in). We have taught over 25,000 swim lessons, and this first step is critical for making progress with your child. We have a ton of toys/games/songs - we will pull out all the stops to get your child excited and LOVING the water. We want them to be water safe first and foremost, but we also want them to enjoy this lifelong sport! If we need to go above and beyond and bring a special toy, we will. Whatever it takes.

FIRST LESSONS - ADULTS

Learning to swim as an adult is a huge accomplishment! Congrats on taking the first step in your swimming journey. SLWM has many adult swimmers that work with our team and we are so proud of each one. We know many adults come to swim lessons with real fears, and sometimes prior negative experiences. Our instructors are ready to work with you at your pace and we are humbled to be a part of this amazing journey and accomplishment with you.

GOGGLES AND PUDDLE JUMPERS

We recommend every student bring goggles to lessons that are over the age of 2. We have some recommendations and links on the website for goggles and other gear for all ages. Goggles are a great tool for getting beginner swimmers comfortable with their face in the water, however, we do work on skills without goggles to practice water safety skills in case they were to fall in without goggles. Puddle jumpers are a no from the SLWM team. They restrict the arms and encourage a vertical positioning, face above water and feet below. This is not a swimming position. We recommend practicing with your swimmers as much as possible in the pool and if you must be out of reach, a US Coast Guard approved lifejacket is the best way to go, as it will allow some arm movement and horizontal positioning.

SWIM DIAPERS

At SLWM, we prioritize pool cleanliness to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all swimmers. For our non-potty-trained swimmers, we require the Happy Nappy Duo for defense at each lesson. This provides an extra layer of security, allowing for the crucial 3-5 minute window recommended by the CDC to prevent leaks. It is the only swim diaper that kills pathogens such as Cryptosporidium, E.Coli and COVID 19 in its unique silver lining.

SLWM instructors will check with parents of non-potty trained students before each lesson to ensure their child has the Happy Nappy Duo on before entering the water, and non-potty trained students will not be able to participate without it. SLWM does not allow the use of any type of disposable diaper in the pool. These diapers do not keep solids from entering the pool. Thank you for your help keeping a sparkling clean pool and great experience for all of our swimmers and staff.

WATER SAFETY LAYERS & KEEPING UP WITH LESSONS

There are many layers to water safety - swim lessons, a pool fence, a designated water watcher, life jackets, a pool cover, alarms. It’s critical that all the layers are deployed to create a safe environment. It’s important to start and continue lessons early and often. Children under the age of 4 will not remember swim skills if they take the school year off and are only in the pool during the summer months. Bringing your kiddos in for maintenance lessons throughout the school year is critical for retaining what they’ve learned. If it’s your kiddo’s first time, start taking lessons about 6 months in advance of when you want them water safe, to ensure you have enough time for progression and practice.

The Truth About Drowning

Sun, 10 Nov 2024 15:21:24 GMT

What are some common misconceptions?

Drowning incidents only happen to people who can’t swim. FALSE.

Drowning can happen to anyone. Both children and adults who are incredibly proficient swimmers can still find themselves in potentially dangerous situations, especially when in open bodies of water. That is why it is critical to always have safety measures put in place. Drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, as identified by The World Health Organization .

Drowning is loud and easily noticeable. FALSE.

Drowning is fast and silent, and can often go completely unnoticed. That is why it is important to know the signs and to help ensure preventative measures are put in place. People drowning will almost always be in a vertical body position. Their head is submerged just under the surface, with their face tilted up. Their arms will either be out to their sides or in front of them, trying to desperately get their head above the surface for air. This is known as active drowning.

Drowning only happens in deep water. FALSE.

Drowning can take place in as little as one inch of water. Passive drowning occurs when a person is fully submerged, or even just face down in the water, with little to no movement from their arms or legs. This is most commonly observed in infants whose heads are too large to lift up on their own when accidentally face down in water. However, this can also occur to older children and even adults, especially in the case of a medical episode like a heart attack.

To learn more about different misconceptions about drowning, check out “Myths About Drowning and Water Safety” by Stop Drowning Now.

What can be done to prevent drownings?

There are several different measures that can be taken to help prevent drownings. It is the utilization of all preventative measures that helps decrease the risk of drowning the most.

Swim Lessons

The most important measure to take is ensuring yourself, and any children you have, are equipped with life saving skills in case of emergency. Swim lessons are a great way to learn self-rescuing skills such as how to float, tread water, and swim to safety. Here at Swim Lessons With Mary, we start teaching students as young as 6 months old, and believe it is incredibly important to start learning these vital skills as early as possible. To learn more about the various benefits of starting swim lessons with your baby, check out our blog post, “Dive In Early: The Benefits of Starting Swimming Lessons for Babies and the Best Age to Start.”

Active Supervision

No one should ever swim alone! Always have a designated water watcher, no matter the age of the swimmer. Accidents can happen to anyone, at any age, so having a designated person to watch for your safety can mean the difference between life and death. For young or inexperienced swimmers, make sure there is always an adult in the water nearby at all times.

Barriers & Alarms

Always ensure all pools and water areas are properly secured with self-closing, self-latching fences. Add on alarms for extra security that can alert you to barriers like fences and doors being opened, creating a faster reaction time.

Emergency Preparation

Take action in learning CPR and how to do proper rescue breaths. It is always better to learn a life saving skill and never need to use it than to not know it when you really need it. Make sure you and others you are swimming with have a rescue plan in place. Educate yourself and others on different types of water dangers such as Rip Currents and know how to handle different types of water emergencies.

Life Jackets

US Coast Guard Approved Lifejackets are great for all ages and swimming abilities. No matter your age or skill level, the use of life jackets, especially in open water, is an amazing safety measure. Not all flotation devices are made equally, and some devices do more harm than good. Learn more about why you should avoid flotation devices, such as puddle jumpers, in our blog post “Throw Away Your Puddle Jumpers.”

What is the takeaway?

We all have the responsibility to help prevent drownings. It is important to make sure we all are prepared to play our part in helping to prevent drowning accidents. By educating ourselves on what drowning actually looks like and utilizing preventive measures, you are doing your part to lower the risk of drowning and helping to change the worldwide statistics!

How Developmental Milestones Play a Role in your Child’s Swim Progress

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 15:48:58 GMT

What are Developmental Milestones?

Developmental milestones are defined by the Cleveland Clinic as “behaviors that mark stages of typical growth. Children all develop at their own pace. However, most children pass through specific changes at approximately the same time as they get older.” These milestones greatly impact the skills that can be mastered while taking swim lessons. A child who is 6 months old, will not be able to master everything that a 3 year old child can since they are in two very different stages of development. This does not mean that starting your child in swim lessons at 6 months old is not beneficial; however, it is important to keep in mind what to realistically expect your child to be able to accomplish based on where they are at developmentally. For an in depth look at developmental milestones for different age ranges, check out these checklists from the CDC.

What Developmental Milestones Coincide with Swimming Skills?

Many various physical developmental milestones go hand in hand with skills we work on at swim lessons. Here are a few different examples:

Using Arms to Scoop

An example of a developmental milestone that signals your child would be ready to practice scooping their arms to swim, would be if they are independently reaching out to grab objects such as toys.

Scooping and Kicking Simultaneously

Bilateral coordination, such as crawling, is a great developmental milestone that signals your child is able to work on scooping their arms and kicking their legs simultaneously.

Rolling from Back to Belly & Belly to Back

Your child being able to roll both from their belly to their back, and their back to their belly during tummy time, is a great indicator they’re developmentally ready for rolling while swimming.

Holding on to Wall/Monkey Crawling

One developmental milestone that signals your child is ready to independently hold onto the pool wall and monkey crawl, is if they are able to independently pull themself up to stand.

Climbing out of Water

A great sign that your child is developmentally ready to practice independently climbing out of the pool, is if they are able to crawl up the stairs or onto furniture such as a couch.

Jumping into the Water

Your child being able to broadly jump on land, including jumping over objects, is an important developmental milestone we look for, before having your child practice independent jumps into the pool. This ensures that they are able to jump out far enough from the wall for safety.

What is the takeaway?

Developmental milestones have a significant impact on your child’s swim lesson journey, but that does not mean we are unable to work on certain skills if the child may not be fully developmentally ready for them. It can actually be incredibly beneficial for your child to start practicing certain skills sooner as it can help to teach the child that swimming skill AND the developmental milestone. It is just always important to keep in mind that depending on where your child is developmentally currently, certain skills can take longer to master. To learn more about the benefits of starting your infant in swim lessons, read our blog post, “Dive In Early: The Benefits of Starting Swimming Lessons for Babies and the Best Age to Start.”

How to Stay Consistent with Your Child’s Swim Lesson Progress

adrianna@swimlessonswithmary.com (Adrianna Bolton) — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 13:51:45 GMT

How do I play a large part in my child’s swimming journey?

By far, one of our most frequently asked questions is how parents can play a role in their child’s journey of learning how to swim. In short, the best thing you can do is help maintain consistency. Here at Swim Lessons With Mary, we are only working on developing your child’s swimming skills for 30 minutes - usually once a week. Helping your child practice their skills and good swimming behavior outside of their class time will help to ensure their progress at swim lessons is not diminished. I like to think of it as helping to avoid your child taking 1 step forward at lessons, but 3 steps backwards outside of lessons.

What skills can I help my child practice at home?

There are many skills that are able to be practiced outside of swim lessons - some even outside of the water. We encourage you to ask your child’s swim instructor for personal recommendations for how you can help your child stay consistent and practice their skills outside of swim lessons. Here are some beginner skills you can practice with your child both in and out of the water:

Scooping and Kicking

We teach our clients from the very beginning how to kick and scoop their arms properly. For kicks, you want to ensure they are straight (no bend in the knee/bicycle kicking) and that they are directly out behind the swimmer. For scoops, we want to see a slight bend in the elbow and to make sure the swimmer is reaching their scoops out in front of them, pulling the water toward themselves. Proper scooping and kicking techniques can be worked on with your child when swimming outside of swim lessons, but they can also be practiced even without access to a pool. Utilize bath time as a time to help your child practice kicking behind themselves and scooping out in front. No bath? No problem! You can even encourage your child to practice their scoops and kicks while lying on the floor on their stomach and pretending to swim.

Body Position

Just like with the scooping and kicking, you can help your child practice their horizontal body position both in or out of the water. Encourage your child to practice this horizontal position in the bath, or even on the floor, like mentioned above. If you're swimming outside of lessons, we encourage you to help hold your child in the horizontal position, making sure their kicks are directly out behind them.

The biggest thing to avoid when helping your child learn the proper horizontal body position is putting them in a puddle jumper. Puddle jumpers hold your child in a vertical position, also known as the drowning position, and do not allow for correct arm movement. The horizontal body position is one of the most critical skills we teach at Swim Lessons with Mary. If your child works hard on this skill at swim lessons, but then every time they are swimming outside of lessons, they are wearing a puddle jumper, it will make it take significantly longer for your child to unlearn the vertical position that the puddle jumper holds them in. To learn more about the dangers of using puddle jumpers, check out our blog post “Throw Away Your Puddle Jumpers.” Instead, when there is a need for a flotation device, opt to use a US Coast Guard approved life jacket or back belt . For a full list of Swim Lessons With Mary recommended gear, click here!

Eyes In and Exhaling

In order to achieve the best horizontal body position while swimming, your eyes should be in the water looking down. This can be one of the most intimidating skills to learn for our clients. In order to avoid inhaling water accidentally into the nose or mouth, we teach our students to exhale into the water whenever their face is submerged. We like to call this “blowing bubbles.” Many children are apprehensive about submerging, even just their mouth and nose into the pool, so one way to help them get comfortable with this skill is to practice at home! Practicing blowing bubbles during bath time allows your child to work on a skill that may feel scary to them, in an environment where they are much more relaxed. If your child is still hesitant at home, you can even practice the bubble blowing motion into the air. Help your child enjoy practicing bubble blowing by turning it into a game! For example, you can have them pretend to be blowing out birthday candles.

Once your child is proficient at blowing bubbles into the pool, we work on them fully submerging their face with their eyes looking towards the bottom of the pool. This is another skill that can be practiced during bathtime. One game that can be utilized to practice this skill is Simon Says . Have your child complete fun tasks that Simon gives them, and work up to them eventually putting their eyes into the bath. Another game you can try is treasure hunt. Put some of their favorite toys at the bottom of the bathtub and encourage them to hunt for the treasure by placing their eyes into the bath. Submerging their face can be done both with or without goggles. It is based on the child’s personal preference, but goggles can often help to make the child feel more comfortable when submerging their face. To read more about the benefits of wearing goggles, click here .

What is the takeaway?

You play a critical role in your child’s swimming journey! While great progress can be made at swim lessons, even better progress can be made when you take part in helping your child stay consistent with the skills they are learning. Consistency is key when learning to swim. It will allow your child to learn at a faster pace and to maintain their new skills for the long term. To learn more about the importance of consistency when learning to swim, check out this post .

The Real Cost of Group Swim Lessons

mary@swimlessonswithmary.com (Mary Veideman) — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:50:56 GMT

Are you getting what you pay for?

When it comes to choosing swim lessons for your child, local options like the YMCA, Goldfish Swim School, and various community centers offer compelling group lessons that are often affordable and easily accessible. These programs are popular because they provide a social environment where children can learn alongside peers, which can be both fun and motivating. However, while these group sessions might seem like the best option financially, it's important to consider the true cost and effectiveness of the time spent in the water.

The Hidden Costs of Group Lessons

In a typical 30-minute group swim lesson with 5 participants, the cost might be around $30. However, children spend most of the session waiting their turn and with 5 participants, only get 6 minutes of actual instruction time in the water, the cost dynamics shift significantly. With $30 spread over 6 minutes of active instruction, the effective cost per minute of actual learning becomes $5. This higher cost per minute reflects not only the financial expense but also the reduced value in terms of skill development. Waiting for turns and sharing instructor attention with multiple students can slow your child's progress and affect their overall experience.

While programs like those offered by the YMCA and Goldfish Swim School are designed to accommodate multiple students at once, the instructor's attention is inevitably divided. This setup can be beneficial for building social skills and learning basic water safety, but it may not be the most effective for mastering swimming techniques. Moreover, the varied skill levels within the group can mean that your child might either feel left behind or unchallenged, leading to frustration or a lack of motivation.

The Benefits of Private Lessons: A Cost-Effective Investment

Private swim lessons, while more expensive per session, offer significant advantages that can make them a smarter financial choice over time. In a private lesson, your child benefits from one-on-one attention, ensuring that every minute is dedicated to their specific needs and goals. This individualized instruction allows for quicker skill development, as the instructor can tailor each session to your child’s pace and learning style. Without time wasted waiting for others, the entire session is spent actively engaging and improving.

This focused environment also enhances confidence. The instructor can address any fears or challenges directly, helping your child feel more comfortable and secure in the water. This not only speeds up the learning process but also instills a lifelong love for swimming.

While group lessons from reputable providers like the YMCA and Goldfish Swim School have their benefits, it’s essential to weigh these against the potential hidden costs and the pace of your child’s progress. Private lessons, though a greater investment upfront, may offer a more cost-effective solution in the long run, ensuring your child receives the focused, personalized instruction they need to become a confident and capable swimmer.

Dive In Early: The Benefits of Starting Swimming Lessons for Babies and the Best Age to Start

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 13:44:00 GMT

When it comes to introducing your little ones to the water, there's good reason to start swimming lessons as early as possible. Beyond the giggles and adorable swimsuits, getting your baby acquainted with swimming and the aquatic environment before they start walking brings a wave of advantages that can make a big splash in their safety and development.

Acclimating Young: A Safety Shield

Picture this: a baby exploring their world, curious and eager to move around. Now, imagine introducing them to the water before they even start taking those first steps. Starting swimming lessons at an early age—around 6 months or so—serves as a safety shield. It helps acclimate them to the water environment, teaching basic water safety skills like floating and being comfortable in the water. This early introduction minimizes the risk of accidental drowning, as they have a head start to progression before they begin walking and crawling.

Harnessing Natural Instincts

At around 6 months, babies start losing their innate swimming reflexes, making it a perfect time to begin formal lessons. Initially, infants possess reflexes like holding their breath and moving their limbs in the water, reminiscent of their time in the womb. Starting lessons at this point helps build upon these reflexes and further develop actual swimming skills, nurturing confidence in the water before those reflexes disappear.

Developmental Milestones in the Water

Swimming at an early age doesn’t just create a safer environment; it contributes significantly to their overall development. It's a great environment for their physical, cognitive, and emotional growth. The buoyancy of water reduces strain on their joints, aiding in motor skill development and muscle strength. Moreover, it stimulates their senses, fostering neural connections and cognitive development. Plus, the water offers a unique bonding experience, strengthening the parent-child relationship.

Optimal Age: Around 6 Months to 2 Years

While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, experts often recommend starting formal swimming lessons around 6 months to 2 years. This timeframe allows for early acclimation to the water while harnessing remaining instinctual reflexes, creating a window of opportunity to build confidence, safety skills, and a love for swimming.

Swim Lessons with Mary offers a parent - tot class for water exploration and introductions for ages 6 - 18 months, in addition to private lessons starting as early as 6 months. For a gentler start, we recommend taking the parent - tot class before starting private lessons, but if your baby is closer to the 18 - 24 months range, that is a great time to dive in with private 1-1 lessons with our instructors.

In a nutshell, the earlier the introduction to swimming lessons, the better. Beginning before they're on two feet minimizes risks, utilizes natural instincts, and supports their holistic development. While there’s no hard-and-fast rule, starting between 6 months and 2 years seems to be the sweet spot for reaping the most benefits from these aquatic adventures.

So, grab those adorable swim diapers, gather the floaty toys, and make a splash into a world of safety, development, and pure aquatic fun for your little water-loving wonders!

The Lifelong Significance of Learning to Swim

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:11:00 GMT

Swimming is more than just a leisure activity or a summertime pastime—it's an invaluable life skill that holds significant importance for individuals of all ages. Learning to swim not only opens doors to a world of aquatic fun but also equips us with crucial abilities that can save lives and foster overall well-being.

Water Safety and Drowning Prevention

One of the most compelling reasons to learn how to swim is the critical aspect of water safety. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death worldwide, and the ability to swim proficiently significantly reduces the risk of such tragedies. Whether it's in a pool, a lake, or the ocean, being confident in the water and possessing essential swimming skills can make all the difference between a dangerous situation and a safe outcome.

Health and Fitness Benefits

Swimming is a fantastic full-body workout that engages all of the muscle groups simultaneously. It provides an excellent cardiovascular workout without the impact stress that often accompanies other forms of exercise. From improving cardiovascular health to enhancing flexibility and endurance, swimming offers a low-impact way to stay fit at any age.

Overcoming Fear and Building Confidence

For many individuals, water can be a source of fear or anxiety. Learning to swim not only helps overcome these fears but also builds confidence. The gradual progression from beginner strokes to mastering various swimming techniques instills a sense of accomplishment and self-assurance, both in and out of the water.

Opportunities for Recreation and Socialization

Swimming opens up a world of recreational opportunities. Whether it's enjoying a day at the beach, participating in water sports, or simply relaxing by the pool, swimming skills enable individuals to fully engage in these activities. Moreover, swimming is often a social activity, providing opportunities to bond with friends and family, join swim teams, or participate in community events centered around water-based activities.

Adaptive and Lifelong Skill

The ability to swim is an adaptive skill that can be valuable throughout life. Whether for leisure, fitness, or unexpected situations like emergencies or natural disasters, knowing how to navigate in the water is an invaluable asset. Moreover, swimming is a skill that can be enjoyed and practiced throughout one's life, making it a lifelong investment in health and safety.

Learning to swim is more than a recreational pursuit; it's an essential life skill that carries numerous benefits. From ensuring safety in and around water to promoting physical fitness, building confidence, and fostering recreational opportunities, the advantages of swimming are abundant and far-reaching. Regardless of age or initial proficiency, taking the plunge to learn how to swim opens the door to a world of possibilities and safety that can last a lifetime.

Overcoming Fear of Water: Tips for Adults Learning to Swim

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Learning to swim can be a wonderful experience, but for many adults, the fear of water can be a significant hurdle. Whether it's a childhood trauma, lack of exposure, or simply feeling uncomfortable in aquatic environments, overcoming this fear is possible with patience, guidance, and the right approach. This blog post aims to address common fears and concerns among adults learning to swim while offering practical advice, techniques, and encouragement to help conquer the fear of water and embrace the joy of swimming comfortably.

For adults who are apprehensive about swimming, various fears might surface. These could include fear of drowning, feeling out of control in water, past negative experiences, or simply feeling embarrassed about learning a new skill as an adult. Recognizing and acknowledging these fears is the first step towards overcoming them.

Practical Tips and Techniques:

It's crucial for adults learning to swim to be patient and kind to themselves throughout the process. Celebrate small victories and progress made, no matter how incremental. Remember, it's never too late to learn to swim, and the journey itself is an achievement. SLWM works with adults with a variety of skill levels, fear levels and age. We help our swimmers master their swim goals - whether it be to become water safe, swim with their kids or grandkids, learn to surf or scuba dive on their next vacation, or complete a race or triathlon.

Conquering the fear of water as an adult requires patience, practice, and a positive mindset. By acknowledging fears, seeking guidance, and gradually acclimating to the water, adults can overcome their apprehension and embrace the joy of swimming comfortably. Remember, each small step taken towards learning to swim is a triumph worth celebrating, leading to increased confidence and a newfound love for the water.

Throw Away Your Puddle Jumpers…

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 22:15:00 GMT

SLWM’s main focus first and foremost is to foster essential water safety skills and ensure the safety of all swimmers that take lessons with us. In this three-part blog series, we will explore why we discourage the use of Puddle Jumpers, with a particular focus on the importance of body positioning.

Body positioning is a critical aspect in the process of learning to swim. It involves maintaining a balanced and streamlined horizontal position in the water, allowing the swimmers’ eyes to look down at the bottom of the pool, and their feet to float up. Puddle Jumpers train swimmers to grow comfortable in a vertical body position in the pool, with feet on the bottom of the pool and eyes up. This is a sinking position without a flotation device, and can hinder the development of proper body positioning in young swimmers for several reasons.

Swim Lessons with Mary prioritizes teaching swimmers not only how to stay afloat but also how to swim confidently, with correct technique, and safely. Puddle Jumpers, while initially providing buoyancy, can hinder a student's ability to master body positioning, leading to potential setbacks in their swimming journey. The best way to practice at home is to swim with your child, and encourage practicing games and techniques learned at each lesson. In the event that you cannot be in the pool working with your swimmer, a US Coast Guard Approved safety vest is recommended to ensure they are water safe, but also allow them to have full range of motion with their arms. If you are able to practice with your swimmer in the pool, but feel they may need some additional floatation help, SLWM recommends these vests to aid in flotation . They have removable padding to encourage increased independence as the swimmer improves. These are not US Coast Guard Approved and should only be used under direct supervision during practice time.

The importance of water safety and learning to swim at a young age

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:48:00 GMT

As a parent, one of your top priorities is keeping your child safe. You teach them to look both ways before crossing the street and to never talk to strangers. But have you taught them how to be safe around water? According to the CDC, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 1-14 years old.

Sadly, many parents don’t realize the importance of teaching their children to swim and how to be safe around water. They think that because they don’t live near a body of water, their child doesn’t need to learn. Or, they believe that if they are constantly supervising their child, there is no need. But what if there was an accident and you weren’t able to reach your child in time? Would they know what to do? Learning water safety skills at a young age could one day save your child’s life.

There are many dangers associated with water that children need to be aware of. Even if you don’t live near a large body of water, there are still dangers in your own backyard. Children can drown in as little as two inches of water, so it is essential that they know how to stay safe around any type of water - pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, bathtubs - anywhere!

There are several things you can do as a parent to help ensure your child’s safety around water:

• Enroll them in swimming lessons – this is the #1 way to prevent drownings.

• Make sure there is always an adult present whenever your child is around any type of water - even if there is a lifeguard on duty.

• Teach them survival swimming skills – even if they have had swimming lessons, this could one day save their life.

• Teach them about Rip Currents – these can quickly drag even the strongest swimmers out to sea. Show them what Rip Currents look like and how to identify them. Teach them never to swim alone and always stay close to shore when possible.

• Check the depth before diving – diving into shallow water can cause serious spinal cord injuries. inspect any body of water before allowing your child to enter it. If you are unsure about the depth, don’t let them go in.

The bottom line is that parents need to take an active role in teaching their children about water safety from a young age. It is essential that they know how to be safe around any type of water - pools, lakes, rivers, oceans - anywhere! Enrolling your child in swimming lessons is the best way to prevent drowning but there are other things you can do as well. The most important thing is that you make sure there is always an adult present whenever your child is around any type of water - even if there is a lifeguard on duty! Teaching your child these simple safety tips could one day save their life.

3 Reasons Why Private Swim Lessons Are Worth It For Your Child

Tue, 28 May 2019 15:13:00 GMT

Though private swim lessons may seem like a luxury, they offer many benefits that make them worth the investment, both in the short and long run. Here are three reasons to sign your child up for private swimming lessons.

1. They’re tailored to your child’s specific needs.

In a group lesson, the instructor must teach to the lowest common denominator, which means your child may not be getting the individualized attention they needs to progress. With private swim lessons, however, the instructor can tailor the lessons to your child’s specific skill level and needs, which will help them progress more quickly.

2. They build confidence to ensure quick progression.

Initially, children are hesitant to put their faces in the water. This is a huge hurdle to overcome. In a group setting, it can be easy for children to feel lost or like they’re not doing as well as the other kids. Private swim lessons give children the undivided attention of the instructor, which can help them build confidence in their abilities and feel more comfortable in the water.

3. They’re flexible.

One of the best things about private swim lessons is that they can be scheduled around your family’s busy life. With group lessons, you generally have to commit to a set day and time each week. But with private lessons, you can book online with Swim Lessons with Mary in flexible packages or recurring weekly. We have many options for scheduling even the busiest of families.

Though they may come at a higher price tag than group swim lessons, private swim lessons offer many benefits that make them worth the investment—benefits that will pay off both in the short-term and long-term. From being tailored to your child’s specific needs to building confidence to being flexible, private swim lessons offer numerous advantages.

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Blog - Swim Lessons with Mary | Private Swim Lessons in Greenville and Spartanburg, SC

Why Parent–Instructor Teamwork Matters in Swim Lessons

Encouraging Kids to Overcome Fear of Water

Stay Consistent Outside of Lessons

How Parent Reactions Can Impact Water Confidence

Trust Your Swim Instructor and the Process

Helping Your Child Become a Confident, Safe Swimmer

What to Do When Your Child Cries at Swim Lessons: Understanding Separation Anxiety

Why Do Kids Cry at Swim Lessons?

Expect (and Normalize) Some Tears

Try “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”

Keep Goodbyes Short and Confident

Create a Simple Pre-Lesson Routine

Stay Calm and Positive

Trust the Process

A Final Word for Parents

The Puddle Police: How Puddle Jumpers Negatively Impact Young Swimmers

⚠️ The Problem: They Teach the “Drowning Position”

�� Muscle Memory, Arm Movement & False Confidence

��How Puddle Jumpers Can Interfere With Swim Lesson Progress

��If Flotation Is Needed, What Should Be Used?

��‍♀️ The Safer Path: Skills Over Straps

�� Confidence Built Through Learning (Not Judgment)

�� Curious About Swim Lessons, But Not Sure Where to Start?

Swim Lessons: More Than Just Water Safety

1) Courage: Trying Something That Feels Scary

2) Resilience: Messing Up and Coming Back for More

3) Trust: Building a Relationship with Their Instructor (and Themselves)

4) Listening and Focus: Following Steps in a Fun (But Structured!) Setting

5) Independence: “I Did It By Myself!”

6) Patience: Progress Takes Time

7) Pride: Real Confidence Comes From Real Effort

Swim Lessons Are About More Than Swimming

Give the Gift of Safety: Our Swim for Hope Tree Fundraiser

Why This Matters

100% of Donations Support the Hope Floats Scholarship Fund

How the Fundraiser Works

Give a Gift That Lasts

Do Kids Forget Swim Skills Over the Winter? What Parents Should Know

Why Swim Skills Fade Without Practice

What the Research Says

Younger Swimmers: Consistency Is Everything

Older Kids and Adults: Stay Sharp with Flexible Lessons

How to Support Swim Skill Retention

The Bottom LineGe

Nervous Swimmers: How SLWM Helps Them Build Confidence in the Water

Starting with Trust

Private Lessons Make a Big Difference

Celebrating Small Wins

Focusing on Progress, Not Pressure

Keeping Parents Involved

Why Fall & Winter Can Be the Perfect Time to Start

Ready to Help Your Swimmer Build Confidence?

It's Never Too Late: What to Expect at Your First Adult Swim Lesson

What to Expect at Your First Lesson:

What to Bring to Your First Lesson:

Common Worries (And Why You Can Let Them Go):

Why Fall Is a Great Time to Start:

Ready to Begin?

Opening Doors to Water Safety: Grants, Partnerships & Your Impact

Partnering with Hope Floats Foundation

Stepping into the Future with Step Into Swim

Fundraising Success & What’s Coming Next

Ready to Dive In?

Water Games: Our Favorite Way to Sneak in Swim Skills

1. Treasure Hunt

2. Kickboard Races

3. Red Light, Green Light (Pool Edition)

4. Swim & Sing

5. Shark in the Water

6. Simon Says: Swim Edition

7. Jump & Climb Challenge

8. Animal Rescue Mission

Keep It Safe, Keep It Fun!

Ready for more structured progress? Book a private swim lesson or join our waitlist to secure a recurring spot!

The Elevated Risk: Why Water Safety is So Important for Children with Autism

Why Water Is So Appealing and Risky for Children with Autism

How Swim Lessons Can Save Lives

Water Safety Tips for All Families

We're Here to Help

Why are fall and winter the best times to start swim lessons?