I realize the thought of squeezing into a bathing suit with our pasty, dry, frozen bodies is about the last thing any parent wants to do right now, but it’s never really about us, is it? After the holidays have come and gone and the gray winter chill spawns cabin fever, the options for exercise are as bleak as the landscape. That is why January is the perfect month to begin winter swim lessons. Most aquatic centers around town begin a swim session right after the first of the year when children are itching to simply move, but trapped in doors.
My own children look forward to the escape of warm water laps instead of the monotonous laps run from bedroom through kitchen, bedroom through kitchen. I must say I do too. Not to mention when the weather thaws and pools recommence, my guppies will be ready. Here is a list of Louisville aquatic centers offering lessons this January:
The YMCA (of course)
: Check local branches for accurate info, but the downtown branch offers parent/child introductions to the water to adult swim lessons. The Downtown YMCA offers 6-week Saturday class sessions with ratios ranging from 1:10 - 1:4. Prices are reasonable ($38 for members, $68 for non-members) and a great place to start a first swim lesson experience; don’t expect Olympic training material here, just a great way to reintroduce your child to water, safety, and technique.
Mary T. Meagher Aquatic Center
: Located in Crescent Hill, these lessons include two classes per week for 6 week sessions. Classes begin January 3rd for pre-school and grade-school levels; the price is a mere $37.50. I’ve never experience these lessons, but assume the two-per-week method would hone in on technique and consistency.
Cardinal Splash Swim School at UofL
: Sessions begin January 10th for ages 3 and up. This website boasts an extensive curriculum covered for each class level and ratios that never exceed 1:4. The price is $55 for levels 1-4 (30 minute classes) and $70 for 5-6 (45 minute classes) for 7 meetings.
All About Kids
: Located off Blankenbaker, this session begins mid-January and ends mid-March. Each session meets one night per week (nights or Saturdays) and boasts instructors, “. . . teach with out using floaties . . . with enthusiasm and . . . kid-centered.” Classes range from $126 (30 minute classes) to $175 (hour classes).
