Good Deals on Fall Swim Lessons to Keep Skills Strong

While out at a local park recently, another mom mentioned her kids enjoyed the summer so much that she wanted them to keep swimming through the fall.

We were on the same wavelength because I had been thinking the same thing for my daughter. At the age of 3, my daughter loves the water and is becoming increasingly more fearless.

But since she can’t swim, I am constantly trying to relocate her into shallower water, which she protests vehemently. It is time for swim lessons.

My thoughts on why swimming is important for kids:

• Swimming lessons are imperative for kids to prevent drowning and develop good water safety habits.
• Swimming is great exercise and, while it can be competitive, it can also be a peaceful and enjoyable leisurely activity.
• I also consider swimming a great “lifetime sport,” meaning it is something that you can enjoy forever. Let’s face it, if you called a friend and asked her to do some fencing with you, things might be a little awkward. But, certain sports—including swimming, tennis and golf—are not only fun as adults, but also can give you an advantage at work, too. So, why not try this type of sport early?
• While younger children may not be able to swim, lessons can give them a way to get acclimated toward being in the water and parent/child classes can be fun for parents too.

I am a little wary of water getting in my daughter's ears, since I hear so much about kids needing tubes in their ears. Here is an article from the Mayo Clinic on infant and toddler health and safety when swimming.

If you’re like me and are also looking for ways to splash without the shivers as the days grow colder, here is a list of local swim clinics:

Name: Shimon and Sara Birnbaum Jewish Community Center
Address: 775 Talamini Road, Bridgewater
Phone:  908-725-6994, ext. 230
Email: Sjohnson@ssbjcc.org
Fall Registration Deadline: Sept. 6 for members; Sept. 13 for non-members
Lessons: Available for six months to adults—fundamentals, strokes and water safety.
Fee: Varies. See this PDF for classes and fees.

Name: Somerset Valley YMCA
Address: 601 Garretson Road, Bridgewater
Phone:  908-526-0688
Email: Questions can be submitted here.
Fall Registration Deadline: Classes begin the week of Sept. 12.
Lessons: Ages 6 months and up. Beginner to advanced.
Fee: Varies.  Check here for schedule and fees.

Name: Berkeley Swim School
Address: 649 Springfield Avenue, Berkeley Heights
Phone:  908-464-1995
Email: berkeleyswimschool@gmail.com
Fall Registration Deadline: Before Sept. 8
Lessons: Available for ages 3 and up.
Fee: Varies. See schedule here.

Name: NJSwim at Brooklake Country Club
Address: 139 Brooklake Road, Florham Park
Phone: 973-377-7793
Email: info@njswim.com
Fall Registration Deadline: Before Sept. 5
Lessons: Available for ages 6 months and up.
Fee: One swimmer is $93.00 per month; two swimmers are $176.70 per month; three swimmers are $260.40 per month