Maybe your son wants to play football instead of taking swim lessons. Or perhaps your daughter is bummed that her friends aren’t in her class. Or, maybe life is getting a bit chaotic for you (as is a mom’s life…always). Whatever your thoughts, it’s really important to NOT let your child quit swim lessons. Why? Read on:

For many children, swimming is a part of growing up. But don’t count on your little goldfish learning how to swim “next summer” or when there’s more time or when he or she is more interested in swimming. Once they’ve started lessons, you should really KEEP your child in swim lessons.

1. swim lessons may save your child’s life.

Knowing how to swim can help prevent drowning. At Goldfish Swim School, we teach kids how to get in and out of the pool safely, how to act appropriately in and around the pool and what lifeguards do, along with other safety-related lessons each week. That’s only part of why Goldfish Swim School is Worth the Money. And seriously, teaching a valuable life-saving skill is the best part of our WOW customer service.

2. It takes a while for some kids to adjust to swimming.

Water splashing on your face, getting in your eyes and going up your nose and in your mouth and down your throat: What’s not to love about that?! Plenty. Getting used to being in the water (and under it) can take some time — and that’s OK. It’s a big adjustment and it can be a bit intimidating for kids who haven’t been around water much. If you let your little swimmer quit swim lessons before they’re really comfortable in the water, he or she — and you — may miss out on the fun stuff (not to mention seeing some extraordinary results). Give them time and soon your kids won’t ever want to get out of the water!

3. Swimming is great cardiovascular exercise — and helps burn energy in those tiny Perpetual Motion Machines you’ve got running around.

Did you know that swimming works every muscle group? It’s such a fantastic way to exercise — without even realizing that you’re exercising! It strengthens all the muscles, which is great prep for any other sport your little swimmer may decide to join. Plus, just let little Johnny or Janie play around in the pool for an hour and chances are bedtime will come a lot more easily. Parenting win!

4. These aren’t just swim lessons; they’re LIFE lessons.

Imagine your little man is all grown up and getting married (sob!). Then picture him going on a honeymoon to Hawaii. But, your adult son won’t be heading out on the boat with his new bride to experience any thrilling water adventures such as surfing or snorkeling — because he can’t swim! Maybe he’s even afraid of the water. This is a shame because there’s such beauty underwater (besides just being fun to swim in). All because he wanted to quit swim lessons to do something else with his time and he never got around to learning how to swim and be comfortable in the water. This is an extreme example but think hard: You probably know several adults who don’t know how to swim or who are afraid of the water, right?

Swimming isn’t just for sport; it’s a great skill to have for the rest of your life. Celebrate and swim!

Before your kid quits swim lessons, find out WHY your child wants to quit.

Is your land-locked little one just a little nervous, or actually deeply anxious about swimming? If so, don’t force or bribe him or her. Instead, try to make swimming FUN, slowly but surely, little by little.

But if he or she is just nervous, talk to your child about why. Let him or her know that you hear what is being said — and that you understand — and that it’s OK to be nervous. Bonus: Our instructors at Goldfish Swim School are GREAT at using their integrity, trust and compassion for helping little swimmers deal with their nervousness!

Goldfish Swim School

Keep in mind these 4 Reasons Not to Let Your Child Quit Swim Lessons and just keep on swimming! Not in lessons yet? Enroll your kids today in Goldfish Swim School and see for yourself the golden experience we provide! We have locations in seven states — with more on the way.

Do you have any more reasons to add to the list? Let us know!