By Megan Johnson- NJAC Swim Mom
Falling in
Growing up, I absolutely loved the water. And honestly, I still love it today! Whether it be a pool, lake or ocean, I wanted to be in it. I would prune up and never would admit to being cold. I wanted my daughter to have the same love of the water.
My daughter Emma was about 2 years old. It was a beautiful blue bird sky day in the middle of the summer. I thought it would be a great idea to get out of work early, pick her up from day care and head over to Round Valley Reservoir in Hunterdon County.
This was her first time at the reservoir and she had a smile from ear to ear. We walked down to the edge of the water to get set-up. I told her just sit and wait while Mama gets settled. I turned around and she was headed right into the water. By the time I grabbed her she was already up to her face! Naturally, I did what every good parent would do, and screamed, “What are you doing?”, then squeezed her tight, thankful she was fine.
It was just a few seconds and she was right in the water. At that moment, I knew we had to get her right into swim lessons.
The very next day, I registered her for lessons at a school I’d found online, but little did I realize, that the class was more a play in the water class. I wanted a class where she learned to swim and needed her to know what to do if she fell in the water. I needed her to know safety around the pool. Not long after, with some suggestions from friends, I found North Jersey Aquatics.
Climbing out
I was apprehensive when we showed up to our first class. The website stated she would learn, but would that really be the case. After just a few minutes, I knew we made the right choice.
Emma learned to float, tread water, turn in a circle, get in and out of the pool without using the ladder and got some simple strokes down in no time. We have been with NJAC for a few years now, and my 5 year old can swim the length of the pool and backstroke like a pro! Each teacher has worked with her strengths to make her love the water and know the importance of safety around water.
May is National Water Safety Month. I cannot emphasized how grateful I am the NJAC taught my daughter how to swim and safety around water. Too many times we hear of tragedies from accidental drowning. Giving your child swim lessons gives your child the tools to stay safe.
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