Warmer mornings, longer evenings and the first trip to the pool or beach are almost here. For many families, this is when the big question comes up: will my kids feel safe and confident in the water this summer? (Followed closely by: where did I last see the sunscreen?)

Kids swimming lessons are a life skill, not just a bit of fun. At the Y, Learn to Swim helps kids build water confidence at their own pace, guided by qualified instructors. Still wondering what that first lesson can lead to? Here are three stories that might convince you.

Why Families Choose Learn to Swim at the Y

Mum Learned to Swim Here. Now Her Son Does Too

At Oasis Aquatic Centre in the Hawkesbury region, swimming lessons have become a family tradition. Alannah’s parents brought her to the pool every week when she was a girl, and that’s where she learned water safety and became a confident swimmer. Now she brings her own son, Elijah, through the same doors.

“I learned to swim here, and now I get to watch my son do the same. It’s incredibly special,” she says.

After the lesson, they often stay on to play in the pool or race down the waterslide, which is a very clever way of sneaking in extra practice while the kids think it’s a reward.

From Nervous Beginner to Squad Swimmer at Ku-ring-gai

If your child is the one clinging to the wall, these two stories from Ku-ring-gai Fitness & Aquatic Centre might sound familiar.

Daniella, now 10, joined the swim school at five and says getting into the pool was her biggest challenge. The turning point was moving up to the 25-metre pool. She now trains in the Silver Squad and enjoys swimming carnivals.

Zoe started in the Sardine level at five, and she was scared of the water. The step from the program pool into the 25-metre pool at Salmon level felt huge, and diving took her the longest to learn. She kept trying (and trying), and at 11 she’s now swimming in the Bronze Squad.

Both girls credit their teachers for cheering them on along the way. Proof that a little encouragement goes a very long way.

Even Olympians Start With One Swimming Lesson

Before she swam at two Olympic Games, Elka Whalan was a four-year-old who simply wanted to get in the pool. Her coach told her she was too young to join, so she jumped into the next lane and swam anyway. (Stubborn? Perhaps. Olympian? Definitely.)

She went on to represent Australia at Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004, and was part of the silver medal-winning 4x200m freestyle relay team in Sydney.

Now, not every child who starts lessons will end up on a podium, and that’s not the point. Every child deserves the chance to find out what they can do.

What Kids Learn From Swimming Lessons

Each kick, breath and lap builds more than technique. Kids learn:

• Perseverance. Like Zoe and her very stubborn dive
• Resilience. Because the 25-metre pool looks enormous until it doesn’t
• Independence. Hello, child who no longer needs you hovering at the edge
• Water safety skills for life. In a country with this many beaches, rivers and pools, that matters

Learn to Swim at the Y: Locations, Hours and How to Enrol

The best summers are the ones where parents can actually relax, knowing their kids are comfortable in the water. 

Where: Y NSW aquatic centres, including Oasis Aquatic Centre (Hawkesbury) and Ku-ring-gai Fitness & Aquatic Centre
When: Mon to Fri 5.30am to 9pm, Sat and Sun 7am to 6pm
Phone: 02 9499 2005

Ready for the first splash? Find your local Y and enrol in Learn to Swim today.

More Things To Do In Sydney

25 of the Best Indoor Swimming Pools in Sydney
30 Family-Friendly Beaches in Sydney
How To Stay Beach Safe This Summer With Kids

Have you signed up for our newsletter? Join ellaslist to get the best family and kid-friendly events, venues, classes and things to do NEAR YOU!