Kevin McMillan Kevin McMillan

How to Know If Your Child Is Ready for Swim Lessons

Most parents know swim lessons matter. The harder question is when to start. The answer is usually earlier than you think — and for water safety reasons, getting there sooner almost always produces better outcomes.

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Kevin McMillan Kevin McMillan

Is Spring Break Swim Camp Worth It?

Spring break is one week. At PPA, that one week gives your swimmer more focused instruction time than most kids get in two months of weekly lessons. Here is why that matters and what to know before you register.

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

When Is the “Right” Time to Start Swim Lessons?

As swim professionals, we’re often asked: When should my child start swimming lessons? It’s a great question – and one that’s evolved over the years. For a long time, the prevailing wisdom was to wait until age four. Now, many organizations (including Pikes Peak Athletics) advocate that it’s almost never too early to begin introducing a child to the water.

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

Regression and Plateaus in Swimming

As parents, it’s exciting when we see our children making strides in their swimming lessons – gliding effortlessly through the water or mastering a new skill. But what happens when your child suddenly seems to take a step back? Or when they hit a plateau, and advancement comes to a halt?

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

The Evolution of Swim Lessons

When I first began my journey as a swim instructor two decades ago, the landscape of swimming lessons looked quite different. Back then, we taught beginner swimmers in groups of eight and more advanced swimmers in groups of 10-12. These children, eager to learn, would typically swim once or twice a week for just 30 minutes at a time.

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

The Importance of Ongoing Swimming

Parents recognize that learning to swim is an important life skill for their kiddos at all ages. However, many parents only enroll their children in swimming lessons during the summer months, when the weather is warm and there are plenty of opportunities to swim. Did you know it’s more beneficial to attend swimming lessons year-round?

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

Unlocking Your Child’s Swimming Potential

As parents, we often wonder how to best support our children’s progress in swimming lessons. Is it just about attending classes, or is there more to it? Over my 20 years of experience as a swim instructor, one thing stands out: consistent time in the water.

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

The Pros and Cons of Taking Breaks from Swimming Lessons for Your Child

Swimming is an essential life skill and a fantastic way for children to stay active and have fun. Whether your child is just learning to swim or refining their skills, consistent practice is the number one contributing factor to their success. However, there may be times when taking a break from swimming lessons is necessary or beneficial.

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

Learning to Swim is More than Learning to Float

Ensuring children’s safety around water is a top priority for parents, especially during summer. Many enroll their kids in infant self-rescue programs, hoping they’ll learn to save themselves. While these programs can seem effective in the short-term, they might not provide the foundation needed for long-term swimming success.

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

Supporting Your Swimmer Through Tears

As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to see your child in distress, especially during activities meant to be enjoyable and educational, like swimming lessons. When your child screams and cries during swimming lessons, it can be challenging to know how to help them adapt and overcome their fears. Be assured, at Pikes Peak Athletics, our instructors are trained to handle these situations with patience and care.

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

Embracing Instructor Changes

The role of the swimming instructor is undeniably significant, serving as a guide, mentor, and safety advocate in your child’s learn to swim journey. However, the notion of instructor changes can sometimes instill uncertainty or concern among parents and learners alike. At Pikes Peak Athletics, we ask our instructors to commit to a minimum of 3 months with their classes.

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

How Long Will it Take for My Child to Learn to Swim?

As a parent, you want to ensure your child is safe and confident in the water. Learning to swim is not only a life-saving skill but also a great way for children to have fun and stay active. Naturally, swimming lessons are a huge part of raising our kiddos! However, one common question many parents have is, “How long will it take for my child to learn to swim?”

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

Dive in Style: Choosing the Best Swimsuits and Goggles for Your Little Swimmers

As a parent, you understand the importance of ensuring your child is comfortable and safe during swimming lessons. One key element to consider is the right swimsuit and goggles combination. Finding the perfect balance between functionality, comfort, and style can make a significant difference in your child’s swimming experience.

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

Benefits of Group Swimming Lessons for Young Swimmers

As parents, ensuring the safety and well-being of our children is always a top priority. At PPA, we believe one of the most important safety measures we can take is acquiring water safety skills through swimming lessons. While both group and private swimming lessons have their merits, we’re focusing here on the benefits of group swimming lessons for your child.

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

Why Practice in Cooler and Deeper Pools?

As parents and guardians, ensuring the safety of our children around water is a top priority. While it might seem counterintuitive to expose them to cooler and deeper swimming pools, there are compelling reasons why practicing swimming and water safety skills in such environments can be highly beneficial.

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

5 Tips to Help Your Child Overcome Fear of Swimming Lessons

PPA Parents know learning to swim is an important life skill, but for some children, the thought of being in the water can be terrifying. If your child is afraid of swimming lessons, there are a few things you can do to help them overcome their fear.

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

Consistent Swimming Lessons- Even After Summer is Over

Parents recognize learning to swim is an important life skill for their kiddos at all ages. However, many parents only enroll their children in swimming lessons during the summer months, when the weather is warm and there are plenty of opportunities to swim. Did you know that it’s actually more beneficial to attend swimming lessons year-round?

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Jaecie Montgomery Jaecie Montgomery

Water Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know

As temperatures finally start to rise here in the Pikes Peak region, families flock to swimming pools, reservoirs, and rivers to beat the heat. When safety is top of mind, water activities offer countless hours of fun and enjoyment for children. Because drowning incidents are most common when lifeguards and instructors are absent, it’s important to us to share critical water safety measures with our families as an extension of our programs.

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