The Learn to Swim program at Miami’s Recreation Center is designed to help children become more comfortable and confident around the water. Throughout the program, each session covers a variety of water skills that build upon one another, lessons on water safety that promote safe behavior around water, and games that give children the opportunity to have fun in the water. The smaller class sizes that are implemented in the program allow for each child to receive personal attention and tips on improving their skills.
Not only are the participants getting an experience from the Learn to Swim Program, but the instructors are as well. Marie Musbach, a Learn to Swim Instructor, states “one of my favorite experiences from the Learn to Swim program has been getting to see the improvement of so many kids in the water. It is so much fun for instructors to see the progress that kids have made all the way from the Preschool levels to Levels 5 and 6, which are the highest in the program. As a previous swimmer myself, I really enjoy teaching the four strokes to our higher-level swimmers.” Her goal, and one of the program’s goals, is to always make swimming a positive experience so that young swimmers can see the fulfillment of the sport and maybe even want to continue to swim for a club team someday. On top of that, one of the best things is that the Learn to Swim Program allows everyone to improve their in-water skills at a pace that is best for them.
The overall goal of the Learn to Swim Program highlights the importance of developing lifelong swimming skills that children will take with them as they get older. It is incredibly important to be confident and safe around the water, and starting at a young age allows those skills to be developed early. Participants in the Learn to Swim Program will not only develop strong swimming skills, but they will also build relationships with other kids their age and have a lot of fun while doing it!