He “tested out” during the last week. During the test week, the instructor flips the student over into the water in a series of different ways designed to simulate the disorientation a kid would feel if they fell into a pool. In each situation, Daniel entered the water, calmly floated motionless while looking around for a solution, then made his way to an exit or a person. It was amazing (and so encouraging) to watch.
Test day one was in regular swimwear. Test day two was in summer clothes – T-shirt, shorts and sandals. Test day three was in pajamas. Test day four was in full winter clothing – Jeans, T-shirt, socks, sneakers, and a sweatshirt. Test day five was one more “parents in the pool” day and we were taught a few more tips on how to keep him learning throughout the rest of the swim season.
If I haven’t said it enough already, I LOVE this swimming technique for young kids. I recommend it to every parent. It has escalated Daniel’s confidence in and out of the water and allowed me to (finally) relax when we’re near a pool. He jumps in at the deep end and swims to an exit. If he is suddenly in too deep, he rolls to his back and rests for a minute to get his bearings. It’s ridiculously cool.
The past few days we have spent lots of time swimming at friends’ pools and have enjoyed every minute. No stress or fear – for him or us.
In a lot of ways, Daniel grew up over these past six weeks. It’s been fun and bittersweet to watch his body change and lengthen, his muscles achieve more definition, and his face continue to thin out. The confidence and pride in his accomplishments only makes him seem even older.
Way to go, little man. We’re proud of you!
As a side note... nearly a month later... we went swimming at Daniel's Mema & Papa's pool. To see how well he had retained the technique, we pushed him in the deep end. He fell in head over heels and upside down. Once in, he paused underwater... checked his surroundings... then swam like a machine across the pool to the nearest exit. He was calm and poised... his technique was PERFECT and we have NEVER seen him swim that efficiently. WHOO HOO!
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