Since Zach and Joe were 6 months old, they have loved playing in water. The larger the amount, the more fun! I remember the first time we went to a pool, my little babies would flail to try and get away form me and be on their own in the water. It scared me!
Over the years, their love and lack of fear for water has been a concern to me.
My in-laws came to visit this past week-end and stayed in a hotel with a pool. Needless to say, we visited the pool twice. By the end of the second visit, Zach had become Freak Boy in the water! He insisted on not wearing the water floaties, and performing 'tricks' for us. He learned to: swim underwater (he opens his eyes and can travel about a foot and a half); jump in, from the side, unassisted and uncaught; do a flip from the side into the water. (his head looked to be about three inches from the edge....ahhhh!).
Watching him tormented me! My mother-in-law and I were not in the pool but watching from the sidelines and Ben was in with the kids. Zach would stay under longer than we could handle and we'd end up yelling at Ben to pull him to air. Right after we'd yell, Zach would pop up like nothing was out of the ordinary and wipe his eyes.
Honestly, just thinking about it brings tears to my eyes! I was so scared several times the memory is frightening to me.
Any advice to help keep me calm?
The picts were taken last year at our Aunt's pool.
5 comments:
Is Zach available to teach swim lessons? Wow, that's impressive! That would have made my heart stop also. All I can say is PRAY every time they enter the water. Lisa told me that she prayed for Aaron's safety before every soccer game and he was never even close to being seriously injured and there were a few times he should have been, humanly speaking.
Hi Katie!
Coming from a Mom with 3 boys, who all love any form of water...I would say swim lessons. I am feeling way more comfortable this summer knowing that, at least Noah, knows what he is doing in the water. We feel comfortable going to water parks (kid friendly!!) this summer.
He may be an Olympic swimmer some day!!!
If only there was a YMCA within 10 miles of us! The swim lessons they provid are great. Love the praying insparation Anna.....boy did I pray while they were in the water! So now the questions is....who knows of a swim instructor close to us and inexpensive???
Thanks to you too, Karen!
I agree with what was posted before...
My first thought was swim lessons. I know at MHCC (where we go/went) has a homeschool group that takes lessons. Part of the (American Red Cross)lessons include water safety, which might make you feel better.
Before you go to a pool, you could let all the kids know what the rules are (especially if there isn't a lifeguard on duty)and what you feel comfortable with, and if they don't like it, they can watch their siblings. (?)
Also, some hotel pools have a sign with all the rules...
Just trying to brainstorm with you...
I'm so blessed to have wise friends! I loved all the advice and comments. I'll be putting them into practice. Thanks!
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