Awesome Aqua Tot

We've always known that our Sweet Skyler has a strong love for the water. She's always been comfortable and relaxed in a pool, lake or ocean. With that in our favor and after one-on-one, 30 minute private sessions for five straight days, our daughter was swimming. In fact, she learned to swim in just two days!

We took Skyler to Lakeland's Aqua Tots Swim School from July 2-July 6th. Her lessons started promptly at 4:30, so when we arrived a few minutes early, Sky kept occupied with the scooter.

She was so excited to swim. Can't ya tell?

Miss. Sarah was her instructor and during Skyler's 5th and final lesson, we were included in the session so we could take the teaching techniques with us and reinforce the skills.

Gammey joined us and our Princess was ready to show us her new found skill!

The lessons were very skill oriented. Here's Sky propelling herself to the wall independently. We were so impressed. Miss Sarah said she was a "natural" and quick learner.

A very happy swimmer....

Next came the "star fish" float. Another successful lesson.

This next exercise involved the noddle floating device. This taught Skyler how to keep her balance and learn to breath comfortably underwater as she kicked, going from one pool side to another. It also develops confidence.  

Our little mermaid was taught safety skills and could actually swim back to the ledge after being thrown in. Miss Sarah taught Skyler to propel to the pool stairs. I was amazed in how long she could hold her breath.  

After her final session, Skyler was awarded a t-shirt for completion and her very first medal. The coach's goal was to have Skyler complete stage two, but she surpassed that and earned a certificate for stage three! Needless to say, we were all beaming with pride!

Admiring her award....

Our proud & happy Angel... 

The five, 30 minute lessons were intense and goal driven. This program, SwimAmerica, is the learn to swim program of the American Swimming Coaches Association. The program is taught in 10 stations. We are encouraged to practice 25 minutes with Skyler, twice a week for 4-6 weeks, on the skills she learned. At that point, Skyler will be ready to advance through the SwimAmerica stations, learning four competitive strokes and perhaps being apart of a swim team. Many thanks to my friend, Becky Culmer, for recommending this awesome swim class.