Getting Your Kids Swim Ready

baby swimming

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Getting Your Kids Swim Ready

The aches and pains that go hand in hand in pregnancy can be tough on a woman’s body. When I was pregnant with my first child Jackson, we were stationed in San Diego. I met a group of other military moms who were also expecting their first child. Together, we created a swimming village of mamas that would meet a few times a week. Due to its low impact and sense of reawakening, I fell in love with the sport. I would feel weightless in the water and just go for hours. Over ten years later, we are all still friends and still occasionally get together for swim sessions.

As much as I love to surf and swim, getting my kids in at an early age has been incredible for their health and safety. As in many places, swimming is a way of life in Southern California, and the sport encourages a healthy level of physical and social activity. The Bay Club promotes an active lifestyle all year long and their emphasis on swimming provides everything I could possibly want for my children.


Freedivers can hold their breath for more than 10 minutes. The world record for breath-holding is 22 minutes, which is currently held by Stig Severinsen.


pool kids pool kids pool kids baby swimming swim lessons

Start Swim Lessons Early

The Bay Club‘s professional aquatic staff is dedicated to providing the highest quality programs and education to help you and your family reach your goals. All new members receive a 30-minute swim consultation with a swim instructor that’s offered anytime within open club hours. I enrolled all four of my children for very obvious reasons. Learning to swim is a non-negotiable, and by teaching my children to swim, I am reducing the risk of an unwanted emergency.

According to the National Safety Council, drownings are the second leading cause of preventable death through age 15. Because of that, and to get Brody comfortable in the water at an early age, I decided to start him off right away. Stefano, his swim instructor, was very nurturing, and really in tune with Brody’s ambivalence to the water. Patience is a top quality I look for in a swim instructor, and keeping Brody confident in the water is a close second. Stefano asked me to stay close by so the baby knew it was okay, and the use of toys also kept him interested in staying in the water. With Brody’s progression and comfort level, I am now doing lessons once a week, so at this early age, if there’s ever an accident near the water, he’ll know just what to do.


Swimming became an Olympic sport in 1908, but women were not allowed to participate until 1912. Australian swimmer, Fanny Durack, became the first woman to win a gold medal in the 100-yard freestyle in the same year.


pool kid swim lessons

Reduce the Risk of Water Accidents

Roman is in group swim lessons. Every week, he meets for 30 minutes with an instructor to learns the proper way to swim, followed by free swim afterwards. With a maximum of three kids each, these groups are great! They focus on his stroke, floating and becoming a stronger swimmer. Because of this, he is learning new things at each lesson, and I can see his confidence level increase week after week. I’m certain that he would now know what to do if he ever got pulled into deeper water.


A 2014 American Red Cross survey revealed that half of Americans cannot swim and only 55 percent of Americans can perform five basic swimming skills.


child swimming swim instructor

Sign Your Kids Up For Classes

At Bay Club, there’s truly something for every age and skill level. My older two children are on the pre-team. There are a few things I love about this program. First, it’s three days a week, keeping my kids in stellar swim shape. The class meets for 30 minutes, and it’s nonstop practicing the various styles and strokes of swim. I am such a fan of the pre-team, and if your child’s speed is up to par, he/she could be asked to join the swim team, which is an hour-long practice.

Aquatics Director, Nico Kintz is a two-time Olympic Games finalist; once in Sydney in 2000 and again in Athens in 2004. The Bay Club is running a tip top program for all ages, and no matter what level you are, they have you covered.

Check Out the Kids Water Programs

Private or Semi-Private Lessons
All new members receive a 30-minute swim consultation with a swim instructor. Offered any time within open club hours.

Parent and Child Class
For children age 6 months to 2 years of age. Complimentary for Family members.

Group Lessons
Excellent learning and social environment for children 3-9 years old.
Sessions run monthly and they set their group classes by age and ability with 3 swimmers maximum.

Pre-Swim Team
Designed for children age 4 – 7 years old who are almost ready for swim team. Children must be able to perform 25 yards of freestyle and backstroke. Six Swimmers max per instructor.

Bay Club Swim Team
The Swim Team is a year round program lead by Head Coach Pete Murphy. Murphy has ten plus years of coaching experience. The team is made up of 5 levels with level 1 Novice to Level 5 Elite. They offer practice 6 days a week.

Master Swim
Swimming program for adults located in the 80-degree, adult lap Pool. The Masters program is designed to meet the needs of those who wish to compete in swimming, triathlons or those just interested in a general workout. Must be able to swim 100 yard free.

Water Polo
The Bay Club’s Water Polo Program includes a USA Water Polo team and AquaGoal. The Head Coach is Stefano Mattesini.


The average high school swimmer swims 1 million strokes per season.


pool kid swim lessons swim lessons baby swimming swim instructor swim lessonsGet Those Member Benefits

You do NOT have to be a member of The Bay Club for your kids to join their many “learn-to-swim” opportunities. However, if you are a member, the rates are discounted. You can go on a tour at The Bay Club at any time, and see why I’m such a fan of the swim program. Good news is, if you do, three-day passes are available! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed. The Bay Club is not only fun and well rounded for the kids, it gives mom the opportunity to work, work out, refresh and relax. And at the end of the day, we’re all the best versions of ourselves after a workout and a little relaxation. With that being said, I think I will take some time to jump back in, and make a splash for both my mind and my body!

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