Swimming Lesson Waiting List Stress? Smart Strategies & Alternatives for Learning to Swim Faster

Does this sound familiar? You want to enrol your child in swimming lessons, but the waiting lists are long . In some cities, the waiting time can be up to two years . That can be quite a shock. After all, you want your child to be water safe as soon as possible. But what can you do if your child is on a waiting list for swimming lessons? Don't panic! In this article, we'll give you smart strategies and alternatives to bridge the waiting time and teach your child to swim faster. This way, your child can start swimming lessons quickly, or use the time wisely to get used to the water.

Why are there long waiting lists for swimming lessons?

The long waiting lists for swimming lessons are a complex problem with several causes :

Shortage of swimming instructors: There is a national shortage of qualified swimming instructors . This means that swimming pools can offer fewer lessons.
Catching up after corona: During the corona pandemic, many swimming lessons were cancelled, creating a need for a big catch-up .
Increasing demand: More and more parents see the importance of swimming lessons, which is increasing the demand.

The result? Long waiting lists and stressed parents. But fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get your child water safe quickly(er).

Smart strategies to bypass the waiting list

How do you make sure your child doesn't spend unnecessarily long on a waiting list? Here are a few smart strategies:

Enrol early: Enrol your child for swimming lessons as early as possible, sometimes this is possible from the age of 4 . Keep in mind that some children benefit more from starting a little older, as they understand the instructions better .
Be flexible with locations and times: Don't just look at the swimming school closest to home, but also explore other options in the area. Sometimes there are swimming schools with shorter waiting lists or different lesson times that might suit you better.
Enquire about the flow: Ask the swimming school how quickly children typically progress to the next level. Some swimming schools have a faster flow than others.
Actively enquire: Contact the swimming school regularly to ask if a place has become available. Sometimes places become available unexpectedly.

Alternatives to regular swimming lessons

Is the waiting list really too long? Then consider these alternatives to regular swimming lessons:

Private swimming lessons: Private swimming lessons are an intensive way to teach your child to swim quickly . The instructor can focus all their attention on your child, making the lessons more effective. This is especially useful if your child needs extra attention or is afraid in the water .
Turbo swimming lessons: Turbo swimming lessons, also known as intensive courses, are intensive courses where your child learns the basics of swimming in a short period of time . Sometimes your child can get a swimming certificate within a few weeks. This is a good option if your child needs to be water safe before the summer holidays, for example .
Survival swimming: With survival swimming, your child learns to save themselves in the water . Think of floating, swimming on their back and climbing out of the water. This is a good way to lay the foundation for regular swimming lessons.
Parent and child swimming: Parent and child swimming is a fun way to familiarise your child with water early on . Together with your child, you play games in the water, making your child feel comfortable and get used to the water.

Bridging the waiting time: practising at home and getting used to the water

See the waiting time as an opportunity to playfully prepare your child for swimming lessons . Here are a few tips:

Make bath time a party: Let your child get used to water by making it a fun experience. Use toys, sing songs and practice splashing and throwing water over their face .
Practice floating: Let your child float on their back and stomach in the bath. This helps to experience the feeling of weightlessness and relax in the water .
Learn the leg stroke: Practice the leg stroke of the breaststroke and front crawl on the side. This way, your child can already master the movements .
Go swimming regularly: Take your child to the swimming pool to swim and play freely. This will familiarise your child with the swimming pool and the water.
Consider private lessons: Consider a few private lessons to give your child a head start as soon as there is a place in the regular lessons.

You can also do exercises at home to prepare your child :

Dry exercises: Practice the swimming strokes on the sofa or on the bed. Have your child imitate the arm and leg movements .
Wet exercises: Practice floating on your back and stomach in the shower or in the bath .

By practising at home, you increase your child's water feeling and make the transition to swimming lessons easier.

Fear of water? How to help your child

Does your child have a fear of water? Then take this seriously and don't force your child . Here are a few tips to help your child:

Start calmly: Let your child get used to the water step by step. For example, start with just their feet in the water and build it up slowly.
Make it fun: Play games in the water and create a relaxed atmosphere. Avoid negative comments or pressure.
Seek professional help: There are swimming schools that specialise in children with a fear of water. They can guide your child in a calm and professional manner.
Take your time: Overcoming fear of water takes time. Be patient and give your child the space to get used to the water at their own pace.

Water safety: more than a diploma

A swimming certificate is important, but it is not a guarantee of water safety . Always stay alert and keep an eye on your child near water, even after obtaining the certificate . According to the Dutch National Council for Swimming Safety, your child only meets the National Standard for Swimming Safety with the C diploma . The A and B certificates are intermediate steps .

Swimming certificate A: You master skills for a swimming pool without attractions .
Swimming certificate B: You master skills for a swimming pool with attractions, such as a slide .
Swimming certificate C: You master skills for a swimming pool with attractions and in open water without currents .

So make sure your child not only gets an A certificate, but continues for the B and C certificates. This way, your child is optimally prepared for all situations in and around the water. And encourage your child to continue practicing swimming skills even after the C certificate. For example, take a look at Help! My child doesn't want to swim after C: Causes & Solutions

Looking for swimming lessons? ZwemlesWijzer can help you!

Waiting lists for swimming lessons can be frustrating, but there are plenty of ways to bridge the waiting time and get your child water safe quickly(er). By applying smart strategies, considering alternatives and practising at home, your child will soon be able to enter the water with pleasure and confidence. And don't forget: water safety is more than a certificate!

Are you looking for a swimming school in your area? Use Compare swimming lesson providers in your city to find the best option. Compare swimming lessons on location, price, method and reviews, and find the perfect swimming lesson for your child. Read more about lesson methods or view the knowledge base for parents for more information and tips. For example, you can specifically search for swimming lessons in Amsterdam, swimming lessons in Rotterdam or swimming lessons in Utrecht.

Swimming Lesson Waiting List Stress? Smart Strategies & Alternatives