Hear firsthand from a SwimRVA Learn-To-Swim Instructor about one of their students, Mary, and how she exemplified two key qualities of our program, courage and bravery, below:

 On the first day of Learn-to-Swim, I always start by asking the students their names, if they’ve ever swum before, and how they’re feeling. Mary G. shared that she had never swum before and felt both excited and nervous. I reassured her that these feelings were normal and that we would go at her pace.

After introducing her to the group, Mary chose to sit on the side of the pool while the other children entered using the slide-in method. When I checked in with her, she decided she wanted to try entering using the ladder. We walked over together, but once at the ladder, nerves set in, and she walked away. We then tried sliding into the pool from the side of the deck, where Mary gripped my hands tightly. I reassured her that I wouldn’t let go, and after a few moments, she bravely slid into the water.

Though Mary didn’t pass Station 1, she demonstrated two key qualities of our program: courage and success. She bravely faced her fear of entering the water and achieved her goal for the day—getting in. This first step has laid the foundation for future confidence and success in the water, and I’m excited to see her continue creating more positive experiences in aquatics.