best way to get a 10 yo to be a stronger swimmer

He's not a big fan of swimming. But likes fishing. I took him to lessons up to stroke clinic at the pool, but stroke clinic was too much for him 2 years ago, and last year he balked. Won't learn from me, even tho I taught lessons in high school/college. I want him to swim well enough to be safe when we all go fishing, or in case of emergency. Any ideas? I think we are joining the pool again this summer. Thanks!

I would first of all insist he wear a lifesaving device/ life jacket /PFD of some sort, all the time, while fishing.
Other than that, lots of fun time spent in the deep end of the pool, since he doesn't want formal lessons. Good luck! horseplay with his buddies will strengthen him w/o his realizing it and w/o you nagging him (not accusing you ) but just saying, if he won't take lessons, make lots of time for fun in the deep end. he will want to swim to escape being dunked, if my memory of 10 yr old boys is intact… good luck!

I agree with @critterlover about how "horsing around" can make him stronger and more confident in the water if you are less concerned about the perfection of his stroke/form. I would also highly recommend private lessons with a male lifeguard. Or if you can swing it for a little while, you might consider joining lifetime. It is definitely pricey but it was well worth it for my daughter who was a reluctant swimmer. The instructors are firm/demanding and yet enthusiastic/fun at the same time and the pool is heated which made a difference for my daughter.

Agree with cup - both my kids are at Lifetime in private lessons because I want them to be better swimmers for safety reasons. Neither is interested in competing and I won't push them. Pricey, but worth it in my opinion.

And I can relate to your situation of having the background and skills to be able to teach my own kids to swim and yet for me it always ended up being a disaster! I was on a swim team my entire childhood and yet every lesson with my daughter ended in tears. That is when we ended up at Lifetime.

What does membership typically cost at Lifetime? Ideally I'd like a place where we can renew by month and not annually.

I had a reluctant swimmer in my house too - we signed on for private lessons at the West Essex Y in Livingston - made a big difference with regard to the swimmer's confidence/ability and my peace of mind.

A few of the lifeguard at the maplewood pool teach private lessons when they are not on duty. This might be work for your son. PM me for most info.

sunnybrook said:

I had a reluctant swimmer in my house too - we signed on for private lessons at the West Essex Y in Livingston - made a big difference with regard to the swimmer's confidence/ability and my peace of mind.

We also used and were very happy with the West Essex Y. I like the group lessons and feel learning to swim in a group can work well to push the reluctant swimmer a bit (to keep up with the group) and to have more fun doing it. I think individual lessons can be more stressful for the learner (though I recognize others may have a different experience).

agree that group lessons can motivate by being fun, positive peer pressure etc. but that didn't fly for my kid. He'd happily sit on the edge of the pool. There was NO place to hide in a private lesson, he had no choice but to participate (plus there were zero familiar faces over in Livingston so he wasn't embarrassed).

I've been at lifetime since it opened, so don't know if you can sign up monthly. Give them a call and take a tour.

I used to love going to The Connection in Summit, as well. Never tried their private lessons, but know people who have and are happy.

Our rates for Lifetime are $100 for one adult and $10 for each kid per month. However, we originally signed up a few years ago and I know that rates have gone up since then (especially the add on kid rate). We also frequently put our membership on hold status (and pay $15 a month) to keep our rate where it is. I know many friends who do this since they signed up when the facility first opened and are paying an awesome rate!