Parents and kiddos keep asking me how I got started in swimming and what keeps me loving the water so much?
 

I can remember my mom taking me to our neighborhood pool when I was two years old.  I would jump in from the side of the pool and swim 10 feet into my mother’s waiting arms.

As soon as I was old enough to hang out with my neighborhood friends, I would spend 4-5 hours a day at the local beach or the swimming pool  during the summer months .  At the age of seven I joined the local country club swim team and had my first taste of competition.  I don’t remember swimming any races, but I do remember getting my very first award; a plastic statue of Popeye the Sailor Man signifying the courage award which I still display on my office desk at home.

I fell in love with swimming at the age of two and I have been swimming ever since.  Here are just a few of the reasons  why it is important to inspire your kids to love the water.

To be with friends. For children of all ages, friendships are a big part of their lives. If they have several close friends that like to swim, they most likely will want to spend summers at the pool hanging out. 

To learn new skills. What happens when kids see some improvement? They get excited and want to learn more!  Whether it’s learning how to take three big doggie digs and rolling over, 

or keeping a tight streamline (sneaky alligator) kicking off the wall, there can be a lot of satisfaction in learning something new and it encourages them to keep learning new skills.

To receive some attention. When our kids do really well they’ll like the recognition and praise they get from swimming.  Whether it’s a ribbon, a medal, or a high five from one of our instructors, kids thrive on positive reinforcement and attaining goals.

Enjoyment of competition. Some kids love to race while others will compete, but it’s not their favorite thing.  Our Marlins developmental and USA Sailfish swim teams keep kids coming back to try harder and do better each time.  At JMSS we teach that the love of the sport comes from doing your best with coaches, parents and teammates cheering and supporting you on along the way. 

Because it’s fun. It’s fun for the whole family – from babies to grandparents - it is a great social activity for all age groups. At JMSS we want to inspire your kids by providing a safe and positive environment for learning. Our teaching approach is always high energy with positive reinforcement.  Remind your kids how far they’ve come and celebrate their progress along the way. Swim lessons are a process, not an event. Remember to encourage your kiddos to keep coming to class, practicing and building on their skills, and to develop their own love of swimming.