When I was young, I had a fear of water that I’ve never quite got over. In fact, if I had my way, I’d never see the inside of the swimming baths again but as a parent, I’m determined that my two will be a lot more confident in the water and will enjoy swimming a lot more than I ever did. Which is why, once a fortnight we go to the local swimming baths together.
Miss Frugal has had lessons with the school and is really confident in the water, she has her 50 metre award and could probably swim more but I don’t think she really sees the point – ‘Why do I have to just swim up and down when Master Frugal gets to jump in and splash?’.
Master Frugal has no fear of the water at all and although he can’t swim properly yet, he can swim almost the breadth of the pool underwater and hold his breath under water for so long that I have to pull him up as I’m scared he’s going to drown 😉
I make it a point of knowing how far they can swim, how confident they are and what they are not yet capable of.
So, when it comes to getting an invitation to a swimming party, I know that Miss Frugal can go in the pool without me in there with her and without any arm bands. I also know that Master Frugal can’t go in the pool without his arm bands and plenty of adult supervision.
To me, that’s just common sense as I suspect it would be to most parents.
At a swimming party we were invited to last weekend, I was shocked when a child who had been dropped off in the reception of the swimming baths (the parents didn’t even stay while he got changed) almost drowned as the hosts of the party had not been made aware that he could not swim by either the parents or the child. The invite we were sent asked that an adult accompanied the child into the pool if they couldn’t swim. It also said that none swimmers MUST wear armbands.
This poor child had been left with no close adult supervision and no armbands, he wasn’t given any boundaries and ended up falling off in the deep end and going under the giant inflatable. Luckily the lifeguard noticed and sounded the alarms (scaring some of the other children) and dived in to rescue the child who was genuinely terrified by the time he was pulled out. Scary stuff!
After witnessing this, I’ve told my kids that we won’t be having a swimming party any time soon. I don’t want the responsibility of looking after the children whose parents just want to drop them off for a few hours peace and have no regard for their safety!
Oh and I do have another reason why we won’t having a swimming party – the whole wearing a swimsuit in front of the other parents puts me off more than a little 😉
Very amazing post.I like swimming very much.I hope everybody like swimming.Swimming make our body refresh.Thanks for this post.
Why do you hate swimming pool parties? I think its because of the dirt and filth that accumulates in the pool after the party.
I miss the old fashioned kids parties… the ones with a nice frock, some over coloured birthday cake and some daft party games. Made life simpler, less expensive and all the kids could participate. BRING BACK PASS THE PARCEL AND MUSICAL CHAIRS!
Ha ha I miss those too – lots cheaper.
How scary and absolutely irresponsible. What were the child's parents thinking? I would never just dump my child at a swimming pool without telling anyone the child needs swimming aids and supervision. I hate how some parents think parties are just a quick way to get some free time…
I think a lot of people think parties are like free babysitting, it's awful really.
My girl isn't a very strong swimmer at all but loves swimming (go figure!!) and I hate swimming parties with a passion! I make it very well known that she can't swim and bring it to the attention of the Parents…..I don't understand why you wouldn't??! At the last pool party Chick went too, one of the lifeguards jokingly pushed a kid in unaware that she couldn't swim! WTF??? Nah, my idea of hell! x
That's just ridiculous from a lifeguard – idiot!
My biggest fear right there! How irresponsible and that poor child. My daughter is 4 and she can't swim, there's no way i could drop her off! Not with at least making someone aware (although as it involves water i wouldn't be able to leave, i'd be watching like a hawk i'm afraid!)
It was awful – won't be doing it again!
As you know MIni who is a competent swimmer (100 meters plus) went to one of these swimming parties and fell off and tried to swim off, but actually went under the inflatable and similar happened. Even though MadDad was in the water with him. Maddad was busy trying to help the children that had been dumped who couldn't swim and didn't have armbands! . I couldn't go in the water at the time as I had a broken shoulder. The boys will never attend another one.
I don't think mine will be – too many other irresponsible parents to take the risk!