Learning new skills as an adult is always hard. Swimming is fun at any age, but taking the plunge when your children are already swimming laps can be a real challenge.
There are three key things to consider as when looking for adult learn to swim lessons:
Ultimately, do you want to swim for pleasure, enter a specific race, feel more confident in the ocean or join your friends for their weekly recreational swim? Identifying these goals and sharing them with your teacher will ensure the lessons work for you and you don't get frustrated. There's no point focusing on strength techniques if your goal is recreational swimming and a relaxed stroke and good buoyancy is more important.
Adult learn to swim lessons can be either private or group sessions. I find that many adults don't want to learn to swim in a group. For many reasons, learning to swim can make you feel vulnerable. You may feel scared, uncomfortable and uncoordinated. To make the most of the lessons you must be relaxed and feel able to go beyond your usual comfort zone without being self conscious. Private lessons are often a good option to start with as you can overcome initial reservations at your own pace and without the added distractions of other people in your class.
Do you need someone who will push you very hard, or would you prefer a gentler approach? Everyone is different. Go to the pool and watch the different teachers and the way they takes their lessons. Take time to select the teacher that seems right to you - don't feel pushed into taking lessons with the teacher allocated by the swim school. Teachers are flexible and helpful and will do all they can to accommodate your needs.
The important thing to remember is that adult learn to swim lessons should be fun! If you are starting to feel anxious or uncomfortable just talk to your teacher about it. They will be very happy to focus on your needs, but will only know what you want if you tell them.