How do I know when my child is a “strong swimmer”?
Most parents have unrealistic perceptions about their child’s swimming skils. Isolated demonstration of a skill (like holding your knees face down and “bobbing” in the water like a chicken nugget in a vat of frying oil… favorite trick!) or “loves playing in the water” does not exemplify the endurance and confidence it takes to sustain a stoke over distance. A healthy love and respect for the water is essential, but the most assuring confirmation of your child’s ability is to see them swimming an uninterrupted, masterful and confident 300 yard freestyle.