Wednesday 6 April 2016

CHLOE: I LOVE THE WATER BUT I CAN'T SWIM!

Reader Chloe has a problem for Coco Tanberry to solve - can Coco help Chloe find her confidence?

Chloe says:
I like the water, but I can't swim... when I was younger I used to get eczema whenever I went in the pool, so swimming lessons were out. These days I don't seem to react to the water, and it's not that I'm scared of the pool either - I'm not. Last week I was at a pool party with friends and I'm not sure how it happened, but I went under and swallowed a lot of water and had to be rescued. My parents got a scare - so did I - and we all agree I need to learn to swim. My problem is that I will be mortified to join a class of little kids, as I really will need to start at the beginning. I'd be so embarrassed, I just don't think I could do it! Help!

Coco says:
Hmmm... if you are going to go to pool parties or have fun in the water, you need to be able to swim, end of story. If that means joining a class of younger beginners, then do it - after all, next time you get into trouble in the water, there may not be someone handy to save you. This matters! Ask your parents to investigate local swimming classes. As well as children's classes, many pools run classes for older beginners. If you join one of these, you may find yourself with adults of all ages, but at least you won't be worrying about being the oldest! Another option is to book some one-to-one lessons with an instructor, or get a parent to teach you. Whichever option you take, please do get this sorted... swimming is great exercise and loads of fun. It's something everyone should be able to do! Good luck... and enjoy!

Cathy says:
I used to be very scared of the water when I was younger, but swimming is probably my favourite exercise now. I'm definitely with Coco... I think Chloe needs to get brave and do this! Do YOU agree with Coco's advice? COMMENT BELOW to have your say!

3 comments:

  1. Chloe, I know how your feeling. I was the exact same but then I got lessons. At first there were only little ones there but then I got one on one lessons. It was loads of fun and I learnt loads, I'd recommend telling the people at your local swimming club about not wanting to be with little kids then they can help. Ciara��

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  2. I think private swimming lessons is the way to go with this, even if it's just until you are confident enough to join group lessons. One on one you'll get more help a learn quicker. You could start with that and move to group lessons after so you wouldn't have to start with the little ones. As an eczema sufferer there are LOADS of creams you can get if it does start again, you can apply them before you enter the pool and it acts as a barrier. Good Luck :) xxx

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  3. I can't swim either. Well, not very well. Whenever we have swimming lessons at school, I'm never any good, and it doesn't help that he swimming instructor is a WITCH! But if you get invited to a pool party with your friends and you can't swim, don't get upset! If they are REALLY your friends they won't mind. Besides, dangling your legs in the water is the new fashion! I agree that private lessons might be best, but don't feel like you have to do that. For me, I already do different activities after school so I would not ask my parents. My advice is to ask a friend or sibling to teach you, that is how I learnt! The brother who taught me is deaf, so it wasn't like I could say no! Good Luck!

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