Learning to Swim as An Adult: An Aqua-Tots Team Story

All across the world, in over 120 communities across 14 countries, Aqua-Tots Swim Schools instructors welcome children into the 90° pool to teach them everything they need to know for a lifetime of safe and confident swimming. However, often overlooked in the swim instruction industry are adults who lack essential water safety skills. In fact, “Only 13 percent of children who come from a non-swimming household will ever learn to swim,” the USA Swimming Foundation found.  

At Aqua-Tots Swim Schools, we are sensitive to the needs of adults who have yet to learn how to swim. We know that sometimes there are parents enrolling their kiddos in the very lessons they need as well. From our comfy red chairs, they sit and watch, curious whether they can still develop the swimming skills they need. And sometimes…just sometimes…those adults also work for Aqua-Tots Swim Schools Worldwide Franchise Headquarters. 

This is one such story…or two.

The Importance of Adult Swim Lessons

We believe in raising children up and providing them with life-saving swim skills that will last a lifetime. Yet, adults are also affected by water safety, and many have a need for the essential life skill as well. According to the Red Cross, “54% of Americans can’t swim well enough to save themselves.”

Aqua-Tots Employees Learn to Swim

Former Marketing Coordinator, Brittany, and Senior Designer, Jessika, began working at Aqua-Tots Swim Schools Worldwide Franchise Headquarters in January 2019, and it wasn’t long before team members realized that these gifted gals were more confident making a splash in the office than in the water. 

With our two talented team members working diligently to promote water safety for families all over the world, it was only natural that we informed them that we, too, offer swimming classes for adults. Learning to swim is an essential life skill that everyone—regardless of age, race or gender—deserves to learn. We understand that oftentimes learning to swim as an adult can be intimidating, but similar to children, we will come alongside any student to teach them lifesaving skills, including offering swim lessons for adult beginners. 

“I remember when our team found out that we couldn’t swim,” said Jessika. “My manager jumped out of her chair, raced down the hallway and came back five minutes later to tell me, ‘You’re getting swim lessons. You’re going to learn to swim at Aqua-Tots.’ I couldn’t believe it. I had spent my whole life in the shallow end, so the idea of learning how to swim—really swim—was overwhelming and exciting.” 

Their lack of swimming ability, however, wasn’t for lack of exposure to the water. 

“Growing up in Arizona, I was around water my whole life,” said Brittany. “But when I was six, my parents signed me up for swim lessons at a community pool. I was supposed to jump off the diving board, and I didn’t want to, so mid-air, I grabbed hold of the diving board and wouldn’t let go. A lifeguard had to come get me and help me down. I still have scars on my arms from the diving board that day.” 

“When I was nine, I went swimming with my brother,” said Jessika. “We held onto the edge of the pool and scooted our way down to the deep end. My brother let go but didn’t realize how deep it was, and he got scared and pulled me under. That’s when I realized how dangerous the water could be if you didn’t know how to swim.”

The Swim Journey for Adult Lessons 

Aqua-Tots Swim Instructor, Clare, came alongside Brittany and Jessika to help them overcome their apprehension around the water. 

“I cried during my first lesson,” said Brittany. “That’s how scared I was. But Clare was so calm and encouraging. She was patient with me and really calmed me down.” 

Jessika felt similarly about Clare. “She instantly helped me feel comfortable in the water. I was excited to learn to swim, and now Clare is the reason that I can.” 

As the first lesson evolved into several, our two talented Aqua-Tots family members were able to gain the skills and confidence that come with lifelong water safety skills. Today, Brittany and Jessika have a different perspective around the water. 

“Learning to swim as an adult changed my life,” said Brittany. “It gave me the courage to try other things that I was too scared to do when I was younger. I will always be grateful for the gift I was given in learning to swim.”

“When I was learning to swim, I had one primary motivation,” said Jessika. “My husband and I were taking the trip of a lifetime to Hawaii, and I was determined to go snorkeling with him. And I did it! I had never had the courage to go into the ocean before, and it was amazing. When I was swimming through the water, I was shocked at how fast I could go, and I thought, ‘Hey! Look at me!’” 

Whether you’re cheering on a 4-month-old, 4-year-old or 40-year-old—from the red chairs or from the pool yourself—Brittany and Jessika are here to remind you that it’s never too late to learn how to swim safely. Contact your neighborhood Aqua-Tots Swim Schools today to inquire about adult swim lessons.