WATER SAFETY DAY 2019

Saturday, May 18, 2019 is WATER SAFETY DAY at Goldfish Swim School locations across the country. This annual event educates children about being safe in and around water through an entertaining festival atmosphere. Stop by to participate in presentations with Bubbles, the Goldfish Swim School mascot, and take in safety demonstrations and drills with staff lifeguards. Plus there are fun activities, crafts and games to enjoy as well.

Water Safety Day is open to all families with children living in communities where the swim schools are located. Your family doesn't have to be enrolled in Goldfish Swim School and it is FREE to participate in this golden experience. This Water Safety Day experience is a great way to reinforce the danger of drowning with kids, provide them with water safety tips, meet the staff at Goldfish Swim School and check out the pool facilities.

Contact your local Goldfish Swim School for specific details about what specific locations have planned for this year's WATER SAFETY DAY as well as the hours when their activities will take place. Find a location near you by visiting goldfishswimschool.com. There are Goldfish Swim Schools across the USA in Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin; as well as in Ontario Canada.

A Geek Daddy is a brand ambassador for Goldfish Swim School. In exchange for sharing my family's experiences at Goldfish Swim School, ageekdaddy.com receives complimentary products and services. Opinions expressed are honest and my own. We have been going to this swim school for a number of years and wouldn't have continued this partnership for so long if they hadn't earned a Geek Daddy nod of approval.

THE VALUE OF 30 MINUTE SWIM CLASSES

For several years we enrolled my son and daughter in swimming lesson sessions with hour long classes at a local community pool.  So it seemed odd that when they started taking classes at Goldfish Swim School their lessons were only thirty minutes long.  Yet after just one year at Goldfish the twins' swimming skills have positively progressed significantly more than they did over the three year span taking classes at that other place.

Here are three reasons why thirty minute lessons have worked out great for my kids at Goldfish Swim School:

• Small Class Size -- lessons are limited to 4 students or less per instructor.  This really allows the teachers to interact with the students in their class and get to know the kids' strengths and weaknesses.  My son and daughter have been in classes at other facilities that had 8 to 12 kids in it. You get a lot more quality swimming time learning in the pool when an instructor is attentive on helping 2 to 4 kids instead of eight or more. Our family found out first-hand how this can make such a big difference!
• Attention Span --  in developing their results-oriented lesson plans Goldfish Swim School determined that after thirty minutes kids begin to tire out and lose focus.  Once a child stops being actively involved in a lesson or starts having his or her mind wander, they stop retaining information and become less productive.  Goldfish strives to have kids get the most out of the time they are in the pool.
  
  My kids are always tuckered out when they finish a Goldfish Swim School class so I know they are getting a workout. Since their swim strokes have been consistently improving this thirty minute approach is obviously working. I have to agree these lessons really seemed nicely timed to capture my son and daughter's attention span.
• Perpetual Lessons -- when taking lessons at other pools there often would be weeks and sometimes months between class sessions.  That's not the case with Goldfish Swim School!  Kids keep the same time and day for their lesson continuously throughout the year until they graduate to a new achievement level.  This consistency enhances the overall quality of a child's comfort with swimming and their skill development.  My kids look forward to having swim lessons EVERY week since we started going to Goldfish Swim School.

We've really had a golden experience at Goldfish Swim School.  I've been incredibly impressed by the impact their swim lessons have had on my kids.  So of course they've earned A Geek Daddy nod of approval. With classes available for toddlers through tweens head over to your local Goldfish Swim School and get your kids swimming.

For more information, please visit goldfishswimschool.com

FIVE REASONS MY FAMILY LOVES GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL

Show some love for a child in your life by providing them with swimming lessons at Goldfish Swim School.  They have programs for children ranging from 4 month old babies to twelve year old tweens that develop swimming abilities and water safety skills in facilities that are specifically designed to be kid-friendly.  My son and daughter have been taking lessons at Goldfish Swim School and I can personally attest that we've had an exceptional experience there. 

It has been amazing watching my twins' progress in mastering swimming strokes and seeing them develop an increased self-confidence in the pool.  Numerous happy families like my own caught the attention of the DETROIT FREE PRESS  which published a feature story highlighting how Goldfish Swim School has grown over the last ten years to become one of the largest children's swimming lesson providers within the United States.  So what is it that sets this swim school apart from others?

Here are five reasons why my family loves Goldfish Swim School:

• INDOOR POOLS:  Children can swim anytime of the year no matter what the weather is like outside in Goldfish Swim School's indoor pools that are always shiver-free heated to a comfy 90 degrees. 
• EASY TO SCHEDULE CLASSES:  Many swim schools offer one specific time take it or leave it for their classes; but that isn't the case with Goldfish Swim School.  They offer a number of options for each of their class levels to choose from throughout the week providing flexibility to help parents find a day and time for their children's lessons that best fits into their family's schedule.  
• MAKE UP CLASSES:  Scheduling conflicts arise that is just a fact of life.  A child may be sick, have a grade school function to be at or a sports game scheduled for the same time as a swim lesson.  With many swim schools you just miss the class and wasted the money you spent on it.  Goldfish Swim School takes a different approach providing no fuss / no hassle make up classes.  Just inform them a child won't be at his or her normal class in advance and the staff will arrange for a make up session on another date.  This can be done twelve times per year without  losing out on lessons or incurring additional charges.
• SMALL CLASS SIZES:  Ensuring each student gets plenty of attention from their instructor and swimming time in the pool during a lesson is a priority at Goldfish Swim School.  Therefore swim lessons are limited to four students per class with the exception of parent-tot programs and the Swim Force swim team which differentiate a bit in their ratios.  
• PROGRESS REPORTS:  After EVERY class, instructors provide parents with individual poolside progress reports for their children. Personalized details for each student are conveyed informing a parent about what was worked on during the lesson, noting positive accomplishments  by the child and highlighting areas where there is need for improvement.  

These are just a few examples of why Goldfish Swim School has earned A Geek Daddy nod of approval.  Stay tuned to ageekdaddy.com as I continue to share my family's experiences at Goldfish Swim School throughout the year.  Plus if you are interested in signing a child up for some swim lessons head over to goldfishswimschool.com.  There are currently more than 60 locations in the country spread across 23 states plus one near Toronto in Canada with another 20 locations planning to open in North America by the end of the year. 

Merry Goldfishmas

** A Geek Daddy is a brand ambassador for Goldfish Swim School **

It may be cold and snowy outside but the water is always warm when kids jump in the indoor pool for swimming lessons at Goldfish Swim School during the winter months.   My daughter looks forward all week to the day when her swim class arrives.  Not only has she been having lots of fun and getting some great exercise but her swimming skills have become quite remarkable under Goldfish Swim School's tutelage.

The swimming abilities of both my children have improved more in the last year than in four years previously spent taking lessons somewhere else.  I can honestly say that working with Goldfish Swim School as a brand ambassador has been a highlight of my blogging experience and one of the most valuable partnerships A Geek Daddy has been involved with.  My kids have not only become more athletically skilled when it comes to swimming through their lessons but have learned some valuable safety lessons too.  In fact, we attribute Goldfish Swim School for helping my son properly handle himself when he found himself over his head in a scary situation at a water park during a vacation last summer.  My daughter's continued advancement through various levels of swimming instruction over the year and mastery of a number of swim strokes has also made a noticeable difference in enhancing her self confidence both in the pool and at elementary school.

We went to the kids last swim class of the year before the facility closes for two weeks to complete seasonal maintenance and refurbishments with a thank you gift for the staff in recognition of the exceptional service and experiences we've had at Goldfish Swim School.  Christmas cookies that looked like Bubbles the Goldfish Swim School mascot!  My wife did the baking, the kids decorated the cookies, and I taste tested them for quality control before we wrapped them up and brought them with us to the kids swim lesson.  Merry Goldfishmas!

Our year at Goldfish Swim School wrapped up on a real high note with my daughter being told after her lesson that she has advanced enough to participate on the school's competitive swim team.  She has been talking about doing this all year long and was ecstatic about the news.  Being invited to join the Goldfish Swim Force Team made this holiday season especially wonderful for her this year!

Congrats to Amanda M. from Macomb Twp. Michigan who won two months of free swimming lessons for her daughter in A Geek Daddy's Goldfish Swim School Holiday Giveaway.  Interested in lessons for the kids in your life?  To look for a Goldfish Swim School location near you or to find more information about their programs, please visit goldfishswimschool.com

SWIM LIKE A GOLDFISH

**  Sponsored by Goldfish Swim School **

My daughter has been excited this summer that we've been able to spend some time at some of Michigan's great beaches putting her swimming lessons from Goldfish Swim School to use.  The state's lakes may be a bit cold and the water is murkier than you'll find when visiting an ocean location, but on the positive side they're filled with fresh water and you don't need to be worried about bumping into a shark during a swim.  That being said the water can still be dangerous if you don't treat it with caution and respect.  Goldfish Swim School has provided my kids with the necessary skills to be confident swimmers who know what they need to do to be safe in the water.  This lets them have more freedom and fun at the lake or in a pool; and while I still keep a watchful eye over them it makes me a lot less nervous about something bad happening when they are in the water.

In addition to teaching a mastery of a variety of swimming strokes, Goldfish Swim School's lessons also include aspects that help kids develop an increased comfort level in the water and essential safety skills.  Before we attended Goldfish Swim School, my kids really hated putting their heads under the water.  Now they love swimming underwater and really have demonstrated some incredible breath control being able to stay submerged longer than I actually can based upon the diving ring drill incorporated into their swim classes.  They LOVE diving to find toys, rocks or shells underwater whenever they can!  Plus whether it is for leisure or an emergency occurs they know how to handle themselves underwater now.

Beyond learning swimming strokes being able to tread water for an extended period of time is a skill that is reinforced at Goldfish Swim School.  So if children find themselves in water where they can't touch instead of panicking they have the ability to tread water and think about their options.  Maybe it is staying in place waiting for help or it could be swimming to a safer spot.  Avoiding panic and making intelligent decisions is one of the best ways to stay safe when trouble in the water arises.

Get dragged away from the shore by a current or have to evacuate a boat that is too far to swim to safety?  Goldfish Swim School makes sure kids are able to flip from various positions onto their back to do the dead man's float.  This is one of the most important water survival skills to have because it allows people to stay safely afloat preserving energy and oxygen when they may not have the stamina or swimming skills to handle the circumstances.  It is also an invaluable technique for kids with limited swimming experience who may find themselves in a deep pool.

For beginning swimmers, Goldfish Swim School also works on making sure little ones know how to get in and out of a pool.  They have a drill Jump, Turn, Swim to the Wall where kids learn what to do when they become immersed in water to safely get out and work on it repeatedly to make sure they have the routine down.  The kids are also taught the Fin, Fin, Belly, Flipper (Elbow, Elbow, Tummy, Knee) which shows them how to get out of a pool by manipulating their bodies.

Yes we aren't going to have to avoid sharks in Michigan, but there are still dangers to be aware of such as cramps, currents, drop offs and reckless behavior.  Goldfish Swim School provides kids with practical guidance on how to handle these type of situations.  Plus thanks to their lessons my kids are really good swimmers now too! So while you aren't likely to see a shark in the Great Lakes State there is a very good chance you'll come across a ... Goldfish.

Goldfish Swim School has nine locations in Michigan and also has franchises in Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Ontario, Canada.  Classes range from parent-tot sessions to swimming lessons for kids up to 12 years old.  For more information, visit goldfishswimschool.com

FUN THINGS TO DO OUTSIDE THE POOL AT GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL

** This post was sponsored by Goldfish Swim School **

We always arrive a half hour early to my kids swimming lessons at Goldfish Swim School so they are ready to go and don't miss a minute of class.  My kids are never bored showing up early though because there are plenty of fun things to do outside the pool.  Just another reason we've had a golden experience at Goldfish Swim School!

The twins love to draw on the large chalk boards in the waiting area and sometimes I have to pull them away so they aren't late for class even though we arrived early and are only a few feet from the pool.  They've really created some impressive drawings and the kids enjoy having the feeling they are helping decorate the place.  Plus there are always activity sheets and coloring pages tied to the swim school's monthly theme available to keep children occupied.  July's theme is "Celebrate Ocean Life."

Rushing out the door and forget to give the kids something to eat before leaving home?  Goldfish Swim School stocks a snack bar filled with affordable family-friendly items to help energize kids for their swimming lessons or re-fuel after class.  Items to eat range from bowls of Cheerios to Rice Krispy Treats along with juice or bottled water to drink.  They have coffee as well to help perk up moms and dads.

My son can't go into class without checking out the pair of turtles and tank of goldfish that are on display.  It is amazing how as many times as we've been there he is always fascinated with checking them out.  Have to admit I always go over and look at the turtles too whenever we're at Goldfish Swim School.

If you have toddlers and preschoolers there is also a play area stocked with games and toys to keep the little ones amused before they get in the pool.  As part of the theme of the month program, they also give out to students a small toy or puzzle that ties into it.  They really do a nice job with these giveaways and my kids are always on the lookout for them.

After class is over don't forget to grab a FREE balloon to take home with you!  At Goldfish Swim School your kids are sure to have fun in and out of the pool.  For more information, please visit goldfishswimschool.com.  You can also follow along with my family's fun times on Twitter and Instagram.

Water Safety Tips for Summer Fun

** This is a sponsored post by Goldfish Swim School **

Summer has just started and already a rash of children drowning across the nation are being reported.  This topic hit especially close to home for us when a young family member of one of my son's classmates  recently drowned.  While having fun in and around the water is a really great way to enjoy the summer please remember to always take safety precautions to help ensure that an enjoyable time doesn't turn into a tragic moment.  Chris McCuiston, co-founder of Goldfish Swim School, shared with A Geek Daddy water safety tips for when you are having some summer fun at the pool or beach:

Never leave a child unattended in or around water.  Make sure there is a designated watcher on duty and that kids aren't swimming alone.  Drowning can happen in the time it takes to send a text message or answer a phone call so don't let yourself be distracted when it is your responsibility to safeguard children in the water.

No matter what your age or skill level, always swim with at least one other person.  If something happens you know there is someone else in proximity to help out or go for help.

Making sure kids know how to swim is the best way to stay safe in the water.  Even for kids who "know" how to swim, lessons are still beneficial.  One key lesson taught at Goldfish Swim School is if a child falls in the water, have them turn around to look where they fell in, keep their head above water and swim to the edge where they came in.  Kids have a tendency to think the easiest way out is across the pool when they might be closer to the edge than they think.

Goldfish Swim School has programs for children as young as infants and toddlers that get them comfortable in the water and provide some basic safety skills for them and their parents.  Swim lessons are also offered for children 4 to 12 years old that range from providing basic skills necessary for swimming to mastering a variety of strokes.  Focused on providing lessons to children, Goldfish Swim School provides a highly personal experience for each student within a family-friendly facility.

Whether you are boating or swimming, make sure there are life preservers and U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests available for all swimmers.  Plus have a first aid kit handy as well.

While you shouldn't be on the phone while kids are swimming make sure you have one nearby so you can quickly call 911 if you need to.

Every second counts in an emergency!  Knowing CPR and other first aid skills can be a real life saver in an emergency while waiting for medical professionals to arrive and provide assistance.

No matter if you are an adult or a child it is always important to be cautious and respect the water.  Cramps, undertow, and other unexpected situations can put even the most skilled swimmer in jeopardy.  As much fun as it is to play and swim in the water it is important to always keep in mind that a dangerous situation can arise at anytime.

Spending time in and around the water is a part of summer that many people love.  Don't be afraid of water! Just make sure you're prepared to be safe by following these safety tips for summer fun and are always vigilant about being cautious around beaches and pools.  For more safety tips and information about swimming lessons, please visit goldfishswimschool.com.

Water Safety Day at Goldfish Swim School

** A Geek Daddy is a Goldfish Swim School Brand Ambassador **

Goldfish Swim Schools across the country are celebrating Water Safety Day on Saturday, May 20, 2017.  Participating locations will be open to the general public for this special event where they'll hosting a FREE open swim along with water safety presentations and other fun activities during the event.  Keep an eye out for the Goldfish Swim School mascot BUBBLES who will be helping instructors with presentations and be posing for photographs.  Visit goldfishswimschool.com to see if there is a location near you.

In addition to opening up the main pool for families to swim in and providing water safety tips, the facility my kids go to for swim lessons will be throwing a fun festival in their parking lot.  There will be bounce houses and inflatable playscapes along with a variety of activities, games and other family entertainment at the Birmingham, Michigan location from 4:30 to 6:30pm.  There is absolutely no charge for anything during the event and you don't have to be a swim school member to enjoy this golden experience! Just stop by for an entertaining time that will also provide your family with important information about being safe in the water.  Times and activities may vary at each venue so contact your local Goldfish Swim School for complete details about the schedule for their Water Safety Day event.

Goldfish Swim School understands that they have a responsibility to develop well-rounded swimmers so in addition to teaching swimming strokes they also incorporate water safety skills into each and every lesson.  They also put an emphasis on water safety by having Bubbles provide presentations on the topic to kids at local libraries and schools.  The highlight of their educational effort though is Goldfish Swim School's annual Water Safety Day in May which features educational presentations, safety skill stations in the pool with instructors helping kids practice important techniques, informational tables full of helpful resources, appearances by local police and fire departments along with the open family swim time, food, and games.

Knowing water safety tips is important all year long; but is especially vital to be vigilant during the spring and summer months when many families are most likely to be spending time in or near the water.  Whether you are boating on a river or lake, swimming in an ocean or pond, or playing around at a splash pad or waterpark, it is never silly to be overly cautious.  Here are six important questions every parent should ask themselves before allowing a child to be around the water:

1. When can my child swim alone?
Depending on a child's swimming skills you don't necessarily need to be in the water with them, but juveniles should always have someone within eye contact of them. Here are some more tips to keep in mind to help you determine if your child is ready to swim alone.  That being said, kids should always swim with a buddy and actually adults should too!  Having a buddy present in the water means there’s someone there to assist if needed, or to go get help should an emergency arise.

2. When should we use puddle jumpers and/or life jackets?
When learning to swim, we believe it is more beneficial for kids to learn without water wings, puddle jumpers or life jackets. However, every child should always wear life jackets when on a boat (and it’s generally the law in every state that kids ages 13 and younger must wear life jackets on boats). Beyond that, you’ll have to consider what kids of water you’re in, how deep it is, your child’s skill level, if you’re in the water, and other issues.

3. What are the signs of drowning?
Drowning happens quickly, and it can be difficult to notice because it doesn’t involve crazy splashing and loud yelling. If someone is having trouble in the water, they may quietly slip under the water. That’s why it’s important to recognize the signs of drowning and what to do if someone appears in distress.

4. How can I help my kids become better swimmers?
Did you know that teaching kids water safety helps kids to become better swimmers? It’s true. When kids – and all of us, really – understand what it takes to be safer in the water and implement those points, the focus can be on improving swim skills. Perpetual (year-round) swim lessons are best and truly helps keeps kids safer in the water.

5. How can we stay safe in an indoor pool?
Even if you’re not swimming outdoors, there are certain considerations that need to be made to stay safe at an indoor pool.  For instance, make sure young children aren’t enticed to go near the pool unattended to scoop up toys randomly floating around – and always keep an eye on your kids, even if there’s a lifeguard on duty.

6. What to do if I don’t know how to swim?
It can be quite the conundrum: How do you keep your kids safe in the water when you don’t know how to swim yourself? First of all, it’s important to not impart any fear of the water onto your kids. And teaching your kids to swim and learn the 5 things every kid should know how to do in the water helps empower your kids and yourself to be safer and confident in the water.

My kids and I will absolutely be attending Water Safety Day this year!  I hope you and your family will consider swinging by your local Goldfish Swim School on May 20th as well!  If your kids aren't taking lesson there it is a great chance to check out the facility as well.  They have classes that babies as young as 4 months old can participate in going up to programs including a swim team for kids up to twelve years old. We've just had a great experience since my kids joined Goldfish Swim School.