"The school mindset. In the fall, kids fall back into the routine of listening to teachers. My son will be more receptive to what a swim instructor has to say. I went to a swim class last summer to see what it was like, and I do remember some of the kids seemed to wander and not pay attention at times. Swim lessons are too important for my son’s safety to have him staring off into space. In the fall, he’s likely to pay better attention. He will be in the habit of school, and that is a key element in having him retain what he is taught in a swim class."

and

"A lifetime skill. My children will be around the water many times in their life. We will go to the community pool together, he will be invited to swim parties, and we’re planning to take family trips to the beach. The skills to feel confident and comfortable around the water will be very valuable throughout his life. That’s why I’m not going to just do beginning lessons – I will sign him up each fall for intermediate and advanced lessons. I want him not only to know how to swim, but be thoroughly schooled in water safety knowledge."