January 10, 2010: Miracle Swimming in 2010: What's Next?
A two-degree shift (out of 180) has taken place by the Aquatics Instruction industry toward realizing that half the population, those who are afraid in water, must not be taught swimming mechanics in swimming lessons. These two degrees are cause for some celebration, but God, there's a lot of work left.
"What do you mean, don't teach mechanics in swimming lessons?" you say. I mean first you teach people how to be themselves in the water and how the water works. Then you can teach them mechanics.
You thought people didn't need to know that, right? You thought it was a given. It is a given for half the population—the people you've succeeded with. But all those who quit, failed, became discouraged, or never signed up for class in the first place make up the half that that system doesn't work for.
In 2010, how many instructors will become what we call at Miracle Swimming, "21st Century Instructors?" In other words, instructors who teach people how to be comfortable and in control in water, both shallow and deep? This is what swimming is. When people are there, they can swim. Then they're ready to learn freestyle. Or backstroke.
Yes, some of you already do this. You're at the leading edge. Now help Miracle Swimming to spread this knowledge to the Y and the Red Cross so every swimming student can be successful, including the wannabe students who are afraid to come to class, not just half of them.
Have a comment? Please post it by clicking on the Add Comment link above. Your ideas are welcome. We just ask that you follow rules of civil pubic discourse.
"What do you mean, don't teach mechanics in swimming lessons?" you say. I mean first you teach people how to be themselves in the water and how the water works. Then you can teach them mechanics.
You thought people didn't need to know that, right? You thought it was a given. It is a given for half the population—the people you've succeeded with. But all those who quit, failed, became discouraged, or never signed up for class in the first place make up the half that that system doesn't work for.
In 2010, how many instructors will become what we call at Miracle Swimming, "21st Century Instructors?" In other words, instructors who teach people how to be comfortable and in control in water, both shallow and deep? This is what swimming is. When people are there, they can swim. Then they're ready to learn freestyle. Or backstroke.
Yes, some of you already do this. You're at the leading edge. Now help Miracle Swimming to spread this knowledge to the Y and the Red Cross so every swimming student can be successful, including the wannabe students who are afraid to come to class, not just half of them.
Have a comment? Please post it by clicking on the Add Comment link above. Your ideas are welcome. We just ask that you follow rules of civil pubic discourse.
