ISR Refresher Lessons- Season 3, Week 3

Day 1
Julian returned to swim with another great day in the pool. He still attempts his "ugly" swim which his teacher calls it- referring to him trying to vertical swim as well as him trying to swim on his back. She continues to try to teach him to relax in his float, flip back and put his face underwater to swim to the wall. Tomorrow will be "funny day" winter clothes day. This is what she called it to try to get him to be comfortable wearing clothes in the water because he knows we don't wear regular clothes in the water and he knows it's uncomfortable (let alone hard!).
Day 2- Thankfully today was not a difficult day to rouse Jules up, get him in the winter gear and out the door to swim. He has on 6 items which will add weight- 1 swim trunks (since he will swim after his test), a pair of jeans, a long sleeve shirt, socks, shoes and a zip-up sweatshirt. He showed some resistance to float for a full minute, he immediately wanted to kick and swim to the wall while on his back. He called for me, "mommy"- which was something that always melts my heart because when he had his first lessons, that was the first time he called me Mommy vs. Mama. He also did some vertical swimming and needed prompts to relax, float, and flip over. He held his own even with the extra weight. All in all no excess water gulping, no fearful grimaces or cries to get out of the pool, just my happy baby boy in heavy wet winter clothes. Graduation day coming soon!
Day 3

Today Julian enjoyed swim, learning to use his arms appropriately when swimming. He kept doing a funny arm flap behind himself which was not helping his swim. So after repeated trials (because he was Mr. Giggles), we finally got him to use between 3-5 arm strokes with both arms- a big celebration for him. His teacher told us that tomorrow he will be learning to dive for toys underwater. She claims he has the sequence down and thinks he should be able to learn this task. I'm excited! Hope he enjoys it!
Day 4
Julian is looking forward to seeing what type of toys are in the Spongebob bucket.  He spots different things like cars from the movie "Cars 2", colorful sticks, and other miscellaneous toys.  What he doesn't realize is that these toys are going to be on the pool's ground- underwater.  So Ms. Anita explains to Julian what he is expected to do and first try was a doozy.  I noticed she used a two-finger technique close to his shoulder blades to drive him downward towards the toy.  Second try he got it.  When he came up to float after retrieving the toy, I couldn't read his facial expression... if he liked or didn't like "diggin' for toys".  Then he was asked to swim to the wall however after reaching for the wall, he dropped the toy.  Figures.  Anyway, after a few more times he was able do a great swim down with physical cue, immediate flip over to float, and flip back to swim to the wall with toy still in hand. We did notice how he only was able to dig from the forward position with the adult and only toys that were at the 3 ft distance, not anything deeper.  We also noticed that he began to refuse wanting to dig by the end of the session so it may have been a bit pre-mature to start him with this task.  Still it was fun to see him do this.
Another thing that happened at swim was that Julian's pictures were taken underwater by his swim teacher.  She asked if she could take photos of him so that she could post them on her new site she is developing.  Of course I agreed.  I can't wait for her to send those photos.  They were so cute.
Day 5
Today is carryover day with Mommy in the pool as well as last day with our swim teacher of 3 years.  I asked Julian to draw a picture for Ms. Anita on the iPad so we that we could print it and give it to her.  It's a picture of him swimming in a pool with her outside of the pool.  I also asked him to write something to her and he asked me how to write "yes".  And I wondered, "Why yes?"  Then I realized it was the one word she said every single session.  That was one praise word she would say repeatedly if the student did what she wanted/taught.  I thought it was pretty clever.  Anyway, she thought it was so cute and said it was going in her scrapbook.
Ms. Anita attempted to teach me the physical prompt to use when Julian "digs" for toys however it was much harder than it looked.  Anyway, I am not sure if I will try it since it didn't appear Julian was keen on digging for toys with me today.  We did get some things cleared up on pool safety, play/swim activities as well as strategies to use while in the pool.  #1 thing for me to remember was allow him to fix his mistakes.  The class was designed to teach independence, problem solving, and pool safety.  Picking him up if he is vertical in the water even with his face under water was a big no-no.  He is able to self correct his errors with and without verbal cues.  It's just a motherly instinct to "save your child".  Of course it's not that the class wants parents not to save their child from drowning but to give your child a chance to use his survival skills without being dependent of others.  Because someone may not be there the next time.
I couldn't thank ISR enough for such a wonderful program.  I have to say every year I was hesitant of enrolling him but I knew it was something he needed to continue with so that we could have a peace of mind.  Now my 3 year, 4 month old can finally complete the swim-float-swim sequence... something I have been waiting for since we started.  He is enjoying the water and loves to swim in the pool.  He's not afraid to put his head in the water.  Thank you ISR and Ms. Anita!  

ISR Refresher Lessons- Season 3, Week 2

Day 1

Last week, Julian had a case of the liquid poops so we cancelled swim for the week. So when we came back for lessons a week later, instead of regression we got progress! Julian started to swim more horizontally and started to do flip backs independently. He even got to do the "dive" in the water. And the best part of all was that he was having fun! He was laughing and smiling even after his mini freak outs when he was not sure what to do next. I am more relieved that this was not a mistake to do. I'm looking forward to more fun sessions in the water.
 Day 2
Julian woke up this morning whining and saying he did not wanting to go to swim. Funny enough, when I mentioned he did so great yesterday especially when he dived into the pool he did a 180 and said happily, "I want to do it again!". Today was another great lesson. He showed so much more independence and courage especially when his teacher kept using verbal prompts vs. physical prompts. He didn't whimper not even once even when he struggled to stay horizontal in the water. She taught him the swim-float sequence starting with full then partial physical/verbal prompts. Ms. Anita noticed that he has a weak stationary kick which is why she has tried to get him to use big arms when swimming. Then she noted how he preferred to swim on his back to the wall vs. swimming under water and tried to get him to swim on his back and move his arms. Smiling, he was able to do it. He was so adorable. He laughed through the whole session, even during teaching moments. I am just glad he wasnt crying and whining. Laughter is so much better to hear. And at the end of the lesson, he stated for the first time, "I want to go in the pool again!". Never thought I would hear that!
Day 3

After a day off for the 4th of July, we had another great session. Today Ms. Anita simulated various falling positions that may occur when around the pool as well as observing if he floats after falling in and his ability to locate the wall to safety. He continues to show a preference to swim on his back with his above the water!
Day 4
Today's lesson was to simulate as if Julian fell into the water with his summer clothes. Of course he cried when he realized he was going into the pool with his clothes but after he got in, he was ok. They practiced floating, flip overs, swimming horizontally, and relaxing his legs while floating. She educated him on the techniques and strategies.  While observing, Ms. Anita stated how he only likes to be 2 1/2 seconds underwater, no more, and will ONLY reach for the wall if he positions himself correctly (head bumps into wall and he is at an arm's distance).  Can you say anal retentive?  I wonder where he gets that from.  Ha ha...
Another thing Ms. Anita mentioned was that Julian has respect for the water. This meant he most likely won't be one of those kids accidentally falling into the water. But in case he does, I know not to worry.
I am definitely looking forward to swim with my buddy tomorrow.  We did get a chance to swim in the pool together outside of swim class at the Artisan Park- Celebration pool (see clip at end- thanks to my friend who lives in Celebration who videotaped)!
Day 5
Swimming day with Mommy is always a fun day for Julian.  I told his swim teacher how he was a swimming machine yesterday.  How he didn't want to stop swimming.  "I want to swim to the wall", "I want to dive", "I want to swim to the stairs",  "Throw me Mommy!"  He couldn't get enough.  However I did tell her that it was mostly on his back.  So today she tried to get him to swim with his face in the water.  She tried to teach him it was ok to swim on his back when he is swimming long distance but for the essence of the class, she wanted him to complete the sequence of swim, flip over, float, flip back, swim.  She also was trying to teach  him not to "splash" dive into the water, and to try to go into the water gently but swim hard. He has been demonstrating an increased in swim time under the water for about 5 seconds which is fantastic as well as using increased arm movements!  Next week we will continue to work on the sequence.  I am so glad that swim will be over next week.  Not that it's that dreadful, it's just early in the AM and both Julian and I LOVE to sleep in! One day off and back to swimming on Monday.

ISR Refresher Lessons- Season 3, Week 1

Day 1

After swim eating his cereal bar- Day 1

It is that time of the year when Julian begins his annual ISR lessons again. I already knew it was going to be difficult getting him back in the water since he had been showing some regression (refusing to float and swim to the wall) by the time I tried to get him in the pool in December 2011 (remember I live in Florida).  It was quite a struggle to get him into his swimming trunks with all his crying and refusing to cooperate even before we left the house.  And when we got to the teacher's house he already kept chanting, "I don't want to swim with Ms. Anita!"  Fortunately I got him in the backyard, to the pool and in the water with Ms. Anita.  He worked "at the steps" which was a (bad) crutch for him since he spent majority of the time by the steps whenever he was in the pool. Thankfully he retained his ability to float.So crying, moaning, kicking and screaming on day 1. Funny thing is later that day he said he had so much fun in the pool with Ms. Anita. Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Day 2

My little Nemo before swim lesson- Day 2

Julian sees what outfit waiting for him after his morning potty and he starts moaning. It was his Little Nemo swim outfit my mom bought him 3 years ago (yes, it was a 3T she purchased when he was 1). I got him in it a little easier this morning, bribing him with a Gold Chocolate Coin if he does well. On the way to swim I tried to give a small pep talk incorporating Nemo and his 'bad' fin and the motto 'just keep swimming!'. Hey, you gotta do what works. Today was a little easier getting him back in the water, no crying just moaning. He worked on swimming to the steps and to the wall. His teacher is noticing that he is having a hard time staying horizontal and tend to move vertically. And I have a lot to blame for that since I let him hang out at the steps. But I just didn't know what else to do since he refused to get in the water with me. Oh well. The teacher mentioned maintenance sessions one time per week throughout the year but we will have to see since we are moving. I hope he starts getting the hang of it.

Still wet from swim- Day 3

Day 3
Today was a silent session. Julian refrained from crying, moaning and talking. But he followed directions. He listened when the teacher said to put his arms out front. He listened when she said to swim to the wall. He listened when she said to kick hard (usually). Much improved behavior this lesson. Hope this is going to continue!
Day 4

Earned his chocolate gold coin after a successful swim lesson- Day 4

Today, Julian relearned to count while floating but still needed physical prompt to flip and reach the wall. He allowed his teacher to sit him on the edge and reach the wall as if he fell in. Julian is starting to become more comfortable with Ms. Anita again. He actually smiled today during the lesson. we have moved away from swimming toward the steps since it appears he tends to become more vertical the closer he gets to the wall, as if he is reaching the ground/steps to stand up. He has been trying to swim distances but I can tell he has fear when he swims to the wall. I can see it every time he has to put his head under the water. I wish I could build some confidence in him. Tomorrow is Friday so I can go in the pool with him. Hopefully he will feel more comfortable now that I will be in the water with him.
Day 5

Hesitant before swim- Day 5

You would think that since I got to go in the pool with Julian and his teacher today, there wouldn't be an argument trying to get Jules into the pool. No such luck. BUT, today may have been a turning point. We did a lot of swimming back and forth to mommy and teacher with his teacher trying to teach him to flip and float. He started kicking much better and closing his mouth more with less vertical swimming however he did not flip on his own... When floating or swimming. I do have to say he did pretty well. He even talked more today. But the turning point was after his lesson. A little 3 year old girl named Katie has swim after him and she is one little chatterbox, swimming princess. When he saw her swimming independently, "diving" into the water, laughing and swimming/floating to her mommy, he was amazed. After 3 minutes of watching he told me, "Mommy I want to go in the pool now. I want to do it all by myself!". Mr. 'I-don't-want-anything-to-do-with-the-pool' wanted to jump in the water and swim. So hopefully this is the motivator. He saw how much fun she was having and  didn't realize it could be so much fun. Here's hoping we get through the weekend and return to swim on Tuesday with the same motivation!

"Safe Start" ISR Refresher- Day 11

Today was Julian's final lesson of swim, however he had to do two sessions today.  (FYI- they usually don't do two lessons in one day anymore.  For some reason policy changed however I was okay with this.)

Julian walking uncomfortably
 away from the poolside

Lesson 12- Friday, August 5 (AM)
This morning was Julian's winter clothes test.  He wore a long sleeve shirt, denim pants, socks, shoes, diaper cover and regular diaper.  I was afraid that he was going to be screaming the whole time for the fact that he was wearing clothes which would be weighing him down and because the instructor would be putting him in situations that would not be predictable.  I think he kept quiet because he had some observers/friends watching him in action.  During this test he demonstrated the ability to float for over 1 1/2 minutes until the instructor picked him up out of the water.  Another test- passed!


Lesson 13- Friday, August 5 (PM)
The Season Finale !
Of course with Julian's lesson being in the late afternoon during the usual afternoon shower time, I have a fear of the weather.  Luckily at 4:45PM the skies were blue and clear.  At the final lesson, I got to swim in the pool with the instructor and Julian to learn to "have fun" with him in the pool.  Of course, I got to ask tons of "what if" questions and got my answers.  I have learned that my son is still a "floater" which is a good thing.  You need to be able to be a good floater (not swimmer) to survive.  He can swim underwater to me/wall for about 2 seconds (optimal is 3 seconds; never longer than 7 seconds), loves to float, swims to hand targets, enjoys "kicking" and holding on to me, and most importantly is safe in the water with adult supervision.



Thank you Safe Start- YMCA!  Thank you Infant Swimming Resource!  Thank you Ms. Anita!

"Safe Start" ISR Refresher- Day 10

Lesson 11- Thursday, Aug. 4

ready to jump in the pool

After a week off from lessons, Julian so happens to catch a virus and has loose BMs so no swim for 48 hours. Wednesday comes around and we are ready to jump in the pool... but what happens? Lightening strikes in the distance. Poor Julian has to be dragged out of the pool. Finally Thursday afternoon is his first day back and it was an awesome lesson. He kept smiling and was loving being in the water. He showed off to his instructor that he retained his swimming skills, floating skills, flipbacks and wall work. Of course his instructor threw a unexpected "fall backwards into the pool" stunt and Julian was NOT digging that. But as trained, he floated to the surface, face up and waited for our cue to swim to the wall. Yay for my son. Final lesson will be coming sooner than expected!

Infant Swimming Resourse Videos- Season 1

Here are videos from when Julian was about 16-17 months old during his first 6 week course through the Safe Start Program.

In this first clip, Julian and his daddy are practicing swimming to the wall, one of the skills ISR teaches their young students.  This is after about 5 lessons into the program.  (*Keep in mind that each lesson is no more than 10 minutes long. )

Practicing with Daddy

In the next clips, Julian is going through his winter clothes test.  He has on a long sleeve shirt, a lined wind breaker jacket, denim jeans, socks, shoes and a regular diaper (yes, it soaks up ALL the water).  This is a test they use to simulate if your child does fall into the pool during the winter, they are still able to use the skills they were taught with all the weight they are carrying.  Before the winter clothes test, they also do a summer clothes test (which I did not record).

Winter Clothes Test- Swimming to the wall 

This scene looks horrific for mommies and daddies to watch because no one wants to watch a baby be flipped backwards into a pool.  But I am use to it.  It's really amazing.

Winter Clothes Test- Flip backwards into the pool

This last clip Julian floats, and floats, and floats.

During Julian's first 6 weeks in the Safe Start Program, he didn't learn the swim-float-swim sequence.  Just like in school, kids learn at different paces.  However he still graduated because he learn the survival skill of floating.

ISR lessons at work

This evening Julian and I headed out to the Chris Lyle Aquatic Center in St. Cloud to practice since his lessons are postponed this week.  He had such a blast!  You will notice in the video that I had fun as well.  I did observe that he preferred to float vs. swim so we practiced swimming shorter distances.  Enjoy the video!

"Safe Start" ISR Refresher lessons- Day 9

Lesson 10- Saturday, July 23


I knew it was too good to last.  Due to inclement weather on Friday afternoon, swim was postponed until this morning.  Julian noticed that Mommy was in her swimsuit when we arrived at the pool and was pretty excited when I got in too.  Next week Julian's swim teacher is going on vacation so I requested to come in the pool to  learn some things to do with him while we are on break.  5 lessons left and he graduates his refresher course.  How exciting does that sounds.  It really does take a lot of dedication to put your children through these lessons.  Talk about scheduling (especially with this crazy weather), monitoring diet, activity level, urine and bowel output, and of course cost.  But it is rewarding.

Today Julian's swim teacher re-taught me how to use hand targets with him in the pool, the correct way to release him in the water, and the importance of me and him counting to 3 (one thousand).  He appeared to be flipping back on his own more with only the verbal counting cue which I was excited to see.  This week, since there will be no swim, look out for some video(s) of Julian practicing his swim skills with me.

1 week break then 5 more lessons and counting!

"Safe Start" ISR Refresher lessons- Day 8

Julian had a double dose of swim today- AM make-up session and PM session.


Lesson 8- Thursday, July 21 at 9AM
The trouble with morning sessions is that they can't eat/drink anything when they wake up.  So I tried to avoid the kitchen as much as possible this morning.  Went potty, brushed his teeth, changed him into his swim gear & Crocs and out the door we went.  I packed the car prior to getting him up because the quicker we're outta the house, the less time he has to ask me for some milk.  We arrive there without complaint.  As we waited for our turn, Julian rested his head and took in some rays.

Julian needed a little calming down before our session began.  Why he does this every day, I don't know.  But after a while of swimming to the wall, floating, working on flipbacks, he was smiling.  Yay, he's smiling!  His teacher worked on his floating, rollbacks and flipbacks.  For some reason he was flipping vertically versus horizontally.  And he still needed the cue to flipback and reach the wall.  Julian was really enjoying the interactive counting the teacher incorporated in the session that after his last turn HE told the teacher, "One last time!"  I couldn't believe it.  And on that last time, after counting "1, 2, 3", Julian flipped over on his own.  I'm so proud of my boy!

Lesson 9- Thursday, July 21 at 5:50PM


This afternoon Jules was smiling and laughing for 90% of the lesson.  Talk about improvement.  His teacher continued to work on his rollbacks and continued to need little to no cues for his flipbacks.  She stated today that she finally figured out that if Julian was too far from the edge, he won't even attempt to swim; he'll just float.  My son is a lazy bum!  Can't wait till tomorrow's lesson because I can go in the pool with him.

After 2 lessons, 6 hours of school, 1 hour shopping,
1 hour socializing at the bowling alley and NO nap!

"Safe Start" ISR Refresher lessons- Day 7

Lesson 7- Wednesday, July 20

Before the lesson

Yesterday was meant to be lesson 7 however it wasn't the weather or illness that cancelled our lesson.  Code Brown.  Hmm, I wonder what that could mean.  But today was Summer Clothes #1.  Julian wore a gray "HOT STUFF" tee, red cotton shorts, a regular diaper, a diaper cover and his Crocs.  Julian was able to swim to the wall with a smile.  He floated without flailing and kicking.  He needed a cue to flip over and reach the wall.  Then was to "fun" part... flipping him backwards.  The look on his face appeared to be full on terror.  But I kept myself composed, bit my tongue and he easily floated up to the surface. Crying, yes. But he was breathing.  That's one thing you have to remember when you take your child to these lessons.  Its about survival, plain and simple.  I hope he will begin to understand the swim-float-swim sequence soon.  I am so eager for him to start doing it since he wasn't able to learn it at 1 year old.  Eight more lessons to go!

After the lesson with his banana sticker
and banana lollipop!  Good Job!

"Safe Start" ISR Refresher lessons- Day 6

Lesson 6- Monday, July 18

What a day in the pool!

It's an unbelievable sunny day.  Sky is blue with beautiful white clouds in the sky and 5:50 rolls around with no drop of rain to be seen.  Julian, again, is eager to jump in the water.  Of course, when the instructor is ready, he decides to run away.  Oh well, I chase him down and in the pool he goes with a HUGE smile.  Yes it was a good session for the most part.  He floated without kicking.  He swam to the wall.  Now I think his whole attitude changed when she started putting him in different situations- sitting on ledge and flipping him into the water.  Still he floated nicely.  Now is he going to start sequencing to flipover and swim to the wall?  I'm not sure.  But tomorrow is his 1st day with summer clothes test.  His teacher must think he's ready for something!

Julian showing me his "banana" sticker he choose after swim lesson
from his teacher.

"Safe Start" ISR Refresher lessons- Day 5

Lesson 5- Saturday, July 16
So far cancellations have become habitual due to the "beautiful weather" we have here in Florida during our 5:50 PM swim time in addition to Julian getting sick with his 4th case (I think) of an ear infection.  Don't get me started on all the illnesses we have gotten since we started his new school this past March.  (That should be another blog post all on its own.)  I'm contemplating on calling Safe Start to see if there is an indoor location that we can be transferred to because I don't like how the weather may be impeding on Julian's learning.
We arrive at the YMCA Saturday morning for a make-up session and Julian has a different attitude.  He keeps giving me hints that he is ready to get in the pool, something not usual.  When it is finally his turn, he gets in smiling.  His teacher is adamant at teaching him to swim toward the wall since his new thing is swimming and/or clinging to the adult in the pool with him vs. swimming to the wall.  And I think after several trials, he's getting use to it.  There was a little bit of moaning and raspberry making during the floating portion but overall I think he had a great time in the pool.  Maybe we are finally at a turning point!

"Safe Start" ISR Refresher lessons- Day 4

Lesson 4- Monday, July 11

In the beginning of the session, Julian appeared to have regressed a bit.  Over the weekend, Julian went swimming in the pool for my niece's 3rd birthday.  I did tell her that we were going to be in the water over the weekend and I followed what she told me to do, "Keep him on the wall."  Thankfully he didn't scream his head off the whole time and he actually choose between wanting to "swim" and "float".  When Julian was asked to swim to the wall, he attempted to swim to the teacher.  Of course, I got the lecture from his teacher on what happened over the weekend and of course I told her, when he tried it with me, I pushed his reach toward the wall.  Apparently I did the correct thing. The lesson today consisted of learning to rest while floating and to swim toward the wall. Again in the beginning of the session, Julian wailed and kept wanting to get out of the water but something miraculous happened. The teacher started counting.  Julian started counting.  The teacher praised him.  Julian smiled.  Even though Julian still wanted to get out of the water at the end of the session, he wasn't crying about it.  Progress, slowly but surely.

Doing a happy dance
(probably because his lesson is over for the day.)

1..., 2..., 3!

(By the way, this will probably be the last you will see of Julian with his instructor.  At the end of the session I found out that I wasn't allowed to photograph or take video during instruction.  Whoops!)

"Safe Start" ISR Refresher lessons- Day 3

Lesson 3- Friday, July 8

Lessons were resumed after a day of cancellation due to incliment weather (who would've thought it would rain in the late afternoon in the sunshine state?) and day 3 is underway. Another day of wailing and cries, but today he floats and relearns the basic swim-float-swim sequence. By the end of the lesson, the groaning subsides.

Mr. Determined or Mr. Intimidated?

"Safe Start" ISR Refresher lessons- Day 2

Lesson 2- Wednesday, July 6

As we entered the Y on the second day of lessons, Julian blatantly pointed and demanded, "No, go that way!"  which of course was the exit.  He definitely knew where we were headed.  I eventually got him poolside and in the water with his instructor.  Julian practiced swimming to a target/wall, floating more independently and flipping over. I am definitely Julian's #1 cheerleader but I'm crossing my fingers that the crying and moaning will diminish quicker than his initial lessons.

Floating during second lesson.

"Safe Start" ISR Refresher lessons- Day 1

Lesson 1- Tuesday, July 5

So Julian began his refresher lessons today at the Osceola County YMCA Family Center . Today, he surprised me.  He grabbed the wall, he reached for the wall, he floated on his back with assistance.  Yes, he did cry and moan the whole time but he did it.  I was proud of what he accomplished.  

After first refresher lesson

"Safe Start" ISR Refresher lessons- Introduction

Drowning. One of many fears I had as a child. Living in Florida, we have pools, ponds, lakes, and the ocean around us. Last July, after research and recommendations, I decided to enroll Julian with the drowning prevention program "Safe Start" which teaches the Infant Swimming Resource system to young children. 7 weeks later, Julian graduated and passed the "test" in his street clothes.
It's been 11 months since his last lesson and unfortunately I felt like he didn't retain anything. He went a few months without getting in a pool however last December I tried to get him to swim in a pool with me and he just held on to me with his dear life. I knew he needed refresher courses, but I wanted to wait until I had time to dedicate to the program.