Friday, July 31, 2009

Float Test

It has been a summer of swimming for the Courtrights. We've really been enjoying our pool with all this heat and humidity. Thanks to Jeff for keeping it nice and clean for us all the time!

Earlier this summer, Collin took his certification for lifeguarding and also became a private swim instructor. He is doing great with lessons, and he even taught our neighbor's 4-year-old. After 1 lesson, Christopher is comfortable swimming without his life jacket. Great job, Collin! We considered having him work with Connor but usually lessons are more effective from instructors outside of the family. Now that Connor is finished with his next round of lessons with the Houston Swim Club, we'll probably ask Collin to start working with him on his swim technique.

Side note: Collin will also be getting his driver's license soon and so we are now officially looking for his 1st car. Exciting (and scary)!

Today Connor finished with his 2nd round of swim lessons at the Houston Swim Club. He and Benjamin took the lessons together again this time and worked hard during the 2-week session to prepare for their Float Test. This is wear they put the kids in their clothes and shoes, throw them in the pool, and make sure they can turn on their back and float until they reach the side of the pool. It is a huge safety measure for us since we are surrounded by water with the pool and lake at our house. They have to pass the test 3 days in a row before they get their certificate. Compared to Benjamin, Connor took a little more practicing before he finally was able to turn over on his back without assistance. But this week he passed his Float Test with flying colors, even wearing heavy jeans today. It's amazing to see these little ones swim and float so well. The peace of mind for parents is priceless. We plan to continue reinforcing these skills in our own pool to make sure Connor doesn't lose the progress he's made this summer. In fact, Connor recently started swimming on his own (mostly doggie-paddling) in our pool so we are feeling much more comfortable with his skills these days.

Posted below are pics and videos to show Connor's skills. Enjoy! (For some reason I can't get the videos to show up in better resolution on this site. To see the videos in much better quality, check them out on our YouTube site.)

Here's Connor floating in one of his practice Float Tests.

Here's Ms. Audrey about to drop him in for his 3rd and final Float Test.

Floating away...Connor enjoyed having us watch him at the final lesson.

All 3 boys at the lesson.

Here is Connor's 3rd and final float test. Way to go!
(YouTube link is HERE.)


Here is Connor showing off his skills in our pool.
(YouTube link is HERE.)

5 comments:

  1. I think I need to come have a float test lesson! Conner is doing GREAT! I know that has to give you peace of mind with water near! Good job, parents!

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  2. I'm so proud of Connor! He has done great with his swim lessons and I know it will give you a great sense of relief when he's in the pool. Good for you guys!

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  3. What a great skill to teach young kids - especially when you live near water. I can only imagine how much peace of mind you have knowing that Connor can get himself to the edge of the pool safely and that his swimming skills are really taking off, too. Just imagine what a little fish he'll be when Collin works with him! Maybe he'll follow in big brother's footsteps!

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  4. Yea! I'm so proud of Connor! Courtney is here and I showed her the video since they have a pool too. We may have to get information from you about it later on for her. Miss you tons!

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  5. looks like he grew some fins during his lessons! That's awesome. Both our sons took swimming lessons too. I think every child should learn to swim just as a life sesson. Both ours have fins too....LOL keep up the good work Connor!

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