My Nemo Swimming Journey: Evie & Emma
Evie started swimming when she was just a baby. The water wobbles hit hard when she was a toddler and her grown-ups almost gave up. They kept going, though, and now – at 7 years old – Evie is swimming at a pre-competitive level.
How old was Evie when she came swimming for the first time?
Emma: She was about 11 weeks the first time I took her swimming, and around 7 months when we started Nemo Swimming classes.
And how old is she now?
Emma: 7.5 years… though it often feels like I am living with a teenager!
Tell us a little bit about Evie’s learn to swim journey so far?
Emma: Evie loved swimming as a baby and was always very relaxed in the water. As she approached her 2nd birthday, all that changed and she would cling to me, cry, refuse to take part in activities. It was really hard as a parent and these water wobbles went on for a good few months.
My husband and I almost stopped bringing her – it was becoming upsetting for us seeing Evie cry throughout the session, sometimes as soon as we pulled into the car park! Tracey, who was our instructor at the time, was so amazingly supportive and helped both me and Evie through this phase. Then, one day, it just stopped… it was like somebody had flicked a switch and the old Evie who was happy and smiley in the pool was back!
Evie moved into Nemo Pre-school classes shortly after this and her confidence just soared! The next year or so saw lessons stop and start due to Covid, and throughout the lockdowns all she would talk about was getting back into the pool!
When she started reception, Evie moved to classes with SwimNE. She’s absolutely flown here and she is such a confident swimmer now. I really do feel that bringing her from some a young age has helped, and I don’t think she would at the level she is now had she not. She’s currently working towards stage 9 which is incredible given her age, and she already has her heart set on becoming an Olympic swimmer – or a swimming teacher – when she is older.
Note: Nemo Juniors lessons in Newcastle & North Tyneside are delivered by SwimNE, a swim school that we have worked very closely with for 15 years
What benefits have you seen as a result of bringing Evie swimming from a young age?
Emma: When she was a baby – and even as a toddler – it was all about the bonding experience for me. No phones, no distractions, just me and Evie enjoying some one-on-one time together. As she got a bit older, her confidence in the water just shone through and this was so important to us when we went on holidays or to the beach.
Swimming is the only activity that Evie has stuck with throughout the years. She’s tried various other classes but tends to do a few terms before losing interest – swimming, though, has been different. Watching her excel in this sport is so wonderful as a parent, and the smile on her face shows just how much she loves it too! Nothing makes her prouder than taking her latest badge into school to show all her classmates and it’s heart-warming to see her so proud and passionate about it.
What does Evie love most about swimming?
Evie: Tumble turns, backstroke, my teacher, and making friends. Oh, and races!
What would you say to other parents thinking about signing their baby, toddler or pre-school child up to Nemo Swimming classes?
Emma: I cannot recommend the classes highly enough! The bonding, the lifesaving skills, the teachers… loved them all! It’s such an important skill to learn, especially when we live so close to the water, and I love watching her progress in this sport.
Anything else you’d like to share?
Emma: For anybody whose little one is going through the water wobbles right now – hang in there! It’s hard at the time but they will get through it eventually and will often come out the other side as a much more confident swimmer.
Also know that it’s a journey and they are always learning something!
Start your Nemo Swimming Journey today!
Inspired by Evie’s story? Then let’s kickstart your Nemo Swimming Journey today! Paddle over to our online booking system, find a class that suits, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
Want to do a trial first? Not a problem! We offer free taster sessions in all of our classes