My First Swimming Lesson

Today is my first swimming lesson! Amma and I walk into the pool building together. The air feels warm and a little bit wet. I notice the strong chlorine smell because the pool uses chemicals to keep the water clean and safe. I see the big blue pool with splashing water and hear the echoing sounds of other children playing.

Mr. Park is waiting for me by the shallow end of the pool. He waves and smiles. The shallow water is only as deep as my chest because Mr. Park wants me to feel safe. I can see the bottom of the pool with pretty star-shaped tiles. When I feel worried about the loud echoing sounds, I can count my fingers slowly, taking one breath per finger, so my body feels calmer.

Mr. Park shows me that the water is warm because it is heated, so my body will feel comfortable. He explains that the water holds me up because of something called buoyancy, so I will float and not sink. This makes me feel a little bit braver. He also tells me that the pool deck is slippery when wet, so I will walk slowly and carefully so I don't slip and fall.

Mr. Park steps into the water first. The water comes up to his waist. He holds out his hand to me and says, 'I am right here with you.' Amma gives me a thumbs up from the deck. I feel nervous about the cold water on my skin, so I breathe in for 4 counts, hold for 2 counts, and breathe out for 6 counts. Then I step onto the first step.

The water feels cool on my skin, but not too cold because it is heated. I take another step down. The water touches my knees. Mr. Park holds my hand gently and says, 'You are doing great!' I feel the water around my legs and it feels like a soft hug. The wet surfaces make my feet feel slippery, so I hold Mr. Park's hand more tightly so I stay steady.

I take one more step. Now the water reaches my chest. I can feel the water supporting my body because of the buoyancy Mr. Park told me about. My feet can still touch the bottom, so I know I am safe. I smile at Mr. Park and at Amma. The chlorine smell is still strong, but I know it keeps the water clean so I don't get sick.

Mr. Park teaches me to kick my feet gently in the water. The water splashes a little bit and it feels fun. I practice kicking while holding his hand. Each time I kick, I feel stronger and braver in the water. When the splashing water gets in my face and I feel startled, I squeeze Mr. Park's hand for 3 seconds, then let go slowly, and take one slow breath so my body relaxes.

At the end of my lesson, Mr. Park says, 'You did a wonderful job today, Priya!' I step out of the pool carefully on the slippery deck and Amma wraps me in a soft towel. I feel satisfied and calm. I am already thinking about my next swimming lesson because I learned that the pool is a safe place where I can have fun.