The Difference Between Recreational Swim Lessons and Competitive Swim Lessons: Why We Teach In Motion

Swimming is a skill that offers numerous benefits, from promoting physical health to ensuring water safety. However, the approach to teaching swimming can differ significantly depending on the intended goals—whether it’s for recreational purposes or competitive swimming. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right method for swim instruction, and why at Canada Swim School, we adopt a “teach in motion” strategy that aligns with both recreational and competitive learning goals. Recreational Swim Lessons: Focus on Enjoyment and Water Safety Recreational swim lessons are designed for individuals of all ages who primarily want to learn swimming for fun, fitness, or as a life skill. These lessons focus on: Water Safety: One of the primary goals is to ensure swimmers feel safe and comfortable in the water. This includes teaching basic survival skills such as floating, treading water, and swimming to the edge of a pool. Basic Stroke Development: While stroke mechanics are taught, the emphasis is on making sure swimmers can use these strokes comfortably and safely to enjoy the water. The technical details of each stroke are often simplified to prioritize comfort and enjoyment. Fun and Engagement: These lessons typically incorporate games, creative drills, and activities to keep younger swimmers engaged. The lessons move at the learner’s pace and often involve more variety to maintain interest. Recreational swimming is all about making the water a place where...

Read More