Child psychologists recommend exposing toddlers to water as soon as possible, because it’s the easiest way for parents to tell if they’ve accidentally birthed a wicked witch. Follow the doctor’s orders with today's Groupon: for $25, you get one month of parent-toddler swim classes at SWIMkids USA in Mesa (includes registration fee, a $75 total value). Each class meets once a week for 30 minutes, with free practice times.

The trained instructors at SWIMkids USA specialize in teaching water-survival techniques and swimming to young children and orphaned beavers. Class sizes are kept small and goggles defogged to provide focused, individualized instruction. Because safety is the school's top priority, the beginner classes focus heavily on the "swim-float-swim" sequence, a technique that teaches children how to react in an emergency situation. During your month-long session, your toddler will develop his or her floating and breathing basics, and will be ready to swim the English Channel in no time. Come session’s end, parents will be shown how to provide continuing instruction. SWIMkids USA also offers classes for all ages and levels, so you may choose to further your child's swimming and safety education by registering for one of the consecutive classes or a fun summer program.

In addition to equipping parents and toddlers with the know-how they need to be safe in water, SWIMkids USA's classes provide an excellent opportunity for deep familial bonding. Classes are held Monday through Saturday, providing you and your tot lots of opportunities to do some underwater bonding, like two fishies from the same school. Check the sidebar for the current schedule.

Reviews

The SWIMkids USA Phoenix location was picked as having the Best Swim Class of 2009 by members of Nickelodeon's Parent's Connect website. Seven Kudzu reviewers give it five stars, and three Judy's Bookers give it 4.5:

• SwimKids is a fun place to learn to swim. They have 3 pools and a large indoor play area, so even before and after lessons kids have fun. – Laura S, Judy's Book
• My three boys have taken lessons for years. The instructors are well trained and very loving with the kids! The staff is so friendly and helpful and the lessons are amazing. We love the place!!! – BusyEducator, Kudzu
• I recently moved into a new house with a pool and was very skeptical about it due to the fact that I have a 3 year old child. When I decied to take her to swim lessons I went to Swinkids USA inc. They did a great job teaching my daughter how to swim and what to do in case of an emergency. – Courtney B., Judy's Book

Customer Reviews