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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 17 START EARLY The COVID-19 pandemic caused many pools in the region to either close or limit capacity and hours during the summer of 2020, meaning many children in the region may not have spent as much time swim- ming last summer as they normally would have. For parents anticipating spending more time at the pool or around water this summer, Aaron and Keri recommend thinking through how comfortable you'll feel having a conversa- tion at the pool while your child swims, or being able to send your child off on a play date with a friend that involves swimming. If you're worried about your comfort level, they say, don't wait until summer to do something about it. "The magic formula with developing swimming skills is consistency and frequency," Aaron says. "Don't wait until the outdoor pools open to start working on those skills. That's like cramming for the exam at the last minute—and we all know that doesn't work." Little Fish instructors will work with children at their pre- cise level, and move them up as soon as it's clear they've mastered the skills in a level. "Our goal is progress," Keri says. "We don't want you stuck in a class where you aren't making improvements." To get started, visit littlefishswimming.com. LESSONS FOR ALL LEVELS Keri and Rochelle were competitive swimmers in high school, so they know how rewarding the sport can be, and their lessons set students up for success in competitive strokes—whether or not they choose to join a swim team. "The curriculum was built with the mindset of being able to go into competitive swimming, so all the underlying drills and skills being taught are being taught with efficiency in mind, so that we are not creating bad habits," Keri says. But Little Fish understands that swimming is not only an opportunity to compete and stay fit, but also an essential life skill. They work with parents on their specific goals for their children, whether that's basic comfort around the water or blue ribbons at swim meets. "The smaller classes are key to being able to make sure we are working with each child on their specific goals," Aaron says. Little Fish offers lessons for ages 6 months to adults. Parents can visit littlefishswimming.com and enter answers to a quick questionnaire that will match them with appropriately leveled classes for their child. Parents who want their child to work on stroke techniques, but aren't ready for the commitment of year-round swimming, should check out Little Fish's Stroke and Fitness program, which bridges the gap between swim lessons and swim team. This program is cur- rently offered only at the Spotsylvania location at St. Michael's High School. Little Fish also offers spring break and summer swim camps, where chil- dren can make faster progress with daily lessons. "It's amazing how quickly they can level up when they are coming every day," Aaron says of the camps. Little Fish's mission is simple: give families "the best lessons experience" by continually promoting progress in the pool while having fun. SPONSORED MATERIAL