Learning to swim is immersive, literally. Nobody learns to swim on an iPad – you need a teacher you can trust before you get in the water. Local Hamptons company JR Lessons has the experience, passion and patience new swimmers need to learn. Hamptons.com sat down with founders Robert Maier and Joseph Colavito to talk about learning to swim and life by (and in) the water.
In the Hamptons, we are surrounded by water—even on dry land, water is everywhere, “out here, knowing how to swim is like being able to read.” Boating, surfing, fishing, swimming, in a coastal community it is vital that you are comfortable in and near the water.
As East Hampton teachers, they know every child learns differently which is why, “we have our own songs, lessons, games,” to engage any child and make learning fun because “safe play builds confidence.” Like any parent understands, “you have to be flexible…and meet a kid where they are to help them grow.” With a combined decade of experience, they know how to handle even the most reluctant learners.
Encouraging, fun, and patient, JR Lessons are water-safety teaching specialists ready to help kids build confidence and skills in and around the water. “Productive play is how kids make connections that help them grow and mature.” Just ask the kids – they make learning FUN.
“We take pride in our patience…each swimmer moves at their own pace.” They know when to push and when to praise, “we challenge our swimmers to reach milestones, supporting and celebrating them as they develop and meet their goals.”
Joey and Bobby have developed their own custom curriculum in line with modern standards, “it’s a unified philosophy,” rather than, “teaching outdated ‘pop-up breathing’, we focus on using the long axis to roll on your back.” Everything else builds from there, “we love seeing that moment when it clicks, and so do the parents!”
Jumping in can be scary, but with confidence that you can do it, the weightlessness of water is always exciting. “Learning to swim is a collective effort by the swimmer, instructor, and the parents.” Like any skill, it takes practice, “We work with parents so they can reinforce skills outside of lessons.”
The two most important skills? “Blowing bubbles—to keep from drinking the pool—and learning to float.” For parents, Joey is quick to say, “your kid will never learn to float if you are always holding them!”
The most rewarding part for Joey is “seeing how proud kids are of themselves and how parents are of their kids – it never gets old.” Bobby adds, “the moment that a kid trusts you in the water is really special…everything else comes from trust.”
With group and private lesson packages available for Summer 2022, JR Lessons has the right experience for your family. Lessons book quickly, so be sure to reach out to Joey and Bobby soon!
To book lessons visit www.jrlessons.com
