At Swimming Nature, we love seeing families embark on the journey of learning to swim together. One of our incredible parents, Joyce, and her daughter, Sarai, have been making waves at our  Bannatyne’s Chafford Hundred  pool over the past few months. Their story is a perfect example of how swimming lessons can be a rewarding experience for both children and adults alike. 

Learning Side by Side: A Mother-Daughter Adventure 

Joyce decided to take adult swimming lessons at Swimming Nature while enrolling her daughter, Sarai, in private lessons. Although they have separate instructors and lessons at different times, their shared experience has brought them closer together. 

“When I stepped into the pool for my first lesson, I was actually very shocked. I can’t swim whatsoever and decided to take adult lessons because I take my children to lessons and just thought it was a bit strange that I was helping them to learn to swim and couldn’t swim myself,” Joyce shares. 

She quickly discovered that learning to swim as an adult was not only possible but also enjoyable. “One thing about the lessons that really surprised me was how comfortable it was. I really thought it’d be a bit weird, being an adult learning to swim, and that the instructor might not be as friendly as they are normally with the children. But actually, they were really warm and really welcoming and made me feel really, really comfortable.” 

Sarai’s Progress: From Beginner to Confident Swimmer 

Sarai is currently swimming at Frog Level and has developed an impressive set of skills. With growing confidence in the water, she can now jump in, blow bubbles, retrieve rings from the bottom of the pool, kick her legs, and swim short distances. Watching her daughter flourish in the water has been an emotional and rewarding experience for Joyce. 

“Watching Sarai get more and more confident with her swimming is absolutely incredible. At this point, she can swim better than I can! I’m doing my adult lessons, so she’s gotta watch out!” 

Why Learning Together is a Game-Changer for Parents and Kids

One of the most special aspects of their journey is how learning to swim at the same time has deepened their connection. 

“The best thing about learning to swim while Sarai’s also learning to swim is the fact that I actually understand what she’s going through,” Joyce explains. “Now that I’m going through the motions at the same time she’s going through the motions, when we’re at home and she’s practicing to blow bubbles in the bath or she wants to float on her back, I can actually talk her through it because I’m doing it at the exact same time, and it’s really cool.” 

This shared experience is a huge benefit for parents who may have never learned to swim themselves. Not only does it provide a bonding opportunity, but it also allows parents to support their child’s progress in a meaningful way, even outside of lessons. 

Why Chafford Hundred? 

Joyce and Sarai swim at our Bannatyne’s Chafford Hundred location, which offers a warm, welcoming environment for both children and adults to learn at their own pace. Our expert instructors provide one-to-one lessons tailored to each student’s needs, ensuring they build water confidence and strong swimming techniques in a structured yet enjoyable way. 

For Joyce, having a dedicated instructor to guide her through the process has made all the difference. “The instructors are patient and encouraging. It’s incredible that I’m learning a life skill, but I’m doing it in a really safe and friendly environment.” 

Inspired to Start Your Own Journey? 

If Joyce and Sarai’s story has inspired you, why not start your own swimming journey with us? Whether you’re looking for private lessons for your child or thinking about learning to swim yourself, Swimming Nature is here to support you every step of the way. 

For more about Joyce and her journey, check out her content on Instagram: @joyceadewale_. 

Ready to dive in? Learn more about our swimming lessons here.