Swim Night

Delaney needs some swimming practice. We went tonight to the Scout swim night at the local rec center. Instead of a normal meeting, they wanted to get kids pre-tested at summer camp since it takes a bunch of time the first day to get kids evaluated and they can't sign up for some merit badges unless they pass a swim test.

So there were 2 tests tonight, actually 3, but they combined 2 together. The first was the summer camp test, which is the kids just going 100 yards on their own. Delaney put his goggles on and struggled a bit, but got through his 4 lengths of the pool. The second class requirement is swim 25 feet, stop, come back, and they counted this test as a part of that.

The second test was the first class test, which is swim 100 yards in good form, and Delaney couldn't do it. He doesn't put his face in the water, and as a result his legs are low and he can't get a good kick. So he didn't pass that, but it's not a huge big deal for now.

But he does need to work on it. I asked him if he wanted swimming lessons and he said no, for sure. He's not a big swimmer, and while he does OK, he isn't excited by it. I know he won't go for the swimming merit badge, picking hiking or cycling instead for his Eagle requirement, but he does need to get better for his First Class.

I'll take some days at the pool and work with him on hit stroke and breathing out under water.