Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/634167
more competitive swimming skills, might need someone who's more like a swim coach who might push them a little bit more." Be flexible and involved. Parents must communicate with their instructors and their kids, Franklin says. "If you put them in a class and maybe they are having a problem with their instructor, or if they are doing things that are a little above their level, or if they are just not having fun, that's not going to make them want to get in the water." Children's needs and fears can also change as they grow, Adderly says. "Sometimes starting out as babies, they might just take off and just do awesome in the water, but then when they hit a different developmental stage, they might regress, and we'll slow down a little bit until they get over that hump." Foster progression. Group classes generally start at age 3, and most kids respond well to learning with their peers, Adderly says. "They get that social interaction." Private, one-on-one lessons are for parents who are looking for something more specific that they want us to work on," she says. That might be a fear their child needs to overcome, or, as in Franklin's case, a talent they want honed. Franklin's parents put her in a private class at age 5, when her gift was becoming evident. "I still hold the 6-and-under, 25-yard backstroke record for Rocky Mountain Swim League," Franklin says with a grin. "That is pretty exciting." Most children won't become Olympic stars if their parents put them in swim programs. But learning the skill provides social interaction, builds self-esteem, offers a great exercise for life, and, most importantly, could prevent a tragedy, Franklin says. "My coach always says, 'Swimming is a sport that does two things that no other sport does: It can save your life, and it's something that you can do for the rest of your life. It's so true. MAIN FACTORS INFLUENCING DROWNING RISK Poor swimming ability Lack of barriers to prevent water access Lack of close supervision Nearby water access Failure to wear life jackets Alcohol use Seizure disorders Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention SPOTTING THE TALENT "She was darling. She was always happy, and she listened, and she was able to catch on immediately with just about anything I gave her to do in our lessons. She never got tired. She never got bored. She just loved it. I remember telling D.A. (mom) at one point that Missy was going to be really good, very good. And she said: How do you know? She's just a little girl! I've never come across anyone like Missy, and I first started coaching when I was 18. — Jeanette Anderson One of Franklin's first private instructors at age 6, Greenwood Athletic and Tennis Club Health and Wellness Magazine • 15