Reply #13: A Y or a community center. [View All]

Ask to speak to the head of the aquatics department. Explain to him/her what the situation is-you've never learned to swim and you have a fear of the water. In my area they have both public (but only once a week and it's hard to get into them-they're usually packed.) and we have private. The private is $15 for 45 minutes of one-on-one lessons. I know someone who took them (this was a local community center, not a chain like the Y) and they encouraged her to purchase a kickboard at her local Walmart for under $10 to use at lessons.

The water was from 3 1/2 feet to 4 feet-enough to still feel comfortable. When she progressed they moved to 5 feet.

Like I said, just talk to the aquatics director and tell them the situation. They'll figure something out. If they don't do adult lessons at this time they might make an exception for you as a private lesson. This might also be enough to influence them to start offering adult lessons.