Making Waves: Building Community Poolside

Waiting poolside for swimming lessons might not sound like the most exciting part of

the week, in fact, waiting for anything can be a bit of a drag.

But what if we look at

waiting differently? What if we let waiting become a chance to just be? Whether

you are catching up on messages, or just taking a quiet moment for yourself, that time

is yours.

And sometimes, those moments also open up the possibility for a casual

chat which can lead to an unexpected connection with someone else who, also is

there, supporting their little one.

Quite a few parents and former swimmers have

commented lately on the lasting friendships they formed during swimming lessons,

and that got us thinking about “the art of waiting” and how seemingly nonsense times

can actually impact our lives in meaningful ways. How do we practice this “art”? It all

begins with being present in the moment, recognise the opportunities for connection

and for building community in the waiting moments.

Think about it. We’re all there for the same reason: to support our children. That

shared purpose creates an immediate bond. Some of the magic moments created in

the space of waiting, can look like this:

● Shared Experiences: We swap stories about our children’s progress like

finally mastering a new skill, the challenges of getting them to wear their cap

and keep their goggles on, or to actually get them in the car to go to lessons,

or even just a shared sigh. These shared experiences create a sense of

solidarity.

● Unexpected Friendships: I've met some truly wonderful and interesting

people by simply starting a conversation while waiting, even in a shopping

line. These casual chats can evolve into genuine friendships that extend

beyond the pool.

● Support Network: Need advice on the best or newest swimming gear?

Wondering about other local activities for your child? Good book to read next?

Poolside is a goldmine of information and support from fellow parents.

● Relaxation and Connection: Instead of feeling like a waiting chore, these

moments can become a mini-break. A chance to chat with other adults, share

a laugh, and unwind a bit before diving back into the day's tasks, which we all

know, seems never-ending.

Of course building a community and forming friendships and connections isn’t limited

to parents. For our swimmers, swimming lessons offer more than just water safety

skills and teach them how to swim; they are a fantastic environment for children to

build social skills and peer relationships. Their magic moment can look like this:

● Learning Together: When children learn a new skill alongside others, they

naturally form bonds. They cheer each other on, learn from each other, and

build confidence as a group.

● Social Interaction: For many young ones, swimming lessons might be one of

their first structured social activities. They learn how to interact, take turns,

and follow instructions in a group setting.

● Friendships Develop: We’ve seen many little friendships blossom in the

water. Swimmers find classmates with shared interests, and these

connections can extend outside the pool too. Playdates and birthday party

invites often follow.

● Confidence Building: Successfully navigating the social dynamics of a group

lesson can boost a child’s confidence. They learn that they can make friends,

be part of a team, and succeed in a new environment.

● Being present: Children are masters at being present. They noticed the

wonder and beauty in even the smallest of things.

Now that it’s getting darker

earlier, the lights are turned on around 5pm, and the children love it! They

comment on how different the water looks with the lights on, how dreamy it

feels. The early morning classes get all excited about the steam on the water.

They happily share these moments with each other which is just beautiful to

watch.

Next time you’re waiting poolside, remember that it’s more than just a pause in your

day. It’s an opportunity to just be, and to build connections, form friendships, and be

part of a vibrant community. For our children, it's a space where they can learn

valuable social skills and create lasting memories. Let’s make the most of those

moments and turn them into a wave of connection.

I quite like this quote by Brene Brown: “I define connection as the energy that exists

between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and

receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the

relationship”. We here at Lapiti Learn to Swim love having you and your whanau as

part of our community! You are most definitely seen, heard, and valued.