Swim Kid Level 6!

Jackson started swim lessons again yesterday after 3 weeks off for Spring break. His previous instructor, Daniel, went back to school full-time so he's not teaching this Fall, but he left a report card for Jackson and wrote some really wonderful things that make me so proud, I just have to share them.

The patch is for passing the Red Cross Swim Kids level 5, though he did have three items from level six and three from level seven already completed! Swim Kids is a national program that normally starts with age six and goes from levels 1 - 10.

The report card reads:
"Jackson, you're an amazing swimmer! You are quick to learn and float like a cork. Your whip kick is impressive. Remember to glide after you kick - this will help you save energy. Your dives through hoops are excellent. Remember to do a back float and kick to the edge if you are tired. Keep up the great side-glides and make sure you pull as much water as you can on your crawls. This will give you more power".

He also wrote a separate letter explaining why he isn't teaching right now and included another personal letter about Jackson:
"I have only taught Jackson for a short time, but he has been one of the most amazing swimmers I have ever seen. At such a young age he has amazing coordination and confidence. I hope he never loses an ounce of it. I have witnessed Jackson for a long time, since he used to swim with Taylor. He is an extremely sensitive young man - he is so careful and soft, it is remarkable. You can barely feel his feet when he pushes off your leg or climbs out. As a swimmer, he has great stamina and a definite understanding of the motions of most strokes. He is a quick learner and extremely aware. Jackson will most likely reach a limit in his swimming as he is young in comparison to most other swimmers at his level. He is safe and capable in deep water. Jackson is one of the few children I know that would be safe in most water environments as he knows what he is capable of, which is about 50 metres, and treading water for about a minute before he needs a proper break. Jackson would only struggle with fast moving water or waves, just because he does not use much power as he swims. He floats well, so he does not need to be strong to swim well. Jackson will do well at anything he applies himself to. He is a well-mannered and inquisitive person - a great role model for his younger sister".

Isn't that something! What a kid.

We'll miss Daniel, but Jackson's new instructor taught Daniel everything he knows and so far she really does seem excellent.