Every summer, triathletes show up at my pool in full-blown panic. They’ve started triathlon swim training and signed up for their first race months ago, but as race day gets closer, they realize: “I don’t think I can finish the swim.” My heart goes out to them. I’ll do everything…
Parents often ask us: “When is my child ready for swim lessons if they ages 4-12?” The truth is, most kids between the ages of 4 and 12 are ready—it’s just a matter of knowing what signs to look for. At Chicago Blue Dolphins, we’ve helped thousands of children learn…
You can learn to swim as an adult —calmly, safely, and faster than you think—when you follow a clear sequence. Here’s the exact roadmap we use with adult beginners at Chicago Blue Dolphins. Why adults learn differently (and why that matters) Adults don’t need more laps; they need predictable skills…
Many adult swimmers head to the pool with good intentions: swim a few laps, get a workout in, and maybe try to go a little farther than last time. While this routine builds general fitness, it doesn’t always lead to measurable improvement. Without structured swim workouts, it’s easy to plateau…
Your baby’s first swim lesson is an exciting milestone — and a big step toward a lifelong love of the water. At Chicago Blue Dolphins, we make sure every child’s first experience is joyful, safe, and stress-free. With just a little preparation, you and your little one can dive right…
Many adults can swim but find it tiring, awkward, or frustrating. The secret isn’t more laps — it’s refining your stroke technique. Stroke improvement training breaks the stroke into manageable steps, helping adults move through the water with less effort and more enjoyment. Chicago Blue Dolphins provides the adult stroke…
When it comes to swim lessons, class size matters. Many parents assume that all swim programs are the same—but the number of kids in the water with each instructor can make or break your child’s experience. If you are looking for small class size swim lessons in Chicago, look no…
You’re not “behind.” You’re not alone. And yes—you absolutely can learn to feel calm, safe, and even joyful in the water. Why fear of water is normal (and fixable) Most adult water anxiety comes from one or more of these: Loss of control (“What if I can’t stand up?”) Facial…
If you’re a parent in Chicago wondering, “When is the right time to start baby swim lessons?” — the answer might surprise you: as early as 6 months old. At Chicago Blue Dolphins, we’ve seen firsthand how starting early not only builds water safety but also creates joyful, confident swimmers…
Drills aren’t just for kids. In fact, adults often see the biggest breakthroughs when complex strokes are broken down into smaller pieces — balance, breathing, recovery — and then rebuilt into smooth, confident swimming. Why Drills Matter Swimming has too many moving parts to fix all at once. Trying to…
