After a few months off work, my (swim teacher/lifeguard) daughter returned to the pool this past weekend. She had classes from 9-12, and one of them had over 20 kids in it.

She shared how she had one child that gave her trouble. The child wanted a different swim teacher to help her get to the deep end, but the other teacher was busy. My daughter kept her composure and told the child that she was it. The child relented, and had a successful time in the pool.

Rapport with the teacher is important when you’re learning to swim. If you resist your teacher, you could die. I wonder if there’s a gentle way to tell the children this as they start swim lessons. The teacher must be quick on her toes to anticipate little attitudes and what not.

It’s a tough job, but when you’re successful, you’ve changed someone’s life.

If you're a swim teacher or coach, how do you handle resistance?

cross posted at www.imswimming.net