Overheard at the Pool

I've had a real swimming jones of late and I'm happy to report that my front crawl breathing is getting better. I was able to swim 200 yards (not consecutively) without pulling up. In honor of my success in the water, here are things that I've overheard at the pool.

Father to son at pool: Move your arms in wide circles.

Son: I'll go down.

Father: I won't let you go down.

Father to son at pool: I'm ready when you are; feet all the way to the edge.

Son: (Sound of jumping then peals of laughter.)

Just because it's hard doesn't mean you shouldn't do it, Same father to son.

I'm the boss, Father to son before the father's two quick laps before the start of swimming lessons.

Swimming instructor: You're eight years old. You're a strong boy. You've stopped three times. Go. Go. Go.

Son to father about swimming: I don't think I'm made for this.

Father to son: Kick your legs and move your arms in a circle. If your head goes underwater, breathe out of your nose.

I don't know how much longer I'll be able to swim, a man at the pool with limited vision.

How do we swim?, Teacher

Streamlined., Her two students

(The teacher played a game with her students. Every time she said streamline they were to raise their arms straight up in the air.)

We’re going to rock and roll but only our shoulders.

Same teacher re: the backstroke.

Instructor to kid on diving board: I need to see your toes. I need to see your toes. I see your toes.


Kid then uses toes to head in the other direction.

Father to son, Number one: don't breathe too much...

Father to son: Streamline. One then the other. Never put both arms down at the same time. Any questions?

Father to son: You streamline with the backstroke too but instead of looking down, you look up.

Definition provided by recreation center: open swim means that the rec area, slide... and lazy river are available to children and adults for play.

What happiness do you have to report?