Lakwatserang Bulakenya: Basic Swimming Lessons at Swim Central

I'm a mermaid at heart but I don't know how to swim. ("^_^) I've always been putting off taking swimming lessons because it somehow scares me. The idea of spending money on lessons which might not be at all productive plus the time and effort I would have to put into.

ULTRA Olympic Size Pool (5-6ft)

Basic Swimming Lessons were conducted at the 5ft side.

Survival Swimming Lessons were conducted at the 6ft side.

But this summer, I finally had the courage to enroll at Swim Central's Basic Swimming Lesson. For PHP3500, you get 8 swimming sessions (4 sessions for freestyle; 2 sessions for breast stroke; 2 sessions for survival). One and a half hour of swimming lessons per session. The lessons are available in various locations.

ULTRA Pool Open Hours (PHP60 entrance fee)

SCHEDULES AND LOCATIONS (Basic Swimming Program):

ULTRA (Capt. Henry P Javier, Pasig)

- Tuesday to Saturday 8am, 9:30am, 1:30pm & 3pm.

- Sunday 8am & 9:30am.

* Pool fee: P60/visit

SMDC SHINE RESIDENCES (Renaissance Community, Meralco Ave, Ortigas)

- Tuesday to Saturday 7am, 9am, 4pm, 6pm & 8pm.

- Sunday 7am & 9am.

* Pool fee: P150/visit.

MARIKINA SPORTS COMPLEX (Sumulong Highway, Marikina)

- Tuesday to Saturday 8am, 9:30am, 1:30pm & 3pm.

- Sunday 8am & 9:30am.

* Pool fee: P60/visit

RIZAL MEMORIAL SPORTS COMPLEX (Malate, Manila)

- Tuesday to Saturday 9am & 1pm.

- Sunday 9am.

* Pool fee: P60/visit.

ULTRA Pool Side Lockers (PHP20 per use)

First, you have to pay through their various payment channels, then once payment is confirmed, you can schedule your lessons based on their available locations and time slots. Once confirmed, all you have to do is show up for your swimming lessons! Note that proper swimming attire is required including goggles and hair cap for girls.

Stretching Activities with Coach Allan

It is a bit scary at first but it gets better once you get accustomed to the water. 1.5 hours seems to stretch very slowly when you're already tired. It can also be frustrating when you can't seem to get the posture or the timing right. But the key lesson I can share with you here is to RELAX and keep your FOCUS. I know it's not as easy as it sounds but it will definitely help you lots. Because you have a tendency to sink when you're tense so relax and focus so you get the proper breathing and posture right. Do this over and over until it becomes muscle memory.

Overall, I'm very happy with the results, I was able to learn the basics and some survival skills. I can now jump off a pool without worrying if I can reach the bottom because I already know how to float and water thread. This is what I really wanted to learn because it will come in handy on snorkeling trips.

Kudos to our very patient coaches. Coach Allan who thought us the Basic Swimming Lessons and Coach Sierra and JV for our survival training lessons.