When Marcus started at Paul Sadler Swimland as a kinder aged swimmer, it was fair to say that in the beginning swimming was not one of Marcus favorite weekly activities. As Mum and Dad would say, bringing Marcus to swimming lessons was a challenging experience. He would often cry before class and Mum and Dad thought long and hard about whether or not now was the right time to introduce Marcus to swimming lessons. “Should we hold off, give him a break or should we persist”? Even though it was hard, difficult and at times frustrating for the family, they continued with his weekly Friday night lesson. Marcus started lessons with a genuine fear of water. The deep end section of the lesson was the most difficult part for him. Marcus had no confidence in his abilities to stay above water (tread water) even though his teacher always put on enough floatation aids to easily do so. How do you tell a three-year-old child that if I let you go you won’t drown? Your floaties will keep you from sinking. It’s not easy. When you think your life is at stake you will do anything to protect it, and boy could Marcus let you know! He didn’t seem to be improving and Mum and Dad were starting to think why keep paying for lessons when they only seemed to be causing more discomfort, which goes against basic parenting instincts. So how did Marcus and his parents turn things around? What made the difference? The answer was simple. Don’t give up! Once Marcus really knew that no matter how hard he cried, screamed, and even scratched his teacher, he was still going to come to lessons. He realized that he may as well enjoy himself because it doesn’t matter how big a wobbly I throw or how much I say I don’t want to come, I still have to go to swimming lessons. Mum and Dad could see the bigger picture and through their persistence Marcus began to turn things around. Marcus now loves coming to swimming lessons. The deep end section of the pool is now a fun place for him to be. He has the confidence to tread water with his floaties on and has independent movement without needing to hold on to his teacher. Marcus loves jumping in and dog paddling to the edge. The benefits of his swimming lessons have meant happier bath and shower times, and increased self esteem at home and kinder. When asked for advice to give to parents going through similar issues Marcus Mum and Dad said “Don’t give up, try a holiday program where your child will swim every day for 5 days”. Stay positive and ride out the storm. Clear skies will follow and happy times will come. Just look at Marcus and his great example of persistence paying off.