I know there are a few different swim programs for kids and babies in the area. I'm thinking of signing us up for one. Any recommendations? Who's had a good experience with swim lessons?

My 3 and 1/2 year old is currently taking lessons through Swim Kids at Fitness One in Northport. We have been really pleased so far, and I highly reccomend them.

I know that they have mommy and me baby classes starting at 12 months - I think I'll enroll my younger daughter in these after her birthday.

We are currently enrolled in the mommy and baby swim class with SwimKids. I must say that I am lukewarm about it. Maybe my expectations are too high. I had a really great swim class with my daughter where we used to live.

Any suggestions for an alternative to SwimKids?

I know that the UA Rec Center offers them too, but since it's outdoors I imagine those classes are only in the summer. I haven't heard any reviews of those, but I'm sure they are pretty good. Here is more info: http://urec.sa.ua.edu/aquaticsswimlessons.cfm

We tried SwimKids with my oldest, after trying the UA Rec Center and private lessons with him before. He was afraid of the water, and we were having a hard time getting him past the fear. We had heard that SwimKids was so wonderful, but it didn't work out very well. We spent a lot of money (it's the most expensive program in town), and one of the teachers told my son she wouldn't let go of him and then did, which completely destroyed the trust and effectively ruined any chance she had of breaking through his fear.
In the end we went back to the rec center last summer and had a very positive experience. They offer classes year-round, presumably at the indoor pool in the off-season.
I will say, though, that my husband did a "Baby and Me" class with our youngest, and he wasn't very impressed with the teacher. Seemed to be an isolated problem, but she just wasn't very interactive with the class and basically left the parents and their babies to do their thing.
So, while I would wholeheartedly recommend the rec center for bigger kids, I'm not as entusiastic about their baby program;although a better teacher would probably make all the difference.

FYI:

Here are the PARA swim classes for little ones scheduled for this spring:

Aqua Babies Classes:
An introduction to swimming in a heated pool for younger children ages 6 months to 3 years old. Runs from Saturday March 29 to Saturday May 17 from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at McAbee Center's Dockery Pool. The cost is $50 for 8 classes.

Preschool and Junior Swim Lessons:
Children will be grouped by ability to build confidence and learn basic strokes and skills in the water. For chidlren 3 to 12 years old. Saturdays March 29 to May 17 from 9:30 to 10 am or 10 to 10:45 am at McAbee Center's Dockery Pool. It costs $50 for 8 classes.

Parent and Tot Swim Class:
For parents interested in acquainting their 6 month to 48 month old aged infants/toddlers with the water in a fun and safe environment. Teaches water adjustment, blowing bubbles, underwater exploration and more. Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from April 8 to May 6 from 6:15 to 7 pm at Miller Center Pool for $45 per parent/tot.

All of these are taught by certified water safety instructors. Registration deadline for all classes is the day class begins. Call Mark Harrison at 758-0419 for more info.