Just some thoughts. Swim lessons should be fun for the child but it also is an important lesson to take especially if you have a pool on property. I really don't see how overbearing, disapproving instructors are going to help advance anyone's skills and the risk of this approach turning him off to swimming or not advancing or even back sliding in his abilities is too much of a risk. If you are not getting the director's backing than pull him out. It sounds like you have other options. And if you are worried about what message you are sending to your son just remember that you can vocalize what you want him to come away from this situation with: how about you understand his frustrations and clearly the class he is taking is only causing more frustration for him when your only wish is for him to learn swimming but have fun doing it.
