1. How do I prepare my child (infant) for swim lessons?
You can prepare your child for formal swim lessons before they start in the comfort of your own home. Children no matter how young or old feel safest at home. With that knowledge, you can utilize bath and shower time as a learning tool to introduce them to the enjoyment of water. Don’t be afraid of getting their face wet in the bath or shower when washing your child’s hair. You can introduce them by first dribbling water on top of their head and then slowly progress to letting the water completely run down their face as you wash their head. Children learn best through play, so allow your child to explore the water by splashing and playing with toys. Show your child that you are sharing in the enjoyment of water with them by lots of laughs and smiles. Your child will have more confidence in exploring the water when they see how much fun you are having.
2. What do I do if my child cries during swim lessons?
No parent wants to see their child crying. Not only is it uncomfortable for the parent, it can also be embarrassing. Crying is a very common reaction children have when they are in some sort of emotional distress. This stress can be caused by stranger anxiety, separation anxiety, and if the environment is overwhelming to them. That is why it is very important for you as the parent to let your child know that it is safe. If the child is young (3 months – 2 years), your instructor might ask you to get in the water with him/her or sit down with your feet in the water while the instructor builds a foundation of trust. If your child is older, your instructor might ask you to sit in the observation room. At that point, you should walk your child to the instructor and calmly walk to the observation area. Make sure you have a calm expression. Your calm expression will help the child to understand that the situation is safe.
3. Do swim lessons greater the chance of my child getting an ear infection?
There are 3 kinds of ear infections middle, inner, and outer. Middle and inner ear infections are commonly caused by colds. Because your throat and ear are connected, when you get a cold a small tube in your throat can swell which caused fluid to get trapped inside your ear. Outer ear infections are commonly called “Swimmer’s Ear.” Swimmer’s ear may occur if bacteria from dirt, water or sand gets trapped in the ear canal and isn’t properly cleaned. When a pool’s PH and chlorine levels are properly maintained, bacteria cannot form. The health and safety of your child is the upmost importance to us. That is why our levels are checked every hour to ensure your child is healthy.
4. How young should I start my child in swim lessons?
Due to the nature of the environment, it is recommended that you wait till after the baby’s first set of immunizations, at 2 months.
5. What can I expect on the first day of swim lessons?
The first lesson is about establishing foundation of trust between the student and child. New environments came be overwhelming to children. With that said, it is extremely important that the child is gently introduced to the environment through play time with toys. By the time the first lesson is over, the instructor and student should have built enough trust together that it will be easy to introduce him/her to going under water. It may take some children a few lessons.
6. Can babies actually swim?
Yes. Swimming is not defined as being able to perform the crawl stroke, backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke. Children can swim if they can float on their stomach or back. They can also propel themselves through the water with leg and arm movements. If your child can hold their breath in a vertical position and allow their buoyancy to pull them to the surface of the water, then he/she can swim. Children at all ages from birth on can perform these lifesaving and fundamental skills to help them to be safe and have fun in a pool setting. Babies especially have a unique ability to adapt to water if they are in a structured environment.
7. How long do I have to be in the water with my child?
If it is your child’s first formal swim lesson and he is under the age of 2, we ask that you be prepared to get in the water. Once your child can swim to and from the bench with their instructor, we will ask you to sit on the side with your feet in the water.
8. Does swimming at home help accelerate my child’s swimming ability?
Practice does not make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect. Before you decide to try out your child’s new found swimming skills, speak with your instructor about dos and don’ts when swimming at home or at a friend’s pool. Consistency is very important to your child’s progression, so make sure to follow the teacher’s instructions.
9. How long will it take for my child to be able to swim?
As mentioned earlier, there are different levels of swimming. Most parents who ask this question is really wondering how long before my child pool safe are. It is difficult to put a time frame on that answer since every child progresses at their own rate. However, we ask that you give it at least a few series then asses your child’s progression with the instructor. Babies will take longer to progress than toddlers; however, your baby can still quickly learn certain lifesaving skills.
10. Is it safe to feed my child before swim lessons?
It is recommended that you do not feed your child a heavy meal right before any strenuous exercise. However, we do not want your child to come to swim class hungry, so a light snack is sufficient.
11. How will my baby know how to hold his/her breath under water?
Every child is born with many defense mechanisms (reflexes). One reflex is called the gag reflex. The gag reflex prevents water from entering your child’s throat by closing the epiglottis. After a few lessons, your child will understand how to get a breath before being submerged through the instruction of his/her teacher.
