Swimming is a sport that everyone can learn at any age. Everyone from 2 year olds to 100 year olds can learn and benefit from swimming. Swimming is both relaxing and effective. If taught properly, from an early age, it can teach kids how safely exercise and play while having fun doing it!
Here are some tips to start your child’s summer with a SPLASH!
- Encourage swimming from an early age. If you do not have a pool, invest in a local swim club membership. Be sure to sign up early…they are in high demand and most places have a waiting list!
- If you are a proficient swimmer, teach your child the basics:
- Rotary arm movements (big circles, rainbows)
- “ice cream scooper†/ “crab†hands
- Kicking their feet
- Floating on their front and back
- Alternative breathing (1, 2, 3, breathe)
3. Enlist the help of a professional when you feel the time is right. Make sure the professional is a certified Lifeguard with training in life saving, CPR, and First Aid. Although it is actually not required to be certified as a Lifeguard to teach swim lessons, it is highly recommended.
- Private lessons can be pricey but generally, you “get what you pay forâ€. In my area, for example, it is not uncommon to be charged $20-$30 for a 30-minute private lesson.
4. Ask the lifeguard for weekly updates on your child if you are not present during the lesson. Make sure the lifeguard has enough skill set and experience to be teaching your child and inquire about what guidelines they have based their “lesson plans†on. For example, here is a link providing an example of American Red Cross Swim Levels. There are many different approaches available, you should just be aware of what your child is using.
5. Make sure you make swimming a frequent and fun event for your child. For example, sending your child to a day camp with a strong swim program is a good place to start. This way, they will presumably have swim lessons every camp day as well as a free swim period when they can practice what they learned with friends.
6. If your child is inherently competitive, encourage them to join a swim team. It is a great way for kids to make friends and refine their skills. Community oriented teams like a local swim club will likely be less strenuous than an official swim organization like the Y, but with similar experiences and benefits.
Overall, children learning how to swim benefits you as a parent and your child. Your child will spread the knowledge and will promote fun and safe exercise to people of all ages.
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