Swimming Lessons for Toddlers
How and When to Introduce Your Child to the Pool
It's time to register your child for swimming lessons. Here are answers to some of your most pressing questions and concerns.
The weather is warming up and parents will soon face the decision of whether to enroll their toddler in swimming lessons. Though some parents are hesitant about placing their toddler in a swim class at such a young age, starting swimming lessons at the youngest possible age holds many benefits.
How Young Is Too Young?
It is never too early to get your baby or child in the water. In fact, many moms start extra early by giving birth in the water! Truthfully, the soonest you can get your child in the water the better. After being in the womb, babies often find the floating sensation of the swimming pool soothing and very pleasant reminder of their nine months inside mommy. It is easy to nurture and develop this love simply by making regular trips to the pool.
If it’s not feasible or possible to start your infant in the water, start when you can but remember that the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be. A two year old will often do better than a three old, and a three year old better than a four year old.
Pool Water Won’t Harm Your Child
Many parents are concerned that the chemicals in pool water will harm their child. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Chlorine kills germs, bacteria and algae, but won’t hurt your child in the diluted form found in your neighborhood pool. It might dry out your skin, but a quick shower and some lotion will resolve that.
Many toddlers and babies are prone to eczema and parents have valid concerns over whether a skin-drying agent such as chlorine would be detrimental to the condition. The answer to this is maybe, though it can also quite surprisingly have the opposite. Often parents of babies with eczema find that the chlorinated water has improved or completely relieved the condition, much like the effects of salt-water healing a wound. As always, check with your doctor, but never discount the possibility entirely without giving it a try.
Use the Bathtub to Start
Start your child off in the bathtub if you don’t have access to a pool, or even if you do. The bathtub is a wonderful place to practice blowing bubbles and floating. This is especially true in the winter months when most neighborhood pools are closed and you don’t want your child to forget what they learned over the summer. It’s nice and warm and within the safety of their own home, which can be a great aid for older children (or even young ones) who have already developed a fear of the water.
Fear of the Water
The longer you wait to introduce a child to the water, the greater chance there will be of that child being hesitant or even fearful of it. Many adults are afraid of the water and can testify to never being introduced to the water as a child. As such, it becomes a great fear of the unknown. Remarkably, it is these parents who often are the most determined to not allow their children follow in their footsteps.
If your child is already afraid of the water, start in the bathtub as mentioned above. From there, try and find a pool or body of water to practice in that is sloped, like a beach. Many children are afraid of falling in or sudden submersion and this will eliminate that fear. They can slowly wade in or sit at the water’s edge until they become comfortable. Play games like touching mommy’s ring under the water, or picking up pennies from the bottom, at first just a few inches deep, then a foot or so. The key is slowly acclimating the child to the water so it is not a great scary mystery, but a fun, cool place to be.
How Do I Find an Instructor?
The easiest place to look is your neighborhood pool. Many lifeguards offer private lessons and will often be less expensive than a facility that specializes in lessons. Often, your child will already be familiar with the guard since he or she is probably a face they recognize from the pool or might even be a neighbor.
Your community center will often hold group lessons, as do swim schools. These classes are held in group settings and usually hold registration a month or two ahead of the scheduled class starting date. These classes are progressive and a child is promoted to a more advanced class after successful completion of the current class. These programs may also feed into summer league teams or even year-round USA swimming teams for those so inclined and skilled.
How Do I Know If They Are Qualified?
Always watch an instructor or class a few times before you sign up with them. As with anything, you want to know what you are buying and with whom you will be entrusting your child. Makes sure they are certified; some certifications you should look for are CPR, First Aid, WSI, ASCA/USA Swimming Coach, and lifesaving.
Spending the summer at the pool is a tradition that spans generations. Make sure your child or toddler is prepared to safely enjoy one of season’s greatest pleasures.
