Summer is the time when most of us begin to ponder about swimming classes for our children near us and even for ourselves. Jumping into a cool pool to beat the heat is just so refreshing! Swimming has a variety of benefits for kids as it is a method to cool off in summer and involves a solid amount of physical activity, improving stamina, balance, and posture. So, is it time for you to start looking for swimming classes for your child? Let’s find out!
When should a child start to learn to swim?
When you decide to look for swimming lessons for 5 year olds near you, it is important to consider your child’s physical and emotional maturity, developmental abilities and limitations, and how comfortable they feel in the water.
Swim lessons for children ages 4 and above
By the age of four, most children are ready for swim lessons. Swimming lessons for 4 year olds involve teaching them skills such as floating, treading water, and getting to an exit point. Most children who begin to learn swimming at this age become comfortable and confident in the water pretty quickly.
What should I look for when choosing swim lessons?
For children of all age groups, remember the following:
- Have trained instructors – Children swimmers should undergo training with trained coaches. Each child has specific needs and especially when they begin swimming, it is essential that they do not get scared or lose confidence.
- Teach good safety habits in and near water – Children should not be allowed to swim alone. Swim instructors should train them to get permission from concerned persons before getting into a pool or lake.
- Teach what to do if they land in the water unexpectedly – The children’s swim lessons should consist of practicing skills such as self-rescue. They should be trained to handle realistic conditions. Older children also should learn what to do to help others.
- You should watch a class first to see if it is suitable for your child. Not all children’s swim lessons are designed equal, and parents should look for options to choose the best. You may easily feel that swim lessons at public pools may not be the best option for your child.
- Multiple sessions needed. When children start swim lessons, you should see steady progress in their training. Lessons are to be continued regularly till they learn basic water skills.
- Suitable atmosphere for swimming lessons for 4 year olds – The child should feel safe and secure when training – this is extremely important for their social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development.
- Touch supervision:Whenever infants and toddlers are in water, an adult should be there watching over them. Parent participation has to be encouraged in swimming lessons for 4 year olds. You can also opt for private classes for 1-on-1 instruction.
- Water purity to be checked. Young children swallow or breathe in water, so water purity is very important. The child should be taught not to spread body waste into the water.
- Water warmth. For children aged 3 and younger, water temperature should be maintained at 87 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent hypothermia.
