FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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- What should I bring to swim class?
- At what age can my child start learning to swim?
- Why start children swimming as babies?
- Suggestions for parents of infants
- Why should we be concerned about teaching our child to swim?
- When will my child be “Drown-proofed”?
- How fast will my children learn?
- What if my child cries or is afraid?
- What if my child is sick?
What should I bring to swim class?
We will provide all of the learning equipment and toys necessary for swim class. All you need to bring is a swimsuit and towel, sunscreen (put on prior to class) and something to keep long hair or bangs out of children’s eyes. Children under the age of three must wear a snug fitting, re-usable swim diaper. If you wish to bring your own goggles, be sure to write your child’s name on them in permanent marker. For after the lesson, a snack and drink might be desirable.
At what age can my child start learning to swim?
We begin teaching children as young as six months and up. As soon as a child can crawl, they need to know how to swim.
Why start children swimming as babies?
Statistics reveal that drowning is a leading cause in children’s deaths in the state of Florida. Children need to develop skills to increase their chances of survival should an incident occur. We teach children of all ages about water safety and provide swim programs designed with water emergency awareness strategies.
Infants perform instinctive movements similar to swimming until they are approximately three months old. Swimming instruction is important to reinforce and maintain these movements. Because of less gravity, the water provides more support and buoyancy for babies. Swimming instruction increases their strength, helps them acquire skills, such as balance and coordination and as a result adds to their cardiovascular fitness, a benefit that lasts a lifetime.
The benefits of swimming instruction for infants include sleeping and eating better. The warm water, gentle exercise and lots of focused attention relaxes and stimulates a baby’s appetite on swimming days.
Psychologists say that swimming provides babies a lot of skin-to-skin contact with their parents, deepening the bond between parent and child. Some parents have said that this lesson time is the only opportunity they have to spend thirty pleasurable, uninterrupted minutes with their child.
As babies learn how to get around in the water on their own, their independence blossoms. Researchers have stated that this independence increases their self-confidence and their interest in learning which lasts throughout their life and promotes success in future challenges both in and out of the water.
Studies have been done that show that children who took part in swimming instruction early as infants were more skillful in their movements, self-confident and independent compared to other children later of the same age. Children having successful experiences, relatively easy experiences, lifts self-confidence increasing independence as well as influencing the way the children and parents deal with each other. The more independence that is urged upon a child influences the pleasure of achievement and the development of intelligence favorably.
Suggestions for parents of infants
Start with the baby’s first bath. Have fun with your baby. Squeeze wash cloth on top of head. Let your infant get very used to water on and around his head. Follow that up with pool play; make the water environment fun to be around. The parent should not portray being wet or splashed as a bad thing.
Why should we be concerned about teaching our child to swim?
- Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in Florida.
- 75% of victims are ages 12 to 25 months old.
- 65% drown in the family pool.
- 33% drown in a neighbors’ or relatives’ pool.
- For every child that drowns, 4 are hospitalized for near drowning.
- 77% were missing less than 5 minutes.
When will my child be “Drown-proofed”?
There is no such thing as being “Drown-Proofed”. We teach our students how to love and respect the water, and that they can never swim alone. In fact, adults should never swim alone either!
Nobody can guarantee your child will be 100% water safe. The only certainty of preventing child drownings is to watch your children around the water. Having your child learn to swim is a life saving gift you can provide to your child. There are lessons that your child can learn to help prevent a tragedy before it happens. We are constantly reviewing these lessons with your children.
How fast will my children learn?
Each child is an individual. One child may move quicker than another but all will learn to swim given time and patience. The learning curve for young children fluctuates. One day may seem like an achievement and the next day they may have forgotten everything they did. This is perfectly normal. Each student will succeed at his or her own pace. Yes, in general everyone will learn to swim. We just don’t know how many classes it may take, or how much time will be needed.
The term “learn to swim” depends on what the goal is. Most of our families stay with us until their child has learned to do all the different strokes and are ready for “swim team”. With swimming, as with any sport, you can always improve with more practice and more coaching.
What if my child cries or is afraid?
Our teachers are trained to deal with even the most fearful swimmer. We have many toys, songs and games especially created for fearful swimmers. If you need help getting your child into the pool, ask our staff for assistance; we will gladly get your child in the water and swimming happily in no time!
What if my child is sick?
If your child has a fever, or any stomach or digestion problems, they are too sick for swim class. If they have a runny nose or a cough, swimming can actually be good for them. In fact, the warm water can help clear their sinuses and make them feel better!