How to Raise a Kid Who Loves to Swim
Some kids are just born little swimmers, while others are petrified of the water from day one. But no matter how your child feels, knowing how to swim is an essential life skill. Read on for expert advice to help kids learn to love swimming and be comfortable in the water -- whether they're wading into the baby pool or diving into the deep end.
Start Young
A parent-child swimming class in a warm pool is a great way to start -- though the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until your baby is at least 6 months old before introducing her to the water. “You can introduce kids to the feel of their bodies in the water and show them it’s fun,” says B.J. Fisher, Health and Safety Director of the American Lifeguard Association (ALA). And you may get a lot out of the classes, too. “Early childhood classes help parents learn how swimming skills develop, how to properly hold a baby in the water, how to help them get in and out of a pool safely and how to supervise their children in the water as they grow,” adds Connie Harvey, an American Red Cross Health and Safety Expert.
Also see: Ways to Keep Your Family Safe Around Water
Swim Safe
If you have a pool, then be sure it’s gated on all four sides and has a childproof latch that’s way out of reach. Hot tubs should also have lockable covers, not insulated covers that curious kids can easily slip into. “It’s important to establish water safety rules for everyone in the house, just like wearing seat belts in the car,” says Harvey. “Swimming should be prohibited unless a responsible adult, 18 years of age or older, is present.” And whoever is supervising the kids should put down the smartphone. “In a crisis every second counts, so keep your eyes on your kids at all times and keep young children within arm's reach,” says Fisher.
Also see: Caution: Keep Your Kids Safe from Dirty Pools
Make a Splash
While you can’t teach an infant to swim, you can (and should) teach them to splash! Hold your baby on your shoulder as if she were giving you a hug. Move around slowly so she can feel the sensation of motion in the water. Use your hands to guide her legs until she is comfortable with kicking or splashing her feet. “Babies feel safest in the water when they know what to expect,” explains Harvey, “so make sure to keep your dips with baby short and consistent.”
Also see: 10 Modern Parenting Panics
Time it Right
As with any other developmental milestone, kids are ready for swim lessons at different ages. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that most kids ages four and over should learn to swim. Many kids, however, are ready for swim lessons earlier than that. Just take your cues from your child and keep it fun. Lessons should be short -- no more than 30 minutes for preschoolers and 45 minutes for older kids.
Also see: Should Kids Under 4 Learn to Swim?
Time it Right
As with any other developmental milestone, kids are ready for swim lessons at different ages. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that most kids ages four and over should learn to swim. Many kids, however, are ready for swim lessons earlier than that. Just take your cues from your child and keep it fun. Lessons should be short -- no more than 30 minutes for preschoolers and 45 minutes for older kids.
Wade in Slowly
Many kids are innately frightened of the water. You can combat this fear by holding your toddler under the armpits as you both ease into the pool. Walk him around in the water to develop a feeling of comfort. Smile and talk to demonstrate that this place is fun and interesting. If children learn to enjoy the water, swimming skills will develop naturally. And never force your child to do more than he’s ready to do (just ignore well meaning relatives who suggest you simply toss the child in). “Pushing an emerging swimmer too hard will only create fear,” says Harvey, “and definitely don’t force a fearful child to dunk their head. Your child will do this on his own when he’s ready.”
Break Out the Toys
If your toddler doesn't want to go into the water, don’t force her. Instead, place some toys around the pool steps (where it’s shallow) and encourage her to sit and play. Make sure you sit beside her or stand within arm's reach to be safe. When she's seems ready, you can try to coax her into holding onto the side of the pool while you slide along with her. Place your hands on top of hers to demonstrate how to crawl hand-over-hand (this is known as a crab-crawl).
Float Away
When your child is comfortable in the water, try to help him experience how buoyant he naturally is. Rest the back of your child's head on your shoulder and let him float out in front of you. Be patient! This can be a bit scary at first since it involves a lot of trust in Mom or Dad. Promise you won't let go (and don’t!) and let your tot float for as long as he’s willing. It may only be a few seconds at first.
Get Some Face Time
Blow bubbles in the water with your child to get her accustomed to getting her face wet (one of the biggest obstacles in learning to swim). You can also use those little toy watering cans to gently sprinkle water on your baby’s head. If she responds with laughter, keep it up and let her pour some on herself as well.
Go Under
Even if your child knows how to hold his breath and happily puts his face in the water, experts agree that actually dunking his whole head can still be a daunting prospect. The pressure he’ll feel in his nose and ears may be unpleasant at first and he’ll need some gentle coaxing to take the plunge. Start by encouraging him to lower his cheek into the water so that it’s fully submerged but his nose isn’t covered (this will allow him to experience water filling his ear). Try it on both sides. Once he’s comfortable (and it may take some time) have him put his whole head in the water face first. Be sure he holds his nose initially while he gets used to the new sensation of being completely submerged. When he’s dunking on a regular basis, accompany him underwater and play games to encourage him to open his eyes (goggles can help).
Let the Games Begin
Once your child is more comfortable in the water, Harvey suggests playing skill-building games. Kids who are 4 or 5 may be able to have chase after a ball in the shallow end of the pool or have kickboard races. “If your child is willing to put his face in the water, you can also encourage him to play ‘super hero flying’ by floating on his belly,” says Harvey.
Choose the Right Gear
Pool toys can be fun, but Fisher says to avoid water wings, air-filled swimsuits, and inflatable flotation toys, which can give kids a false sense of security. “What’s more, even though these items are meant to keep kids afloat, they can actually drag your child down if they begin to tire in the water,” he explains. “If you want to use a flotation aid, opt for a US Coast Guard approved swimming jacket.” And remember: even with a Coast Guard jacket, adult supervision is still a must!
Kick it Off
Teaching school-aged kids to swim starts with getting them to kick their legs. Have your child hold onto a kickboard or the side of the pool and practice kicking her legs. And if you haven’t already started your child in formal swimming lessons, now's a good time to start. “Swimming lessons are especially important for school-age kids since they teach skills that are difficult to acquire at home,” like the correct form for the major strokes and how to right yourself in the water,” says Fisher. “It’s also a great low-impact after-school activity that will make future poolside playdates much safer.”
Add Arms
To nail down the basic strokes, support your child around his waist or chest and have him stroke with his arms. Be sure to demonstrate and practice the correct form for each stroke on dry land first, guiding your child's arms so he can master them. Then let him try it in the water while you hold him up. Remind him to keep kicking. “As your child gains confidence and independence with each stroke, gradually decrease your support until he’s swimming on his own,” says Harvey. And if you’re uncertain of the correct form for each stroke, check out the free water safety manual at the skills download at the American Red Cross website.
Fly Solo
Once your child masters kicking and stroking ask her to swim from the wall to you. Begin at a very short distance, so that she can almost jump the span at first. Gradually increase the distance until she can do the width of the pool. “For practice, try having family relay races with a different stroke for each lap,” suggests Harvey, “your child will be practicing and not even know it!”
Practice, Practice, Practice
Speak to your child’s swim instructor regularly so you can reinforce what your child is learning in class during family time,” advises Harvey. Encourage your child to show off by treading water, floating on her back and on her side, going from a standing to a swimming position without assistance, gliding through the water, and using coordinated kicking and arm movements. These little displays of prowess will reinforce what she’s learning.
Keep Moving Forward
Older kids can not only hold their breath longer but their increased endurance allows them to swim longer distances or for longer periods of time without tiring. Capitalize on your child’s new-found confidence in the water by encouraging him to master more complex skills like swimming underwater, retrieving objects at the bottom, jumping into the water and resurfacing on his own. Now is also a great time to focus on mastering all the swimming strokes, including the breast and backstroke.
Just Breathe
The final stage of becoming a confident swimmer is coordinating the rhythm of your breathing with your strokes,” says Fisher, “and the best way to do this is by repetition, like swimming laps.” Have your child swim some laps as a pre-requisite to play time in the water. A few laps everyday isn’t just great exercise, but will solidify their skills. Be sure to do this at the beginning of the day, before they’re too tired.
Dive Right In
Diving can be fun for teens, but it’s also an easy way to get seriously hurt, so it's critical that your child understands how to do it properly. A child should have at least 25 feet of clear space in front of him when diving. Teach your child to dive with his hands and arms up and extended over his head -- this position not only helps steer your body to the water, but it protects your head. Kids should avoid risky tricks like back dives in a backyard pool. And make sure they never, ever show off by diving from fences, ledges, trees or rooftops (yes, teens have done that).
Tread Carefully
Treading water is another important skill kids should know before venturing off on camp or school trips where kids will be swimming in groups. Becoming proficient at treading water means your child will be able to keep her body upright and her head above water for prolonged periods of time, which, in a bad situation, can literally be a lifesaver. What’s more, experts say that people who know how to tread water don’t panic as easily in emergencies, since knowing they can stay afloat allows them to calm down and make a rational decision about how to get out of trouble.
Consider Privacy
If a teen is learning to swim for the first time, private lessons may be the best bet if it's an option. “If these are not available in your area or don’t fit within your budget then find some group swimming lessons for adults,” suggests Harvey, “which is much better than a teenager being a class with young kids.” Harvey also points out that many camps offer swimming instruction for their older campers and these lessons are often conducted apart from the general population.
Lead By Example
If your aquatic skills could use a brush up (or maybe you never learned to swim yourself) consider some semi-private lessons for you and your child. You’ll both learn and it’ll be a fun way to spend family time together.
Connect with iVillage.ca:
