As a parent, you're probably well aware of the importance of water safety. It's one of those life skills we need to teach our kids as early as possible. We want our kids to enjoy time splashing in the sun with friends, jumping waves at the beach, but mostly- we want them to have the basic skills to be able to play safely. Did you know most water related incidents in children don't occur when actively swimming? It's actually when kids are around a pool or body of water & accidently trip or fall in. In these cases, having basic skills can help save their life. Since water safety is a survival skill, our friends at Kids First Swim School of Plymouth Meeting wanted to share some techniques you can do at home with or without a pool to help learn to swim.
1). Talk about swim safety. This may seem pretty basic, but our kids don't know not to jump in the deep end unless we tell them. A few points to review:
- Don't ever go in the water alone
- Always make sure there is an adult present who knows you're swimming and agrees to watch you. Just because a parent is in eyesight does not mean they are actually supervising- they may not even realize you're outside too.
- Don't go in water after toys. Get an adult.
- Don't lean over the edge (even laying on your belly) to try and get a toy or ball that's floating in the pool.
- Don't run by the pool
- Don't walk on a covered in-ground pool.
- If a friend/sibling needs help get an adult. Don't try to pull them out alone or go into over your head after them.
- Never hold others underwater, even playing.
- Know your limits and skill set. If you want to try a new trick, ask for assistance and wait until you have an adult's attention to supervise.
2). Practice breathing techniques. In the tub or pool have your child blow bubbles. Start by blowing out air and slowly lower head down until lips are barely submerged (NOT nose) and bubbles are rolling at the surface. This will help them learn to hold their breath under water and not to suck in water while submerged. Make it fun by pretending to be a shark or motor boat!
3). Learn to float. If a child who can't swim was to fall into a pool the next best thing would be to float until they either reach the side or help arrives. Have your child practice floating on their back in the tub or pool. Key point here = get them to relax and not panic. Humans are buoyant, you just need to know how to get into position. Float in the tub like a mermaid or a levitating alien- make it engaging and they'll join in!
4). Practice going under water. Again, the most important thing for kids to learn is not to panic. Let them get used to holding their breath and submerging. Be sure to set rules beforehand that going under is only something you do with an adult present.
5). Kicking. You can teach kids how to kick on dry land! Lay on the edge of a bed with legs hanging off and kick, kick, kick away! Sometimes it's hard to see what's going on under the water. Practicing on a bed lets kids see exactly what their legs should be doing under water.
6). Get comfortable. Ultimately, kids need to be comfortable in the water in order to learn to swim. If they're panicking or scared, it just won't work. A few tips for getting comfortable.
- Talk about swimming and water related activities. Get kids excited; share your joy and memories too!
- Give space for fear. Not everyone is a born fish. It may take a few tries for your child to get in the water. That's okay. Kids, especially younger ones, will come around without being forced.
- Show them you're not afraid. We all know kids want to be big acting just like their beloved grownups. So suit up and get in the water. Splash around, go under, and blow bubbles with the best of em'.
- Get in the water as much as possible. It's not always easy to get kids swimming if you don't have regular access to a pool. One option is family swim time. Each weekend at Kids First Swim School of Plymouth Meeting families are invited to family swim hour for a nominal fee ($5/person). It's the perfect way for kids to get their feet wet (literally) and practice their swim skills. Family swim times are walk in and have no long term commitment. There are also lifeguards present for your peace of mind.
7). Consistency. When it comes to learning a new skill like swimming, consistency is key. Doing these techniques once just isn't a winning strategy. Ideally, they should be practiced at least once a week. However, we get it. You're busy, life's busy and there are professional swim teachers for a reason- know when to call them up. Lucky for us, we have a phenomenal, locally owned school right in our backyard. Sign up for weekly classes at Kids First Swim Schools of Plymouth Meeting. Your child will love swim class and you'll love the peace of mind of having a swimmer in the house. Classes available for ages 2 months through 99+ years!
Want to learn more about Kids First Swim School of Plymouth Meeting? Call them for information ( 610-279-7946) or check out their upcoming open house! Swing by January 14th from 2-4pm for a complimentary swim assessment and, if all goes well, on-site enrollment.
Kids First Swim School Plymouth Meeting
2905 Dekalb Pike, East Norriton PA 19401
610-279-7946
Email: lilah@lovetoswim.org
