The use of goggles can be very beneficial. Goggles can help children develop the confidence to submerge, but at some stage learners need to become comfortable with the feel of water in their eyes. It is important that children not become “goggle dependent”.
Goggles & Swimming Lessons
Consideration needs to be given to how safe children really are if they become reliant on their goggles. Falling into water with loose, or without any goggles often reduces the child to weak or non swimmer status.
We use a gentle and gradual approach for teaching children to become comfortable with water in their eyes. This includes removing goggles for part of every lesson .
We also constantly monitor a learner’s emotional state as well as their ability to perform the task. A clear lens allows the teacher to watch the eyes and make judgments on things such as level and intensity of work.
Goggles need to be a good fit to avoid the learner fiddling with them throughout the lesson. We have loaners at the pool side, but it is best if your child has their own pair. Test the style and fit by using the “suction test”.
Without putting the headband on, place the lens against the eye sockets. Using your thumbs, gently push the front of the lens onto the eye socket.
The goggles are likely to be the right size and style if suction causes them to stay in place.
RESOURCE: Barb Nolan, who owns and operates Dipadees Little Aussie Swim School in Queensland Australia. She has previously been the Swim Australia – Development Manager
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