At Little Otter Swim School, we’re committed to teaching children in a way that respects their complete development, physically, socially, emotionally and cognitively. Because avoiding illness is always a concern for parents of young children, we’re providing answers to some of the more common health-related questions about swimming and kids.
Do Your Pools Contain Chlorine? If So, Why?
Yes, our pools do have chlorine. This complies with a state law that requires either chlorine or bromine be used in all public pools. However, as an indoor facility, we’re able to keep our chlorine levels lower than most public pools. We also run all water through state-of-the-art pool sanitation and UV filtration systems 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This means your child can swim year-round in a sparkling clean pool without the typical side effects of swimming in chlorine-heavy environments, such as red eyes, itchy skin and green hair.
Does Swimming Cause Ear Infections in Babies or Toddlers?
A lot of parents are concerned about a condition known as swimmer’s ear in a toddler, baby or older child. And does swimming cause ear infections in toddlers, as you may have heard? It’s important to first understand that there are two types of ear infections which affect either the inner ear or the outer ear. While there is no known link between inner ear infections and swimming, outer ear infections or swimmer’s ear in kids can sometimes occur.
Child or baby swimmer’s ear happens when there is excess water left in the ear after any aquatic activity, such as bathing or swimming. If the water is left in the ear, it can promote the growth of bacteria and potentially cause infection. To prevent swimmer’s ear, you can get ear drops containing alcohol or boric acid at any pharmacy to speed up the evaporation of water in the ear canal.
Will Swimming in Winter Make a Child Sick?
No. Contrary to what you may have heard, kids don’t get colds from being cold and wet after swimming. They get colds from viruses. Leaving a session with wet hair may make your child feel uncomfortable on the walk to the car, but it will not make him or her get sick.
Are There Health Benefits to Swim Lessons?
Yes! There are so many ways that swimming classes are good for kids. Teaching little ones to swim introduces them to a low-impact, heart-healthy physical activity they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. Swimming also promotes flexibility and coordination and helps develop strong bones and muscles. It can help older children burn off excess energy. And in an emergency situation, being able to swim can even save a child’s life.
Do You Adapt Lessons to Children’s Development Levels?
Yes. We believe children learn best when we target swimming lessons to their specific physical, cognitive, emotional and social stages. That’s why we always strive to teach in ways that are sensitive to a student’s specific age and skill level.