Now that the weather is warm, everyone is headed for the pool! Don’t be surprised if your little one becomes intimidated and seems to have forgotten all of his swim skills. Here are some tips to making a smooth transition from the swim school pool to the family pool.
Summer Swim Tips
1. It is normal for your child to be cautious in an unfamiliar environment. Initially, he may want to stay in the baby pool vs the big pool or hang out on the steps or the side. Allow him the freedom to take his time and go at his own pace.
2. Your child is accustomed to 90 degree water. Most outdoor pools are going to be much cooler than this. Cold muscles take longer to warm up. Therefore it will take longer to relax and feel confident. Try wearing a regular rash guard or a thermal rash guard to prevent the shivers.
3. Avoid floaties if at all possible. Floaties give children a false sense of confidence, makes submerging difficult and creates vertical swimmers.
4. Spend a little time practicing what to do if you fall in. Your child knows this as the “jump, turn and grab the wall” skill from swim lessons at Little Otter. This is an important safety skill to review.
5. Help your child to be realistic about how far she can swim. Ask her to swim out as far as she can and then turn around and swim back. Many children will forget to factor in the “swim back” part. They go out as far as they can and then they can’t get back. Teach your child to be aware of just how far she can go.
6. A child is not safe in the water until he can swim 50 yards and get several independent breaths. And of course no child is ever drown proof. Make sure that there is always an adult present who is actively watching the water.
Conversations