The Do's and Don'ts of Beginner Swim Lessons

For a child, learning to swim can feel much like an adult standing on top of Mt. Everest. Gravity is different, and a foreign place can make them fearful- especially given that they are about to enter into a territory that they have been told not to go near their whole young lives.

Like many things, swimming is all about finding balance in a new environment. The key is to instruct the child with a gradual process so that fear is not evoked, but they are still being challenged each lesson.

Don’t: Floaties.

While parents use this floatation device with good intentions, the reality is that floaties handicap the child from learning proper swimming. Floaties are designed to keep the child vertical in the water, causing the child to kick with bent legs in order to navigate around the pool.

Once removed, the child then proceeds to kick the same way causing them to down underwater and in turn, creating more fear. Leaving the floaties off gives helps the child learn two to three times faster than those with floaties.

Do: Keep the water warm.

The United States Swim School Association says that a pool should be set at an, “86 degrees minimum, 90-94 ideal [temperature].” The pool will always feel 20 degrees cooler than the air temperature. Shivering bodies and purple lips do not add up to a focused and fun lesson.

Do: Consider the environment.

There really is not a do or do not when it comes to private or public lessons, it all depends on what you feel will benefit your child best. The pros to group lessons are that it can make for a great social scene, something very crucial to a child’s development at a young age. In a group setting they are able to socialize with other kids. However, not only do the children benefit from this but the parents as well. Meeting other parents can make going to lessons more fun and in the end, everyone walks out with a new friend.

On the other hand, private lessons are also an excellent option if that is the route preferred. If trust is built easier at ones home pool, than this may be the path to take.

Do: Keep it fun.

As everyone knows, children don’t have the longest attention span. This is why using games and skill work are extremely important when teaching. Finding an instructor that matches the child’s personality is something to look for. When they can connect and form a bond, the lesson will go much smoother because than a trust will be built.

Just how every child learns to walk, some sooner than others, every child can learn to swim, for some it may take a little more time than others, but they will get there. Letting the experience be a fun and an enjoyable experience, the rewards will last a lifetime.

About the author: Clairissa Myatt
, Clairissa Myatt is a Sunsational Swim Instructor from Boca Raton, FL
Clairissa Myatt is a recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and spent her undergrad time as a Division II swimmer. After graduation, she knew she was not ready to give up her love of swimming so she found a new way to continue: teaching. In addition to working with Sunsational Swim School, she is also a swim instructor at a YMCA in South Florida. There, she is able to both coach a team and teach others to swim of all ages. Clairissa see’s swimming as more than just a survival skill to know, but a life investment.

Book Clairissa or any of the other Sunsational Swim School Instructors in your area.