At what age to teach a child to swim?
Many children enjoy bathing and playing with water in the tub, as well as immersing themselves in water. So you can take your child to the pool and let him take more water and enjoy playing in the water under your care, so that you can gradually teach him to swim as well.
If your child is playing with water like a fish, it is time to enroll them in a swimming class. According to the American Pediatric Association, swimming instruction is not mandatory for toddlers or even older children, so you should not force your child to take a swimming class. But if your beloved child seems to like playing in a space larger than a bathtub or bathtub, there is no reason to delay swimming lessons. In fact, there is some evidence that children over the age of one are less likely to drown if they receive formal swimming instruction, and this is a very strong reason for enrolling children in swimming classes as soon as possible.
The right time for swimming training
How do you know when the time is right?
If the child is able to follow and follow instructions, has good motor coordination and can walk and walk at the same time, and is emotionally prepared (not afraid of water), he has almost all the signs of learning to swim. In this case, it is better to enroll the child in swimming preparation classes to learn basic swimming movements and skills such as diving and cycling. To begin, look for classes that are attended by a small number (less than 6 children). Be sure to enroll your child in classes that are approved and controlled for safety and health.
Some tips on swimming lessons
Children 6 months to 2 years: Look for classes that the mother / father and child attend together and are run by a qualified instructor. Instructors in these classes teach things like water coming in and out, making bubbles, kicking forward, and immersing yourself in the back. In addition, educators have a responsibility to teach parents the basics of water safety.
Children 2 to 3 years old: At this age your curious child is more active in the water, so you or another adult should definitely take care of him and keep him. Inside the pool, play fun games that require movement of the limbs (for example, throw the ball across the pool and ask him to catch it) and place him on his stomach or back with the help of a support. (For example, on your hand) float on water.
Teach him to make bubbles underwater so he can learn to wet his face without swallowing water. When he reaches the age of 3, he will be able to do all these movements with less help.
Children 3 to 4 years old: You can use classes in which the child can attend with or without a parent. It is better to look for classes that, in addition to paddle training, also focus on teaching safe behaviors in the pool.
Children 4 to 5 years old: If these children are familiar with and accustomed to water, 30-minute classes of 8 to 10 weeks are recommended for the child to acquire basic skills to eventually succeed. Perform simultaneous and coordinated movements of the limbs.
The most important thing about swimming lessons
Never think that your child will be safe enough without you attending these classes and that there is no possibility of drowning. None of the coaches or even lifeguards can monitor the child in the water like the parents.
When a child is near or inside the pool, parents should always be at arm’s length. It is better to use swimming aids such as tubes or floating thermoses. Remember that even if you use these tools, you need to always be in the water with the child because you can not count on these devices to avoid drowning.
