Swimming With Confidence This Summer

Posted On: 07-08-2016

The Association of Pool & Spa Professionals put out a summer press release highlighting the ways that families can save lives this summer out on the water, which include providing adult supervision, looking for lifeguards nearby before swimming, wearing a life jacket, and always swimming with a buddy.

However, one of the most efficient ways to keep your child safe in the water is to make sure that he knows how to swim. Your child’s confidence while swimming can allow him to have more fun in the water and help prevent him from panicking in unsure situations. It’s important to keep in mind that typically, children cannot swim independently until 4 years of age.

Here are four steps for building up confident swimmers:

1. Enroll your child in a swim class, which can help to build confidence. While it is common for a child to experience anxiety before a swim class, you can try private lessons or parent child classes to help her feel more comfortable. Look for a class taught by a certified instructor offered in your community or local health club.

2. Give your child a flotation device to wear while he learns to swim. One of these devices can help him to get accustomed to the water without fear, and when he is ready to swim without one he will be familiar with swimming motions.

3. Remind your child to recognize her limits while swimming, such as experiencing tense muscles, pain or shortness of breath. If she is familiar with the signs indicating that she needs to get out of the water, she may feel more confident swimming.

4. Play fun games that are designed to teach your child swimming skills. You can have your child practice getting his face wet by blowing bubbles in the water. Let him practice dunking a toy or stuffed animal under water, and then bringing the toy back up to the surface when it is time to breathe in more air. These games can help him to become familiar with concepts that are necessary for confident and safe swimming.

Do not leave your child unattended while swimming. A caregiver should always be in reach. Even if your child is old enough to swim independently, there should be a lifeguard supervising closely.

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