Pool safety is vital, especially for kids. That is why we encourage all pool owners to enrol their little ones in kids’ swimming lessons.
This article covers the types of swimming lessons available to kids, and how to improve swimming skills at home.
The basics of kids’ swimming lessons
Are swimming lessons really necessary for kids?
Why can parents not just teach their children to swim at home?
Swimming ability can be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. This makes it important that your kids have the best swimming and CPR skills possible. A qualified professional instructor is the best person to give your children these skills.
The City of Vancouver runs swimming lessons, dividing programs based on age. The four major programs are:
- Parent and tot (4 months to 3 years old)
- Preschool (3 to 6 years old)
- Swim Kids (5 to 16 years old
- Teens and adults (13 years of age and up)
When kids are under 3, the focus of their classes is comfort in and respect of the water. Most kids, however, start swimming lessons when they are between 4 and 6. The majority of kids’ swimming lessons then occur in the Swim Kids program. There are 10 levels within Swim Kids and each level builds on the skills developed in the previous level.
Then, if desired, the kids can continue on into lifeguard and swimming instructor training programs.
We always recommend keeping your children in swimming lessons throughout the winter so their swimming skills are fresh when the summer comes.
How parents can compliment kids’ swimming lessons at home
While having a professional teach your kids’ swimming lessons is the wisest course, there is a lot you can do at home to support what your children are learning.
Teach water safety
First and foremost, always promote the need for water safety. Make sure you model good safety behaviour for your kids, which includes having safety features in your pool and floatation devices within reach.
Learn CPR and First Aid
If you are not certified in First Aid and CPR, take a course. Not only will this show your kids the need for safety, but it will also give you the skills you need in an emergency situation.
Make swimming lessons fun
Finally, talk swimming lessons up! Kids do better in their classes when they find them fun. When you discuss swimming lessons in a positive light or ask to see a skill your children learned, you reinforce the fun.
Your kids’ swimming lessons may teach them a lot, but remember that an emergency situation can occur in an instant. That is why we stress the need to always take precautions when babies or children are around open water.