Kids shrieking with laughter while splashing water everywhere, attempting cannonball dives and seeing who can hold their breath the longest underwater – this is the scene that will greet you at most swimming pools on a hot day. With the summer holidays here, many kids will be attending swimming classes. Those who already know how to swim will be at the pool paddling in the water with their friends or practicing their strokes.
If your child is keen on learning how to swim this summer, here are some things to keep in mind while picking a swimming class. Yes, there are loads of advertisements for swimming classes and camps during the summer holidays, but you don’t want to put your child into the first one you find. It always helps to send your child to a swimming coach who other parents recommend, so ask around! Keeping in mind your budget, shortlist a few and make a visit. Check to see the child-to-instructor ratio. You don’t want to put your child in a pool that is over crowded and lacks enough adult supervision.
See if the class offers a trial lesson and sit in to watch how the swimming coach interacts with the kids and teaches them. Is he or she able to give each child the required attention? Talk to the coach as well and find out about their experience, make sure they are CPR and first aid certified. You can never be too careful when it comes to your child’s safety.
Before, during and after
Whether your child is learning to swim or already knows how, certain steps should be taken before they get into the water, while they are in the pool and once they are done. Most of us know that we shouldn’t get into the water on a full stomach. But how many of us apply sunscreen before swimming? Make sure to slather your child with sunscreen at least half an hour before they get in to the pool to prevent skin cancer and damage from sun exposure.
In each swimming pool rules are in place such as no diving, watching out for others, getting out of the water if you need to use the toilet etc. Inform your child about these rules. Let them know that the swimming instructor and lifeguard are in charge.
Chlorine and chemicals in the water can cause a lot of damage to hair and skin. So, have your child wear a swimming cap and take a shower before getting into the pool.
Once your child is in the pool, watch them. Even if they know how to swim, keep an eye out for them. An accident can happen in an instant. If your kid is using floating devices make sure it’s on them at all times. Many pools over chlorinate, so see that your child isn’t swallowing too much of the water. Sharing goggles is a big no-no as well, since this can spread eye infection from one child to another.
When your child is done swimming, dry their ears out well with a towel to prevent ear infections. Swimming coupled with the heat can be dehydrating, so give your little one plenty of fluids to drink post-swim. Of course, a bath and hair wash is mandatory after a swim to get rid of the chemicals and chlorine build-up. Follow that up by applying plenty of moisturizer to hydrate the skin.
Your child will definitely have fun in the water but safety and hygiene are very important, so teach them that from the very beginning.