Start early
The best way for a baby to get used to swimming is baby swimming, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, especially when the baby is in the pool with the parent. This way the baby gets used to the contact with the water and understands that swimming is fun. Such lessons, in fact, are beneficial for the parent, since they explain how to keep the baby in the sea and what to watch out for when the baby is either at sea or in the pool with lifeguard training near me.
Safe swimming
If you are near a pool with your child make sure it is safe, that there is a guard around it so that it can not slip and fall in, especially if it is deep. Great care is needed in the sea, especially if it deepens sharply and on the beach there are slippery rocks. Keep your eyes on the child, because the risk of drowning lurks at all times.
Splattering
Even if the child is too young to swim, you can teach him to splash! So hold your baby as you enter the sea together, move slowly to feel the pleasant sensation of the movement of water on his body and with your hands show him how to flatten his legs. Experts say that babies feel safe in the water if they know what to expect, so make sure your “dives” in the sea are short and steady.
Right time
As with any developmental milestone, so with swimming, children learn to swim at a certain age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children should learn to swim around the age of 4, although most are ready to swim at a younger age, but require aids such as braces or a board. However, while the children are still young, it is good to have continuous swimming, either in the pool or in the sea, limited to half an hour, so that they do not get too tired.
Slow steps
Many children have an innate fear of water. You can deal with this fear by holding your little one under your armpits and slowly entering the water. At that time you can talk to the child, smile at him and show him that you are going to do something pleasant and interesting together. If your child likes water, he will learn to swim quickly and naturally. But never force him to do more than he is ready to do (ignore anyone telling you to throw the child in the sea and let him try it on his own). Forcing a child to swim faster than he wants or can only have negative consequences. He may be scared and never want to swim again. And, of course, do not insist on dipping his head in if he does not want to. He will only do it when he is ready.
Display games
If your child does not want to go to the sea or the pool, do not push. But show some beach toys and encourage them to sit down and play. Make sure you are by your side, for safety. When it is ready you can try diving or splashing in the water together.
Float
When the child is familiar with water, try to show him how many possibilities he has by nature. Rest the back of his head on your shoulder and holding it well let it float in front of you. But be patient because he may be scared and want to keep it. Gain his confidence by saying you will not let go (and do not let go) and let him float as much as he wants, even if at first it is only a few seconds.
Face to face
Blow bubbles in the sea when you are with your child, to see that you wet your face and that you play with the water without fear. According to experts, the biggest obstacle to children learning to swim is wetting their face – for some reason they hesitate. You can also take some water in your mouth and toss it lightly on his head. If he reacts with laughter, continue and let him do the same.
Basic movements in water
The first step children learn to swim is to tap their feet in the water. A board, to hold the child, can help him in this exercise, as holding it and tapping his feet he will realize that … he is moving! Then you can remove the board and put on his arms, so that he learns to move his arms – to do “stretching”. The first few times you can hold it, as you will show him how to shake it. But when he feels ready, you will let him try it on his own, with you nearby. Gradually ask him to try to reach you, waving his arms and legs.
Submarine!
If the child is old enough to hold his breath and put his face in the water, encourage him to put his head in the water for a few seconds without breathing. This will be the first step to get used to the sensation of water in his nostrils and ears and if he enjoys it let him do it again. Then, if he wants to dive even harder, tell him to hold his nose with his hand until he gets used to it even more. When he can now dive his head for more time, dive with him and tell him to open his eyes! At this point you can take a mask and a snorkel to enjoy the seabed!
Time for games!
It’s time, then, that the child is now completely familiar with water and can participate in group games. Children 4-5 years old can, for example, chase a ball in shallow water – try it!