How To Prepare Your Child For Their First Swim Lesson

Swimming is a great activity for children of all ages. It offers a variety of benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, muscle development, and weight loss. However, it is important to make sure that your child is properly prepared before their first swim class.

One of the most important things that parents can do before their first swim class is to help their child feel comfortable in the water. Many children are afraid of the water, and this can make swim lessons a daunting experience. However, there are several things that parents can do to help their children feel more comfortable in the pool.

If you are still on the fence about booking swim lessons for your child, I actually wrote another whole article on The 7 Reasons Why Young Children Need Swim Lessons.

First, it is important to choose a class that is geared towards children of similar skill levels. There are many different types of swim classes available, so it is important to find one that is appropriate for your child’s age and skill level. If you are unsure which class to enroll them in, ask the instructor for a recommendation. This way, your child will not feel pressure to keep up with the other students.

Second, make sure to arrive early for each lesson so that your child has time to get used to the pool environment. At Levirey Swim School presented by Lifeguard LI, we allow you to bring your child days before to check out the pool and watch a lesson or two. They may even be able to get in the water and play a bit if there is pool space!

It is also important for parents to explain the basic rules of swimming, such as never going into the water alone and always listening to the instructor. By taking these steps, parents can help their child feel more confident and prepared for their first swim lesson.

Go Over The Basics

Before your child’s first class, take some time to go over the basics of swimming with them. Show them how to put on their swimsuit, how to enter the pool safely, and what they should do if they start to feel uncomfortable.

Are parents Allowed on the Pool Deck During Lessons?

The answer to this question may vary depending on the particular situation. However, in general, parents are not allowed on the pool deck during toddler swim lessons and above. This is for a variety of reasons.

Distraction-Free Environment

First, it helps to create a distraction-free environment for the swimming lessons. One of the most important aspects of swimming is learning how to stay focused and avoid distractions. When children are first learning to swim, it is essential that they have a distraction-free environment.

By providing a distraction-free environment, children will be able to focus on the task at hand and master the skills more quickly. In addition, they will be less likely to become overwhelmed or discouraged if they are not constantly being bombarded with distractions. As a result, a distraction-free environment is essential for the success of any swim lesson program.

Focused Attention

Second, it allows the instructors to focus their attention on the students without having to worry about spectators. It is important for swim instructors to focus their attention on the swim students without having to worry about spectators for a few reasons.

It also helps the instructor to create a bond with their student. When an instructor can give their full attention to a student, the student feels cared for and appreciated. This creates a positive relationship between instructor and student that can lead to better results in the pool.

It allows the instructor to effectively communicate with their student. When an instructor is distracted by spectators, they may miss important cues from their little swimmers. This can prevent the children from making progress or mastering new skills.

Finally, focusing on the students also allows the instructor to ensure that everyone is following safety procedures. By paying attention to the students, instructors can make sure that everyone is staying safe in and out of the pool.

In sum, there are many reasons why it is important for swim instructors to focus their attention on their students without having to worry about spectators. By doing so, they can create positive relationships, effectively communicate with their students, and ensure that everyone is following safety procedures.

Talk to your child about what they can expect from their first lesson

First, the instructor will introduce themselves and get to know the students. They will ask questions about any fears or concerns that the children may have.

Next, the class will warm up with some exercises and games. They may be blowing bubbles or putting their head in the water practicing bobbing. They will be kicking their feet to a game of red light, green light. It is important to remind them that no one expects them to be Michael Phelps on the first day, especially mom or dad! Look for the non verbal cues kids tend to give off, they wont realize how much fun they are having.

The warmup is a great opportunity for your young kids to get used to being in the swimming pool and to start following basic instructions from their swim instructor.

After the warm-up, the class will move on to learning some basic swimming techniques. The instructor will demonstrate each stroke or skill and then the students will practice. Finally, the class will play some fun games involving swimming. This is a great way for the kids to apply what they have learned and to have some fun at the same time. By the end of the lesson, your child will be exhausted but also proud of what they have accomplished.

Water safety is extremely important and will be discussed throughout the class. Your child's instructor will do their best to be watching each child at all times, but there will be times they are focused on developing a skill with one of the other kids in class.

This is where our deck supervisor comes in. The deck supervisor for our swim school will oversee the entire pool, evaluating and tracking each students skill progression, but also stepping in if a safety issue is detected. We know your child is excited to swim, but safety is the most important thing at Levirey Swim School, so the deck supervisor will ensure every kid is following the rules.

Dressing appropriately

When dressing a toddler or child for swim lessons, it is important to choose clothing that will be comfortable and allow them to move freely. A swimsuit or rash guard is a good option for both boys and girls. If you are using a swimsuit, make sure it fits well and is not too loose.

In addition, you will want to choose a suit that has a high degree of sun protection if you will be swimming outside.

For boys, trunks or board shorts are a good choice. For girls, a two-piece tankini or one-piece swimsuit with shorts is a good option.

When taking swimming lessons outdoors, it is also important to choose the right type of sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is recommended. Be sure to apply the sunscreen generously and reapply every two hours or after swimming.

We strongly recommend the use of goggle for swimming lessons, even at an early age. There are several benefits to wearing swim goggles, I actually wrote an entire article on the best swim goggles for kids, which you can read here.

Finally, don't forget to pack a hat or visor to help protect your child's face from the sun. By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your child is comfortable and safe while enjoying their swim lesson.

Swim Diapers

One of the questions we get asked most frequently at our swim school is why swim diapers are required for babies taking swim lessons. There are actually a few reasons for this.

First and foremost, swim diapers provide a physical barrier against solid waste. This is important for both hygiene reasons and to protect the pool filter from damage.

In addition, swim diapers help to contain any accidents that may occur during class. No one wants to be in the pool with a child who has had an accident, and swim diapers give parents and caregivers peace of mind.

Finally, a swim diaper is a type of diaper that is designed to be worn while swimming. Unlike regular diapers, which are made to absorb urine, swim diapers only contain a small amount of absorbent material. This material is designed to trap solid waste, but it does not hold water like a regular diaper. As a result, swim diapers are effective at preventing accidents in the pool and keep the water clean, but baby will also be able to move freely without being bogged down by a heavy, water-logged diaper.

It is important to change a swim diaper regularly, as they can become full of bacteria if they are not emptied properly.

The Importance of Learning to Swim

As a parent, you know that it is important for your child to learn how to swim. Not only is swimming a great way to stay in shape, but it is also an essential safety skill. If your child ever finds themselves in a situation where they are around water, knowing how to swim could mean the difference between life and death.

However, convincing a child to take swimming lessons can be challenging. They may be afraid of the water or simply resistant to trying something new. Here are a few tips to help you explain the importance of learning to swim to your child:

• Explain why swimming is important. Help your child understand that learning to swim is not only about having fun, but it is also an important safety skill.

• Make it fun. Swimming lessons don't have to be all work and no play. Look for a program that emphasizes play and fun while still teaching important safety skills.

• Encourage practice. Once your child has had a few lessons, encourage them to practice what they have learned in a pool or other safe body of water. This will help them build confidence and become more comfortable in the water.

Teach your child how to enter and exit the pool safely

Whether you have a pool in your backyard or you visit the beach on vacation, it's important to teach your child how to enter and exit the water safely. Here are some tips to help you get started.

First, it's important to choose a safe place to enter and exit the water. If you're at the beach, look for an area where there are lifeguards on duty. If you're at a pool, make sure there is a designated shallow end and that the stairs are easily accessible. Once you've found a safe spot, show your child how to enter and exit the water slowly and carefully. Explain that they should always hold onto the handrail when going up or down the stairs.

If you will not have access to a pool prior to your child's first lesson and they have never entered or exited the water on their own before, make sure the instructor is aware of this. The instructor will pay special attention to assisting your child with entering and exiting the pool and teaching the most effective way to do so, depending on their size and strength.

Practicing Without a Pool

Many children enjoy blowing bubbles, and it can be a fun way to practice motor skills. To blow bubbles in a bathtub, start by filling the tub with a small amount of water. Add a few drops of dish soap or bubble bath to the water and stir it around until the water is foamy. Then, have your child dip their face in the water and blow gently through pursed lips. The soap film will stretch and form into a bubble.

For the best results, keep the water level low so that your child's face is close to the surface of the tub. You may need to add more soap to the water if the bubbles are not coming out as desired. With a little practice, your child will be able to blow bubbles in their bathtub like a pro!

Encourage Them to Take breaks if They Get Tired

It's important to encourage your child to take breaks during swim lessons if they start to feel tired. Although it may seem counterintuitive, resting will actually help them to swim better in the long run. When your child takes a break, they'll have a chance to catch their breath and regain their energy.

This will help them to focus and be more alert when they return to the pool. Additionally, taking breaks will help to prevent your child from getting too fatigued, which can lead to accidents.

So, if you see your child starting to drag, be sure to encourage them to take a few minutes to rest. It'll make a world of difference in their swimming performance.

Praise Them for Their Accomplishments

One of the best ways to encourage children during swim lessons is to praise them for their accomplishments. A simple 'well done' can go a long way in boosting a child's confidence and helping them to stay motivated. It is also important to be specific when praising a child's progress.

For example, if a child has managed to perfect their bubble blowing skills, make sure to mention this specifically. This will help the child to feel proud of their achievement and more likely to continue working hard. By providing encouragement and praise, we can help children to make the most of their swim lessons and develop a lifelong love of swimming.

Our instructors are trained to praise even the littlest of moments because something that seems like a small milestone may actually mean the world for your child to accomplish!

Be patient

Learning to swim can be an immensely rewarding experience for babies, toddlers and children alike, but it is important to remember that it takes time and patience to master this skill. For some children, it may take a few lessons before they feel comfortable in the water.

It is important not to push them too hard or they may become discouraged. Instead, focus on helping them to relax and build their confidence.

It can be difficult to watch your child crying during swim lessons, but it is important to remember that this is normal. There are a few things you can do to help your child feel more comfortable in the water and hopefully stop the tears.

First, try to stay calm yourself and remain positive. The verbal and non verbal cues you give off are very real and your child will take notice. Your reaction to the emotions is the number one factor in how long it will take them to adjust to lessons.

Second, talk to the instructor and let them know what is going on. They may be able to give your child some individual attention or adjust the lesson plan. Every child is different and it make take a different teaching style to coax your child into their comfort zone.

Our instructors are all amazing, but they aren't mind readers! Let them know if your child responds to certain teaching styles or any other special ways you get your child calm and happy to proceed with the task at hand.

Third, consider taking a break from lessons for a week or two and then trying again. It is also important to remember that every child progresses at their own pace, so don't compare your child to others. Just keep encouraging them and eventually they will reach their swimming goals.

If you have truly followed the steps above and your child still isn't ready, the best swim schools (like ours) will gladly allow you to postpone your unused lessons and come back when your little one is ready to give it another try.

The most important thing to remember when preparing your child for their first swim lesson is to remain positive and supportive. Our instructors are trained to help children feel comfortable in the water, but it may take a few lessons before they feel at ease.

Be patient and let your child progress at their own pace. Praise them for their accomplishments, no matter how small they seem, and be sure to talk to the instructor if you have any concerns.

Most importantly, relax and have fun! Swimming is a lifelong skill that can provide hours of enjoyment for both you and your child.

If you enjoyed the article, you may also be interested in learning about the Top 10 Developmental Benefits of Swimming For Children.