Parent Tips
Most children cry the first couple of days because they are uncomfortable in the water. The water is a new environment for them which makes them unsettled, but Coach Mike is very nurturing and by Day 4 you will see big results!
Look happy (even though you may be uneasy). Your feelings are transferred to your child. If you appear to be happy, the child will acclimate to the activity. When parenting, eye contact is essential!
Valuable Suggestions
Use the same drills as we used during lessons. The side and steps can be your partner. If two adults are available, have the child swim between the two. Give lots of encouragement and smiles. If you want an 8 foot swim, stand 8 feet from their starting position. Do not move backward while your child is swimming to you. This will maintain your credibility with your child.
Use a calm, reassuring voice in all aspects
Use lots of encouragement
Use of Arms
The use of arms to aid a young (under 3½ years) swimmer is minimal at best. The child’s legs are what provide the forward movement. Since the swimmer is on his/her feet, the muscles are more developed at this stage. The arms become a factor as a general rule at about 3½ years of age. The first arm movement is termed a “dog paddle”. The next in the progression of learning is the breaststroke (circles with the arms). A crawl or “big arm stroke” is the logical next step. Most swimmers will reach with their arms making the body similar to a surfboard or horizontal position. This position is the best way to save a life.
Breathing
Do not push a new swimmer to get a breath. The breathing position is more or less vertical and the child is not a water treader due to the lack of body strength and the horizontal swimming position is what saves a life. As the new swimmer gets more strength and confidence, breathing will take care of itself.
Pool Safety
Make the new swimmer aware of the difference of each swimming venue. The sides of the pool that are unreachable. Location of boards, steps and ladders. Use and misuse of slides and diving. The variables that help determine a “safe” pool for your child are threefold:
- Height of pool water.
- Distance from the top of the water to top of the deck.
- Length of the child’s arm.
When to Help and How
Help when necessary, but calmly. Be reassuring at all times.
Often, children, when first swimming with a parent will, when directed to swim to the side or steps, make a U-turn back to the adult. In spite of the desire to pick up or rescue the swimmer, redirect the child back to the original destination. This is done by using your hand on the back of their head while still under water until they have reached the safety of the steps or side. They will not remember your redirection, but they would remember the rescue.
In an accident (child falls into pool under no supervision), the most important factor is that the immediate reaction must be survival, not waiting for a rescue by Mom or Dad.