As a parent, you naturally want your child to be safe and confident around water whether you are in a pool, a lake, or the beach. So, starting with a search for toddler swim lessons near me is the usual first step that you’d take. But, what happens in these classes? In this friendly guide. We will go over and walk you through what these early lessons are all about and explain what you can get for your little one from them.
Why are Early Swim Lessons Important for Toddlers?
Starting swimming lessons at a young age is one of the best things that you can do for your child and the reasons go beyond just swimming. The main and most important benefit is introducing water safety in a controlled and positive way. These lessons will not make your toddler actually drown proof but they are the first and most critical step in teaching them a respect for the water. The classes will introduce them to foundational safety skills, like how to enter and exit the pool safely and what to do if they happen to fall in accidentally.
Other than safety, these lessons also offer amazing developmental benefits for your child. Being in the water helps them improve their balance, coordination, and even overall muscle strength in a fun and low-impact environment. Furthermore, parent and child swim classes are a wonderful bonding experience. So, by learning and playing together in the water you can create positive memories and a foundation of trust that will last a lifetime all while building a key life skill for your tod.
What do Toddlers Learn in Swim Class?
Toddler swim lessons are all about fun and gentle introduction to the water. The skills are taught through various different ways like songs, games, and positive reinforcement. Here’s what all they get to experience:
Getting Comfortable in the Water
Well, before anything and everything, the first and most important goal is to make the pool a happy and non-intimidating place for your child. So, instructors use fun songs, colorful floating toys, and games to help your toddler get comfortable with the feeling of the water on their face and body. This positive association creates a strong base so your child can have a better outcome with the future learning.
Basic Breath Control
You will see that your instructor guides you and your child through simple and playful exercises like blowing bubbles in the water. This is much more than just a game, it is actually the very beginning of learning the essential skill of breath control. So, learning to blow air out is the foundation for being able to submerge comfortably later on.
Kicking and Arm Movement
Through fun and guided play, your toddler will be encouraged to kick their feet and paddle their arms in the water. The instructor might also use songs about kicking or games where they try to reach for a toy. These are basic playful movements which later develop into real and propulsive swimming strokes.
Important Safety Skills
A part of infant and toddler swim lessons is teaching built-in safety responses. Your child will learn skills like how to turn around and grab the side of the pool when they jump in. They will also practice how to climb out of the water on their own which is a much needed safety skill.
(Also Read: Swimming 101: Introducing Your Toddler To The Pool)
How Can You Help Your Toddler?
As a parent, you have the biggest role in your child’s success and enjoyment in the water. Here’s what you can do:
- Stay Positive and Patient: Your child will look to you for cues on how to feel. If you are relaxed, smiling and encouraging then they will feel much more comfortable and confident in the water.
- Be Active Participant: In these classes, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. So, be active in participating in the songs, games, and activities with them so they can get a sense of security from you.
- Practice during Bath: You can gently reinforce what they learn in class during their bath time. You can practice pouring small amounts of water over their head or encourage them to blow bubbles in the tub.
- Be Consistent: If you don’t get regular attendance at the classes then your child won’t be able to build on what they learnt last time and lag way behind then they need to. Also, it’s necessary for them to feel more familiar and confident in the pool.
Moving Forward
Well, toddler swim lessons are so much more about building a strong foundation of water safety for toodles. These fun, gentle, and positive classes can create a lifelong love of the water. They are one of the best and most important gifts that you can give to your child. Visit our website to find more about our toddler swim programs or to find toddler swim lessons near me.
Contact us at swim@saguaroaquatics.com if you are ready to introduce your little one to the joy of swimming.
