Did you know that approximately 12,175 children die every year due to unintentional injuries? One of the most common types of unintentional injuries is drowning. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent your child from drowning.
One of the best ways to prevent your child from drowning is to teach them how to swim. Teaching kids to swim gives them confidence in the water, allows them to have fun at the pool, and prevents them from worrying about the possibility of them drowning.
Are you wondering how to teach kids to swim? If so, keep reading for 7 tips for teaching kids to swim.
1. Get Them Familiar With the Water
One of the most common questions parents have is when to start teaching kids to swim. The answer is sooner than you think! According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children should begin their first swim lessons around the age of one.
If you want to get your baby a head start on learning to swim, you should start by getting them comfortable in the water.
Here are some great ways to get your baby comfortable in the water:
- Play during bath time
- Play in a kiddie pool
- Set up a water sprinkler
- Get them comfortable with water on their head during a bath
Teaching your child from a young age not to be afraid of water can make a huge difference in their ability to learn how to swim. When they start swimming lessons, they will be more confident and learn faster than children that are afraid.
2. Pay Attention to Your Reactions
As a parent, you should pay attention to your reactions while your child is in water. Babies don’t naturally fear water, but they pick up on their parent’s reactions to them being in the water.
If your child slips in the bathtub, don’t panic. If you do, they will panic and develop a fear of the water. Instead, act calm, make sure that they are alright, and praise them for being comfortable in the water.
3. Make Being In the Water Fun
Children love to play, so one of the best ways to prepare them for learning to swim is to play in the water. When you have a baby, bring toys into the bath and play.
During the summer, buy your child a kiddie pool or water sprinkler. This will allow them to play and get comfortable in the water on their own terms.
As your child starts getting older, introduce them to goggles, pool games, and other fun water activities. Goggles are a great first step because children feel more comfortable underwater when they can see.
Your child will be more willing to learn how to swim when they see all the fun activities. If your child is in the process of learning, pool games and goggles can improve their swimming.
4. Get Your Child a Life Jacket
If your child is new to swimming, you should get them a flotation device. A flotation device will allow them to build confidence in the pool because they won’t have to worry about going underwater.
Having a flotation device is a great way for your child to swim because they can practice the motions. You can show them how to have the correct form.
Purchasing your child a life jacket is ideal for you because you won’t have to worry as much about them drowning.
If you do buy your child a life jacket, be sure to show them the difference between wearing a life jacket and not wearing one. They need to realize that without the jacket on, they won’t float.
5. Show Them How to Hold Their Breath
One of the best ways to prevent your child from drowning is to teach them to hold their breath. It is one of the first things to do when teaching a child to swim.
One of the easiest ways to teach a child to hold their breath is by blowing air in their face. This will teach them to hold their breath before going into the water.
It is also a good idea to practice blowing bubbles in the water and practice holding their nose. When your child is ready, have them practice jumping into the pool with your help. This will allow them to go underwater safely while having fun.
6. Practice Regularly
When doing swim lessons for kids, it is important to practice regularly. If you only attempt to teach your child to swim one time and then you quit, they won’t remember what they learned.
Be sure to commit to taking your child to the pool at least once a week. An even better idea is to have your own pool installed at your house.
If you have your own pool, your child can practice every day during the summer, and you will have a fun place to unwind at the end of a long day. You can even teach your child to do fun tricks off a diving board.
7. Sign Them up for Swim Lessons
Are you trying to teach your child to swim, but they aren’t getting it? Are you afraid of water and worry about giving your child the wrong impression? If so, signing your child up for swim lessons may be the best option.
Most swim lessons begin accepting children around 4 years old, but you may be able to find lessons that start earlier. Signing your child up for swim lessons will give them the chance to learn from instructors and prevent swimming pool accidents.
Are You Prepared for Teaching Kids to Swim?
Teaching your child to swim is an important life skill that can save their life. When teaching kids to swim, it is most important to teach them to not fear water, make playing in the water fun, and remember to be patient.
Did you enjoy reading this article on how to help kids learn to swim? Are you ready to start teaching your kids?
If you want to make learning to swim easier, you should consider having your own custom pool installed. If you live in Texas, get a free consultation for a new, custom swimming pool today!
