Learning to swim is so important for children - it helps to keep them safer around water and is great exercise. Swimming is also
fun! And in our beach and outdoor lifestyle, swimming can be a very sociable way to keep cool during the hot summer months.
Thanks to the Swim School Owners Association of Australia who have provided us with the informative article below.
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Learning to swim is the "A-B-C" of aquatics as the alphabet is to literacy.
Teaching children to swim is the most pro-active measure that parents' can take toward child safety in and around water.
In conjunction with supervision, pool fencing and first aid, empowering our children with aquatic skills provides another level of
protection giving children a real chance of getting to safety should an accident in or around water occur.
Parents have recounted 'real-life' stories where their child 'knew' what to do after falling into a pool (for example) and had the skills
to prevent a tragedy. Many children reached safety before their parents reached them!
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When is the best time to commence an aquatic program?
Austswim guidelines recommend from six months of age.
If babies commence and continue such classes from an early age we can, in addition to many other benefits, prevent a fear of
water developing. Fear is a learned response - an emotion that develops as we get older, results from an experience, or the threat
of danger, pain or harm.
'Formal' swimming lessons begin at approximately 3 years of age. Having participated in an infant program your child has usually
acquired essential prerequisites: movement through the water, balance, recovery and submersion.
How do I choose the right swim school?
Swim schools have different philosophies and teaching methods.
We recommend visiting the swim school prior to enrolment to collect information regarding the aquatic program, staff qualifications
and to view classes in action. Swim schools should be willing to answer any questions you may have.
Parents should feel comfortable with all aspects of the aquatic program in which their child participates. In addition to many other
benefits, all elements of the program should have an 'aquatic purpose'.
As a general rule, the aquatic program should be a fun and safe learning experience and your child should also be allowed to
progress at their own pace.
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Is my child at risk of infectious diseases?
If babies and children are immunised there are many diseases for which they have immunity. (Note: Babies are not immunised for
some diseases until 12 months of age or later).
If your child has a cold, or another infectious disease, they should be kept home from the swimming program throughout this time
to avoid infecting other children. The best reference is the 'minimum period of exclusion' guide issued by Dept. of Human Services.
Precautions can also be taken in winter, to reduce the risk of infection. Pool environments are very warm. It is therefore essential
to dry and adequately dress children before the trip home otherwise they become cold very quickly, which can suppress the
immune system making them more susceptible to viral (airborne) infections.
Will the pool chemicals affect my child's skin?
Pool water requires regular testing and monitoring by pool operators. Skin problems should not occur if pool water is correctly
balanced. A barrier cream applied before the lesson can assist (eg eczema) and showering after the lesson is recommended.
My child is frightened in the pool. What should I do?
This should be addressed urgently and sensitively. Postponing lessons may allow the fear to strengthen.
The underlying cause of the fear should be determined, if possible. Time, patience, and gradual but sure progression will allow the
child to develop trust and confidence in themselves and their teacher.
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How quickly will my child learn to swim?
Swimming is a complex gross motor skill and takes time to learn. A 30-minute lesson each week throughout the school year
equals only 20 hours of classes.
Children need to feel comfortable emotionally, be capable physically and ready to achieve 'aquatically' to progress through the skill
sets. Children cannot attain readiness on all three counts without participating in an aquatic program.
Skill acquisition depends upon age and varies from child to child however basic safety & survival skills (e.g. dog paddle) can be
learnt quite quickly.
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What are the benefits of aquatic programs?
Swimming enhances balance, strength, coordination, endurance, and promotes health & fitness. Sport, and swimming in particular,
provides an opportunity for children to succeed when they may not do as well in the classroom for example. Swimming also has
many benefits for children with disabilities.
Swimming is also a skill that can save your life.
Swim School Owners Association of Australia
Phone: (03) 9739 8973
Website: www.swimschoolowners.org.au
To find details of infant swim schools in your region, please click on your state or territory from the links below.
ACT
NSW
NT
QLD
SA
TAS
VIC
WA
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