Most of the time, you can find a good class by asking your
pediatrician. Give the local YMCA a call. They have always been a good source of water training and
swimming instruction for children.
What should I look for in a good swimming
class?
- Class must be well-organized and properly equipped
- Sessions should be
run on time - The environment should be fun for the child – pull your child out of any class
that has demanding or critical teachers especially for swimming beginners. However, water safety is
the primary concern, so strictness and discipline in this area is to be supported. - Make
sure a lifeguard is present and the teacher/student ratio is high enough for complete safety.
- Check for water temperature before your child jumps In. Kids won’t look forward to
swimming if it’s a long dip in a big glass of ice water.
Remember that swimming lessons
often take a long time; it could take months and even years to teach a child to be a strong swimmer.
A swimming orientation class will be good for some familiarity with the water, but you will not be
able to allow your kids to swim alone in the pool for quite some time.
Kids who have not
learned swimming skills should never be more than an arm’s length away when swimming in the pool.
Any good swimming program will reinforce this lesson for both parents and children
alike.
– Paul Banas
Founder/Editor