Children should learn to swim as early as possible with lifeguard course. Not only is it fun for kids to swim, it's also for safety. Every holiday at the sea becomes dangerous if the child cannot swim.
What could be nicer than jumping into the cool water in summer temperatures? It will soon be that time again: the outdoor pools will open their doors. And like every year, the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) warns of serious swimming accidents, especially in children. For their own safety, children should therefore learn to swim as early as possible. But there is even more to be said for swimming as a sport: if you swim regularly, you do something for your health.
When can children learn to swim?
Since the early 1970s, so-called "baby swimming" has enjoyed great popularity. The babies are held in the water by their mother or father. The focus is on having fun with movement and the element of water. In the meantime, however, we know that this form of getting used to the water has no influence on later swimming abilities. Many swimming pools also offer water familiarization courses for children from the age of three. Again, it's more about fun and games than real swimming. Children who are afraid of water are no longer afraid of the element water and they practice their first reactions (hold their breath when submerging).
Children from around five years of age can learn the relatively simple sequence of movements of crawling (without regular breathing). Even four-year-olds can stay afloat by simply treading water. In the USA, almost all children first learn the so-called "doggie paddle" and then go straight to the crawl. The breaststroke is more difficult. The precisely coordinated arm and leg movements require great coordination skills, which most children only have from the age of six. The next hurdle is the backstroke, which requires some experience and self-confidence in the water.
Where is the best place for children to learn to swim?
Of course you can teach your children to swim yourself. However, this requires time, patience and the necessary knowledge about the optimal procedure. Participating in a swimming course is easier. The DLRG, swimming clubs and swimming pools offer swimming courses for children from the age of six. Usually you start with the sternum kick on land. If this difficult movement works "dry", swimming boards are often used to practice the whole thing in the water. Flexible swimming belts have proven useful for training chest and leg kicks together, which you can "slim down" depending on your ability until the child finally swims unaided.
The prices for beginner courses vary between 50 and 100 euros depending on the provider. To make it easier for parents to decide, many courses offer trial lessons. The first swimming course can, but does not have to, end with obtaining the "sea horse" (swimming 25 meters, jumping from the edge of the pool into deep water, getting two diving rings from chest-high water to the surface).
But beware: Your child may have taken the first step, but it is not yet able to swim safely. It only gains the necessary security through a lot of practice. As parents, you either go to the swimming pool regularly with your child, or you treat your child to a subsequent in-depth course (also at the DLRG or in the swimming club). Many providers even tackle backstroke in this course. A tip for everyone who can't accommodate the many visits to the swimming pool in their everyday life: Many holiday providers (e.g. TUI) now offer swimming courses as a fixed part of their program.
When is the best time to learn to swim?
It is best for your child to learn to swim before they start school, because elementary schools often only offer school swimming from the 3rd grade. In addition, a teacher who is alone in the swimming pool with 25 children can hardly take care of individual children. Incidentally, the newly acquired ability will increase your child's self-confidence in time for the start of school.
What should parents of swimming beginners pay special attention to?
Be a role model! Swimming strengthens the immune system, stimulates the circulation and prevents postural damage and tension. When parents teach their children to have fun with the element of water, they make an important contribution to health care. That's why swimming should always be fun with lifeguard certification near me USA.
Watch your child closely and support them if they need help. Children tend to overestimate their own abilities. Therefore, do not let your child swim alone at first, but swim alongside so that you can intervene quickly if necessary.
Bathing in the sea and in wave pools poses particular dangers for children. Wave pools are generally only for experienced swimmers, and when the surf is strong, children should only be allowed into the sea up to their knees.
Swimming aids such as armbands, swimming seats, etc. offer no reliable protection against drowning. On the contrary: it is difficult for smaller children to get up again after capsizing.
By the way: You are never too old to learn to swim. The DLRG and other swimming schools also offer courses for adults.
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