Getting Children Ready to Swim

With summer hot on our heels, many parents will be looking for a way to cool down this summer which may mean spending time with their children poolside, seaside, or lakeside. While most people look forward to this relaxing time, some dread it. For parents who fear the water themselves, summer and water play might spell massive anxiety. These parents are much more apt to loathe summer swim time than those that are comfortable in the water. Other parents may not feel anxious about water time, but are unsure how to get their children to be safe and comfortable in the water. Here are some easy, do-it-yourself, steps to get both parents and children ready for swimming season.

The first step to good water safety is to get CPR certified. It gives many nervous parents a boost of confidence if they know that they are prepared to face an emergency. The American Red Cross offers a host of classes from CPR certification to lifeguard training and aquatic safety. They can be contacted at http://www.redcross.org/ or you can use the yellow pages to call your local chapter. More than likely, nothing will ever happen that would force a parent to use their CPR training, but when dealing with water play, being certified in resuscitation techniques is an integral part of keeping the fun safe.

Another option for skittish parents is to enroll in an adult swim class. Many non-swimming adults are amazed to find out how many other adults are unable to swim as well. YMCAs are known to host adult swim classes, as well as local Parks and Recreation departments. When parents are comfortable in the water and not struggling to keep themselves afloat, they are much better prepared to get their little ones off and swimming.

While not everyone has access to a pool, many communities do have pools that parents can spend the day in for a small fee. The nice part about pools when teaching little ones to be comfortable in the water is that the bottom is easily visible. This can be a relief to both parents and children alike. However, that shouldn't deter parents with lake cottages and seaside homes not to follow these same steps.

Starting little ones off in the water is easiest the younger they are. As well as offering adult swim classes, YMCAs often offer infant classes. However, parents need not spend the money for these classes if they have access to a water source. Infant swim classes are simply designed to get babies comfortable in the water, a feat many parents can simply do themselves. Parents may find it best to wait until the child has head control, and preferably is able to sit up before starting water play.

Holding the child while in the water is one great way to get the child comfortable with water. The parent should simply relax and enjoy the water while holding onto their child. As the child relaxes, holding the child away from the parent and allowing the child's legs and torso to float while keeping the head out of the water can also be helpful. Most children will resist being put on their backs at this time, but it's worth a try to see what your child will do. Finally, though not everyone might be comfortable with this idea, blowing into the child's face and/or holding their nose and then submerging the child very briefly underwater can also help with a child feeling comfortable in the water. The parent should hold the child tight and simply dip under the water with the child for only a moment. Generally, the child will automatically hold their breath and will not inhale any water. Some parents prefer to wait until their child is verbally able to understand that they are putting their face in the water, while others find that the younger they get their child used to the idea of submersion, the easier it is later to get them swimming on their own. This choice must be taken individually.

For older children, many parents rely on water wings, rafts, buoys, and noodles to keep their children afloat and safe while swimming. While these items have their place and are helpful tools, they can also become a crutch for both parents and children alike. Parents should take the time to get their children out of the wings, rafts, and noodles and interact with them in the water. Parents can show older children how to put their face in the water and blow bubbles or allow the child to jump from the side of the pool into a waiting parent's arms. All of these serve as a means to help the child to feel safe in the water without the help of outside devices. Children should be able to get a feel for the water without the crutch of the floaties. Parents who interact with their children in the water are much more likely to have water-friendly children than those who sit on the sides and observe. Children learn a lot from their parents' own behavior and feelings about water and are likely to ape the behavior that they see.

Once parents find that their young ones are getting comfortable in the water, it is time to instill some independence. Have the child dive for pennies, swim from one side of the shallow end to the other, or jump off the side of the pool alone and swim back. Some parents find that their child is much more comfortable with this kind of play if their parent is at least in the water with them, but that they no longer have to be hanging on the parent the entire time. Again, parents have to decide on their own comfort level with these ideas. Of course, children should never be unsupervised when playing near water and parents should establish firm water rules. The primary rule being that no one ever goes in or near the water without an adult present. Running around pools sides, dunking and other horseplay should not be permitted either.

Parents who take the time to get themselves reacquainted with water and water safety and who take the time to play with their children in the water will help make their children relaxed and confident in their own abilities in the water. These parents will find that in the end, they are able to relax during the hot summer days spent at the pool or lake because they are developing their little ones into strong, safe, confident swimmers.