5 Kids Who Need Swim Lessons

Over the years, we’ve noticed that there are FIVE types of kids who really need swim lessons. Let us take you through them and tell you why and how they benefit from lessons.

https://youtu.be/lbHsYl4Q3Uo

1. The Non-Swimmer

There are two variations on this child. First, there’s the kid who’s afraid of the water. Some children are naturally cautious or maybe they’ve had a scary experience at the pool in the past and haven’t been able to move past it. Whatever the reason, this child will benefit from lessons in a calm environment with an instructor who takes the time to build their trust.

Second, there’s the kid who doesn’t even realize they can’t swim! Maybe they run and jump into the pool without even realizing they don’t know what to do once they’re in. They are FEARLESS - but a healthy respect for the water is important. This non-swimmer needs a swim instructor who can meet them at their energy level and teach them how to stay safe in the water.

2. The Sensitive Child

It takes time and practice to get used to the sensation of being in the water - it’s not something we’re born with. This child is sensitive to water on their face and in their ears, nose and mouth. They’re comfortable getting in the water, but don’t really enjoy it because of the discomfort they feel when they’re submerged. The Sensitive Child needs an instructor who will teach them how to master submersion at their own pace and show them the joy of swimming!

3. The Doggy Paddler

The Doggy Paddler can do one thing in the water, and one thing only. They can make their way around, but haven’t learned proper technique in the water. Maybe they’ve never been in lessons or their swim lessons in the past didn’t suit their learning style. Either way, this child will benefit from a hands-on approach to teaching, with swim skills and swim strokes broken down into accessible and realistic steps for them.

4. The Front Breather

This child can make their way through the water, but doesn’t yet have the proper technique to do it efficiently! When they lift their face to breathe in the front - rather than on the side - they sacrifice their body position and rhythm. Much like The Doggy Paddler, they need a swim instructor who can break down their swim strokes for them and help build muscle memory with hands-on teaching.

5. Mom & Dad’s “Real Fish”

This child is also known as The Underwater Swimmer. They can swim a straight distance underwater and usually kick off from the wall. While it might appear that they’ve mastered several important swim skills, the issue is that they are limited in the water by the distance they can swim (and propel themselves)! The “Real Fish” will benefit from swim lessons that teach them how to translate their raw energy in the water into safe, technical swim skills. Then, there will be no telling how far they’ll go!

Do any of these sound familiar? Or, did we miss anyone? Let us know in the comments. We’d also love to connect with you on Facebook and Twitter. Happy swimming!

5 Kids Who Need Swim Lessons is republished from: www.theaqualife.ca