One of the best parts of being a parent is watching your child play happily and safely in water. Taking your kids to the beach can be a highlight of a child’s summer and creates memories that they will treasure forever. Children as young as six months old can be introduced to water and learn how to swim however, not all children take to water with enthusiasm and every child reacts differently. Here are some of Osprey Leisure Clubs’ top tips for introducing a child to water gently and safely.
Water Safety First
The most important aspect of a parent introducing a child to water is teaching them about water safety. Parents or guardians should be well-practised and educated in water safety and what to do in case of an emergency. Being armed with knowledge will help you to relax and feel more confident in the water, feelings that your child will pick up on and mimic. If you are one of the many adults that does not know how to swim, you might consider lessons before you get into the pool with your child; It’s never too late to learn. Give your child the option to use swimming aids and floats, making sure you know how to use them properly before you begin. If it’s your very first time it might be best to have a second adult that your child is comfortable with in the pool with you for support.
Start Small
The best way to introduce a child to anything is gently. Don’t overwhelm them with too much excitement or stimulation and take things very slowly the first time. Start by ensuring they are comfortable with water at home by teaching them to wash their hands and face or take a bath. Take them to the pool, making sure to build anticipation along the way so they know this is an enjoyable experience. If the child is very small, you’ll need a shallow heated pool. Sit them along the edge of the pool, splashing their legs. Give them a water-appropriate toy to play with beside the pool and if they let you, sprinkle some water on their head. The main point is to build trust in the process, so the child is comfortable at each stage and happy to move on to the next stage.
Go at their pace
As many of us know, parenting is never a straight line. Something they love one week they might hate the next – sometimes multiple times a day! If your child is struggling with water, never force them to get in. An alternative might be to bring them along to the pool so they can see the other children having fun in the pool. This might be enough to remind them that the pool is a fun place and be reassured enough to give it another go. Setting a routine of swimming lessons of pool visits will give them an idea of what to expect and allows them to become more comfortable. It’s important not to force your child into the water. Doing so might trigger a fear, phobia or aversion to water that may last well into adulthood.
Professional Help
If you’re not confident in the water or your child senses panic, those feelings will underpin all of their experiences in the water. If you feel you need additional support for your child, you can engage in swimming lessons. Lessons grow children’s confidence and ability in water as well as their water safety etiquette. Osprey Leisure Club offers children’s swimming lessons in our Naas swimming pool for levels 1 to 6. We take children from four years onwards to enjoy group swimming lessons and swim camps for all abilities. Our instructors are qualified and experienced working with children and are happy to pass on tips and advice for parents to pass on to their little ones when swimming together.
Remember, children should never be left unattended in or around water, not even a shallow pool, for any length of time. Enquire about children’s swimming lessons in Naas or membership in the fantastic Osprey Leisure Club & Gym by calling 045-881333. We’d be happy to discuss your needs and offer services to suit.