Too many people see swimming lessons for children as recreation choice, rather than Aquatic Education that teaches them how to survive in the water.
Aquatic Education techniques get children used to being in water and teaches them how to react around water.
Why is Aquatic Education important? It is important because not only gives your child the life skills around the water, it also teaches them how to survive in water if an accident occurs.
Leopold Swim School director Rebecca Andrewartha says Aquatic Education is different from recreational fun in the pool, and is something that starts well before parents enrol their children into a swim school.
“Believe it or not, parents can start their child’s Aquatic Education when they’re the tiniest baby just home from hospital,” said Mrs Andrewartha.
“The first steps are introducing your child to baths that allow them to stretch out in the water on their back, and splashing water on the baby’s face.
“Parents can then move on to pouring water over their baby’s head, and then showering your baby with you to get them used to the water. By doing this, when your baby turns six months old they are ready to continue their Aquatic Education with formal swim lessons.”
Mrs Andrewartha said quite a number of toddlers arrive to begin their Aquatic Education, who have never had water splashed on to their face or tipped over their heads.
“For many of these children, we have to spend a lot of time just getting them used to the sensation of water touching their faces – without it making them distressed.
“Until this happens, the child finds it difficult to learn how to enjoy the water, and how to react in different situations. An aquatic education should be part of every child’s childhood.”
If you would like to learn more about the right way to begin your child’s Aquatic Education contact Mrs Andrewartha at Leopold Swim School on 5250 1451 or via [email protected]