How old should a child be before they start swimming lessons? | General swim questions

General swim questions

How old should a child be before they start swimming lessons?

There is no set age, however we recomend all parents and carers begin the swimming process soon after a child is born. The earlier a child is introduced to water the less chance they have of developing aquaphobia. Please read more on our 'Swim Info' page.

What age can a child swim by themselves?

This question needs you to define what you mean by swimming. If you mean Dog Paddling without a breath, children as young as 2 years can paddle 4-5 meters. If you mean Freestyle, we have children under the age of 4 swimming Beginner Freestyle with breathing for 20 metres.

I have never learnt to swim myself, how can I teach a child if I can't do it?

You do not need to swim to be able to teach swimming. Some of our best teachers over the years have been non-swimmers. As long as you are comfortable in the pool, and able to stand with your head above the water and move around freely, you can communicate with the child and show them the correct actions and give appropriate support.

When should I feel confident leaving my child in a pool on their own?

Never! Accidents can happen around pools all the time, even to great swimmers. Parents and carers should always supervise children.

My child is scared of water and will not get into a pool, what should I do?

Every child is different and there are many forms of fear. Many children develop a phobia associated with water and in general this needs to be addressed over time. Quick fixes such as dunking children or 'throwing them into the pool' often do more harm than good and the child will then associate swimming with negative emotions.

Instead, we have found that the majority of children respond well when they witness other children enjoying water. This needs to be complemented with consistent, positive sessions in the pool where effort is rewarded and confidence is built. uSwim' 'Safety Fundamentals' level addresses first-time swimmers and the fear of water.

If my child's scared should I just wait until they get older to start swimming lessons?

In most cases No. Often the fear becomes more entrenched the older the child gets. They will simply avoid water for the rest of their lives. Addressing the problem properly with a strategy will not only get them swimming, but teach them the invaluable life lesson that difficult tasks can be overcome with hard work and patience. This does not mean forcing your child to swim. It means gradually getting them used to being in and around water, then using the correct step-by-step swim techniques to build confidence. They will also thank you next time a friend has a pool party.

Are flotation devices (floaties) a good idea for children learning to swim?

It depends on the flotation device. Uswim feels anything that encourages an upright (vertical) body position only slows down the learning process, hence is a negative. Children need to learn the habit of placing their eyes into the water, creating a horizontal body position when swimming from where they can paddle to safety. Flotation devices can be great fun, however we caution against using them every time your child swims to the point where they depend on them.

When should I use goggles, or should I leave them off?

To speed up the learning process, Uswim advises the use of goggles when teaching new or challenging swimming skills. Goggles stop eyes getting irritated allowing the child to swim longer and in comfort. The goggles also relax the child due to the ability to see where they are going, with targets becoming clearer.

However for safety, children must learn to swim without goggles also. We recommend removing the goggles from time to time and see if children can perform the activities without them. Another good rule is to use goggles in lessons, and take them off in free or play time.

Can children with disabilities learn to swim?

Yes. Of course this depends heavily on the type and severity of the disability. Aquatic Achievers has taught thousands of children with

Autism
Aspergers
Downs syndrome
Bone and structural deficiencies

Extra care is needed and it would be wise to consult your doctor.

Why can some kids swim well while others struggle? My daughter is brilliant and my son is terrible.

Everyone is born with varying abilities. Some of the things which influence swimming ability include:

Coordination
Strength
Bone density (buoyancy)
Balance
Relaxation
Fine motor skills
History or past experience in and around water

Anyone can learn the basics of swimming and water safety, but like anything some will find it easier than others.

Does the temperature of the water matter for swim lessons or a baby swimming?

Yes. It matters greatly, particulaly with younger babies. Children are sensitive to to the elements and babies need warm water to swim in. Please refer to the 'Ideal Conditions' in the 'Swim Info' page.