Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Uswim

How do you teach a child to swim over the Internet?

We are not teaching your child, you are. Uswim is providing you with tools, techniques and methods that work. We know they work because we use them every day. 
 

Will using Uswim take up a lot of space on my computer, or slow my computer down?

No. You do not store anything on your computer.  Everything is stored on our website. This means that the information and videos do not take up room on your computer.

Why do you teach freestyle and backstroke before breaststroke?

Freestyle (Australian Crawl) and backstroke are the two strokes most children find the easiest to learn. They are simple, fast and powerful strokes that any child can learn. Many countries such as Israel and England prefer to teach breaststroke initially, however we have had the best results when breaststroke is introduced after a child can swim 20 meters of catch-up freestyle and single-arm backstroke.

How do I remember what I have seen on the computer, and take that knowledge to the pool?

Like anything, becoming a good swim teacher will take time, patience and practice. You will need to watch the vidoes before and after lessons, take notes and also use our printable lesson plans. A little work and you will be able to spot good habits from bad whether your child is swimming in the ocean, creek or a backyard pool. 

How do I know the level I am buying is the right one for my child?

Great question... Uswim has developed an swimming assessment process for everyone.  You watch videos of children performing various swimming activities. If your child can perform the skills shown, you simply don't buy that level. You will move on and assess harder swimming levels until you find skills your child cannot perform. This way you only buy skills you need.  

When do I know my child has completed a Uswim level and is ready for the next?

When you purchase anything from Uswim you get your own members page with a login and password. On this page is a testing area where you watch video and answer questions pertaining to the level you have been teaching. Passing the test means your child gets their swimming certificate and moves onto the next level. 

General 'Learn to 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 basics' 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 two can paddle 4-5 meters. If you mean freestyle, we have children under the age of four swimming catch-up 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, 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's Paddler 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. 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. Uswim has taught thousands of children with

• Autism
• Aspergers
• Downs syndrome
• Bone and structural deficiencies

Extra care is needed however, 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 Swim Basics - Understanding the ideal conditions for swimming section for more information.