Children as young as 6 months participate in swim classes. Regardless of age, mastering a variety of swim strokes is challenging, as muscle coordination and breathing patterns need to practiced for many laps before a comfort level is established. Flotation aids like buoyant shirts and vests, fins, kick boards, and floaties help support the torso, arms and legs while the child is practicing her skills and reduce stress levels in both the swimmer and instructor.
Step 1
Attach the flotation aid to the child before entering the pool. Pull the buoyant shirt or vest over the head and down to the waistline. Inflate the arm and leg floaties before attachment and make sure the fit is snug enough not to slip, but not too tight.
Step 2
Have the child swim a few strokes with the shirt or floaties to make sure he is able to swim and breathe every two to three strokes.
Step 3
Hand the kick board to the child at the end of the lane and make sure she can kick while keeping her head and shoulders behind the kick board, with arms extended out in front holding the kick board.
Step 4
Attach fins to feet either in the shallow end of the pool or the side of the pool. Have the child practice getting into the pool with fins on, either by striding in while holding the nose pinched shut or by sliding in from a seated position.
Step 5
Emphasize breathing techniques, keeping the face down in the water between breaths, and a straight, strong torso while swimming.
Tips and Warnings
- Bring towels, dry clothes, lots of sunscreen and some pool game toys for young children, as they have a short attention span. Children under 8 should have a "lesson" only for 20 minutes or less, with lots of time for fun.
- Never turn your back on kids in the pool, not even for a moment. It only takes a minute of inattention for a child to drown, so have a lifeguard present at all times -- one who is trained in CPR and emergency first aid. Swim aids are good for building confidence, but use them as a tool to help swim strokes and make sure the child can swim without them.
Things You'll Need
- Buoyant shirt
- Inflatable floaties for arms and legs
- Fins for feet
- Kick board
