Swimming Questions And Answers
Many people have a justified fear of allowing their children to go swimming and will have lots of questions that they would like answers to before they let their kids into a pool.
This is especially the case where parents themselves are not great swimmers or lack full confidence in the water.
So it makes perfect sense to ask or seek answers to questions or doubts you may have before your child goes into the water, especially if it is his or hers’ first time.
Below we have compiled a list of many of the most often asked swimming questions that we have been asked about.
The answers supplied will hopefully alleviate many of your fears and worries so that you will feel more confident about allowing your child into the pool
REMEMBER, if you have doubts about your child being in the pool they will sense it in most cases and they in turn will have no confidence when in the water.
1. What is the best age a child should be before they start swimming lessons?
2. What age can a child swim by themselves?
3. I have never learnt to swim myself, how can I teach a child if I can’t do it?
4. How long should it be before I feel confident enough to leave my child in a pool on their own?
5. My child is scared of water and will not get into a pool, what should I do?
6. My child is afraid, should I just leave it until they get older before they start swimming lessons?
7. Are flotation devices (floaties) a good idea for children learning to swim?
8. When is the best time to use goggles, or should I not wear them at all?
9. Can children with disabilities learn to swim?
10. Why is it that some kids can swim well while others seem to struggle? My daughter is brilliant and my son is terrible.
11. Does the temperature of the water matter for swim lessons or a baby swimming sessions?
What is the best age a child should be before they start swimming lessons?
There is no set age, however we recommend that all parents and care-givers 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.
What age can a child swim by themselves?
This question requires your definition of swimming. If you mean Dog Paddling without a breath, children as young as 2 years can paddle 4-5 meters.
If you mean Freestyle, there are 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 be a professional swimmer to be able to teach your child.
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 your child and show them the correct actions and give appropriate support.
How long should it be before I feel confident enough to leave my child in a pool on their own?
Never! Accidents can happen around pools all the time, even to great swimmers. Parents and care-givers should always supervise their 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. The child will then associate swimming with negative emotions.
Instead, it has been found that the majority of children respond well when they witness other children enjoying water.
This needs to be complimented with consistent, positive sessions in the pool where effort is rewarded and confidence is built.
My child is afraid, should I just leave it until they get older before they 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.
The problem should be addressed properly with a strategy that 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 the next time their friend has a pool party. 🙂
Are flotation devices (floaties) a good idea for children learning to swim?
It depends on the flotation device. Anything that encourages an upright (vertical) body position only slows down the learning process, hence is a negative.
Children need to learn to create 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 become dependant on them.
When is the best time to use goggles, or should I not wear them at all?
To speed up the learning process, the use of swimming goggles should be encouraged when teaching new or challenging swimming skills.
Goggles reduces eye irritation, thus 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 underwater, 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. It is proven that leisure swimming can help in the mental and physical development of individuals suffering from:
Autism
Asperger’s
Downs syndrome
Bone and structural deficiencies
Extra care is needed though and it would be wise to consult your doctor prior to classes sign up.
Why is it that some kids can swim well while others seem to struggle? My daughter is brilliant and my son is terrible.
Everyone is born with varying abilities. There are different things that can have an influence on swimming ability including:
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 any other activities, some will find it easier than others.
Does the temperature of the water matter for swim lessons or a baby swimming sessions?
Yes. It matters greatly, particularly with younger babies. Children are sensitive to the elements and babies need warm water to swim in.
Hopefully some or all of the answers provided on this page may help alleviate or reduce any fears you might have towards allowing you child to go swimming for the first time.
There will probably be other swimming questions that you would like answers to regarding swimming but we have tried to answer the most commonly asked ones.
Please leave any swimming questions and comments that you would like answers to using the comments section below.
There is an often used quotation that says “there are no stupid questions” and that is actually true.
There may be something that everyone else around you knows but if you don’t doesn’t it make sense to ask. Especially when it comes to the welfare of your children.
Water and children is always going to be a risky combination but if you have learned as much as you can about swimming safety then your child or children will be able to enter the pool and thoroughly enjoy themselves, as they should.
Alternatively if you would like to ask a question privately then just use our contact us page if you want to leave a message