Before I became a mum, I didn’t really understand what the baby swimming lesson concept was all about.
When I started teaching swimming, I was asked to take babies on a Saturday morning.
It amazed me how many parents arrived with their babies, ready to learn swimming and water safety skills.
For almost 10 years, I taught swimming with the theory that anyone could do what a teacher does in a baby lesson. Take your kid to the pool and splash about with them, was my opinion.
Then when my son was 6 months old, I decided to get some friends together to start swimming lessons as a group. It was at this point that I began to change my mind.
So why is it important that parents consider infant swimming lessons?
SOCIALISATION
First off, being a first-time parent is scary. Knowing I would get to see some friends on a Saturday morning and have that socialisation, was really good. Not only did I get to chat to my friends, but so too did my husband which made being a parent feel a little more normal.
SAFE ENTRIES and HOLDS
Whilst this might seem like common sense for some, it can be quite a challenge trying to get your little one and yourself in and out of the pool. Once in the water, knowing the safest ways to hold your baby is critical to ensuring their safety. You learn all of this in an infant swimming lesson.
BREATH CONTROL
Even from a young age, babies start to learn breath control. They are taught to hold their breath and to breathe out and blow bubbles. Whilst it is very cute to watch your little baby learn these skills, it is also a vital skill and could buy your baby some time, should they find themselves in trouble in the water.
FLOATING
Any good swimming and water safety program will start by familiarising babies with the water and help them to feel comfortable on their front and back from a young age. Babies who are introduced to these skills early are far more comfortable in the water and develop skills quicker due to their inborn natural reflexes. The sooner they can float, the safer they become around water.
PHYSICAL, SOCIAL and EMOTIONAL development.
Studies have proven that children under 5 who participate in swimming lessons have increased physical, social and emotional development. As they learn these repetitive skills, neural pathways develop. Not only this but swimming lessons are a great place to bond with your baby. After-all they spend 9 months in water before they enter the world.
These are just a few of the many reasons why starting swimming lessons from a young age can be of great benefit for all children. Remember that no child is ever 100% safe around water, but as we head out of winter and into the warmer months NOW is a great time to give your little one the opportunity to be safer around water.
As you can see, I’ve well and truly changed my mind about infant swimming lessons. Children under the age of 5 are an ‘at risk’ group in Australia. Enrol your little one in a registered baby program today and you won’t be disappointed.
Have a mother’s group or a group of friends? Enrol together. Just Swimming has a place for everyone in their programs for babies from 4 months through to adults.
The following locations provide swimming lessons, for days and times please contact our friendly reception staff.
Just Swimming Nunawading Aqualink,
Fraser Place Forest Hill 3136
Phone: (03) 9878 7055
More information on baby starfish classes can also be found here:
https://justswimming.com.au/free-baby-starfish-classes-real-hit/
