Taking up swimming is a great way to keep fit, learn a new skill and have lots of fun. Whether your child is just starting out or looking to become a competitive swimmer, knowing the basics of the sport is essential for their health and safety. This comprehensive guide will help you put together a swimming plan for your child with all the tips and advice you need to know about.
Getting Started: Learning the Basics
Before your child jumps in the pool, here’s what they need to know:
- Make sure your child feels comfortable: Pool time is a fun activity, but it’s also important to remember that it can be a little intimidating for some kids. Make sure they feel comfortable and safe in their chosen environment by familiarizing them with the pool and its rules.
- Teach them the basics: Swimming has its own set of skills, so remember to take the time to teach your child the basics like how to float and how to move their arms and legs.
- Set goals: Swimming is a great way to set and achieve goals. Work with your child to develop a goal-setting system for swimming by setting swim time and stroke goals.
- Explore different strokes: The classic 4 stroke is the freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly. Encourage your child to explore these different strokes and practice each one as much as possible.
Tips and Advice to Help Your Child Become a Pro
- Stay active outside of the pool: Swimming is an amazing sport, but it’s important to remember to stay active outside the pool too. Encourage your child to stay active with outdoor activities like running, cycling, and playing soccer.
- Eat well: Nutrition is key to success when it comes to swimming. Encourage your child to eat a healthy and balanced diet to fuel their swim sessions.
- Be disciplined: Let your child know that learning a new skill is not a one-time deal. It takes lots of practice and perseverance to get it right. Encourage your child to stay disciplined and commit to regular practice.
FAQ
Q.What is the best age to start learning to swim?
A. Generally, it is recommended that children start swimming when they are 4 or 5 years old. However, this can vary depending on the child and the swimming pool. Consult your child’s doctor and the swimming pool to determine the best time to start.
Q. How often should my child be swimming?
A. Frequency of swimming is important for your child to improve their skill and stamina. For example, beginners can practice swimming one to two times a week, while more experienced swimmers might train up to five times a week.
How MYFITAPE Can Help
MYFITAPE helps you find swimming lessons and services in your area. With MyFitApe you can search for the right swim coaches and programs for your child. MyFitApe also allows you to book a free trial lesson and track your child’s progress. All in all, MyFitApe can provide you with a comprehensive and convenient way to keep your child safe while they learn a new sport.
What types of swimming drills should be implemented to help improve childrens’ swimming skills?
Swimming drills that can be utilized to help children improve their swimming skills include:1. Catch-up Stroke: This drill helps build a swimmer’s coordination, balance and technique by having the swimmer alternate arms while keeping their body in a streamlined position.
2. Kicking Drills: Kicking drills help the swimmer build endurance and improve their leg strength while they practice their trips and kicks, while keeping the upper body still.
3. Stationary Swimming: This drill helps the swimmer focus on their technique and body positioning by having them swim in place or on one spot.
4. Pull Buoy Drills: Pull buoys help isolate the upper body and help swimmer focus on their stroke technique and body rotation through their pull.
5. Streamlining Drill: Streamlining drills help build the swimmer’s coordination, body awareness and control by having them practice lying still in the water and gliding.
6. Underwater drills:Underwater drills help the swimmer build their breath-control, underwater endurance and propulsion.
7. Focal-Point drill:This drill helps the swimmer focus on their technique and body movement by having them pick a point and swim to it, while focusing on their stroke technique.
How can parents ensure children develop water safety awareness when swimming?
Parents can ensure children develop water safety awareness by teaching them basic water safety skills, such as:- Knowing how to tread water
- Knowing their own level of swimming ability
- Knowing their limits, such as not swimming alone or too far from the shore
- Knowing how to recognize and identify different water features, such as currents, waves, and undertows
- Knowing emergency water safety procedures, such as how to signal for help
- Getting formal swimming classes and lessons, and attending water safety courses
Additionally, parents should supervise children around and in water, to ensure that the children do not get in situations beyond their swimming and safety abilities.
