One of the important things to do as a parent is to make sure they are safe when they are around water, whether that is a local pool, a lake or any other body of water. This means it is a good idea to make sure they have swimming lessons to a certain level so if they should fall in or end up deeper in the pool when playing with friends, they can keep themselves floating and swim to the edge if they need to. There are different classes you can take them to if you do not feel like you are the best teacher. They just need a suit and the best swimming goggles if they do not like water getting in their eyes.
Deciding between private or group swimming lessons
There are some instructors who offer private lessons and some who do group lessons. What you choose for your children is up to you, it depends on your budget, your child and what is on offer close to you. You do not have to stay in a class if your child is not enjoying it or there is a problem with an instructor, try something different.
Why learning indoors is better
It tends to be a good idea for them to bring their swimming glasses and learn indoors. There are a few reasons, it means lessons are not dependent on the weather, when it comes to natural bodies of water there is a learning curve to them, especially anything with waves and tides. The water itself is colder too and that can impact their learning and their enjoyment.
Get them a good pair of swimming goggles
A lot of children avoid putting their faces in the water and a lot of this is because of water getting in their eyes. Investing in the best swimming goggles for them is a good idea. Cheap ones tend to leak more. A lot more swim instructors encourage children to have goggles so they can handle learning to go underwater and learning how to breathe correctly.
If your child gets upset about lessons
If your child is not comfortable about getting in the water you can start taking them yourself to a pool just for some play time so they learn what fun it is. Even then some might be unsure about being left with the instructor in their suit and swimming glasses but just know those good instructors know how to deal with this and will have strategies ready. It is worth knowing that in most cases that hesitancy or sadness goes within the first few minutes of the lesson. Sometimes staying to watch the lesson is the worst thing to do because seeing their parents keeps them feeling agitated. It might work better to stay out of sight.
Keep them safe around water
Most children love to mess around in the water. From small children up to teens, they play games, splash around and have fun. Knowing how to swim gives them a chance to be safe as they play, and to be safe when they are near any body of water. But it is still important to keep your eye on them when they are in water too.