6 Essential Things You Should
Know About Swim Lessons
Courtesy of City of College Station Parks & Recreation
Millions of people of all ages enjoy the pleasures and health benefits of swimming, water skiing, fishing, and boating. The reason is crystal clear – it’s incredibly fun to be in or near the water.
But water-related activities can also be hazardous – if you or your loved ones don’t know how to swim. On average, about 10 Americans die each day from drowning, and it’s among the top five causes of death for kids under the age of 14.
Learning to be a capable swimmer is an essential life skill and should be a priority for your entire family. Here are six things you should know about swim lessons:
1. Six months old isn’t too young to start. Swim lessons for parents and babies are the first steps toward water safety. Parents can strengthen the bond with their infants and develop a safe water environment.
2. Teaching fundamental skills to 1–4-year-olds is crucial. Young children can listen to instructions, follow directions, and retain what they’ve learned. They can learn basic skills to use if they fall in the water, such as getting back to the side of the pool.
3. Caregivers can benefit from lessons, too. Caregivers can stay for the entire class and learn how to helps the kids practice their skills at home.
4. Flotation devices should be used thoughtfully. Experts continue to debate about the effectiveness of using flotation devices to teach children to swim. The devices can keep children safe initially and help them learn proper positioning and stroke mechanics instead of frantically waving their arms to stay afloat. Regardless, their use should be gradually decreased as the lessons progress to reduce overreliance.
5. Fear of the water isn’t an excuse. It’s normal to be afraid of the water, and some children (and adults) are more fearful than others. While you don’t want to force a child to do something that terrifies them, giving up isn’t a good idea, either. Start gradually, with lots of positive reinforcement.
6. Always watch your kids in the water. Even if they’re strong swimmers, children can get tired, hurt, trapped, snagged, or disoriented. Always watch your kids closely and avoid distractions.
Our Aquatics Division is devoted to teaching people to swim correctly, safely, and confidently. We have various swim lessons available for ages six months to adult and those with special needs.
Beginning Monday, April 26, you can register online or call 979-764-3468. You can also signup at the Stephen C. Beachy Beachy Central Park office. If you’re planning to enroll your kids, we encourage you first to review the Swim Parent Handbook.