In infant-toddler terms, swimming is the ability to move through the water, harmoniously on their accord; initially, for very short distances.
In the younger stages, the primary mode of propulsion is kicking. Your child will eventually be able to jump in, turn around and swim back to the side of the pool. Some babies who started prior to their first birthday by the age of 25 months can swim comfortably holding their breath for 7-10 seconds covering long distances and eventually bobbing their head up or rolling over on their back to breath. They come out of the pool relaxed and calm. This will take some hours of practice and very gradual lengthening of the swims. Young children should finish each swim happy,not panting, and not taking in any water.
Babies and toddlers do not have enough motor skill to master swim strokes and it will take some time for them to develop these before we move on to more complex movement in the water.
No one is ever drown-proof. Utmost caution must always be in effect in and around water. Adult supervision and barriers between your child and the pool are your best defense for reducing the risk against an aquatic accident. However, as your child reaches new levels in their swimming skills, they will eventually be able to perform maneuvers that can increase their chances of getting to safety if an unsupervised water entry were to occur. These achievements should never give parents or caregivers a false sense of security. We make it a priority to educate parents on all aspects of water safety. (i.e... supervision, barriers, pool safety fencing, and child-centered swimming lessons).
The following safety skills are all potentially life saving for an experienced student who is comfortable in the water and who has had adequate training. Infants and toddlers must be comfortable and ready.
Jump, Turn, and Grab – This is the most practical method of self rescue for infants and toddlers as the majority of accidents occur near the edge of pool or other bodies of water. Children need to be comfortable in the water and strong swimmers before this skill is introduced. Building a foundation is very important so children are not stressed in the learning process or panic during an accident .
Bobbing the Head – Recovering one’s head above the surface allows a toddler to take a bite of air. However teaching this skill to a child too soon creates a vertical body position, impeding progress through the water.
Rolling over to one’s back/ Backfloat – Allows the toddler to float on his back to breathe. However, we only teach this skill when the child is ready and can maintain effortless balance around 2 ½ to 3 years old.
For many years, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stated that children are not developmentally ready to learn to swim until they are 4 years old. However, on May 24, 2010, AAP updated their guidelines on water safety and drowning prevention. In its updated policy, the AAP has revised its guideline on swimming lessons and also highlights new drowning risks. Jeffrey Weiss, lead author of the policy statement says, “To protect their children, parents need to think about layers of protection. Children need to learn to swim. Swimming lessons can be an important part of the overall protection, which should include pool barriers and constant, capable supervision.” The statement goes on to say that new evidence shows that children ages 1 to 4 may be less likely to drown if they have had formal swimming instruction. This new guideline is a monumental change that indicates that the AAP recognizes the evidence that U.S. Swim School Association member schools have been promoting for years: formal swim lessons are a vital part of the multilevel approach to drowning prevention and water
safety.
The AAP offers a specific 11 point advice list for parents that includes:
Never leaving children without adult supervision around any type of water;
Closely supervise children at all times;
Inquiring about exposure to water when your children are not in your care;
Installing appropriate fencing and gate systems around pools
Providing swimming lessons to children;
Learning CPR;
Not using air-filled swimming aids
Wearing life-jackets when children are in boats;
Knowing water depth and underwater hazards before allowing children to jump in any body of water;
Swimming at lifeguard supervised open bodies of water; and
Counseling teenagers on the increased risk of drowning when alcohol is involved.
We would agree infants and toddlers are not capable of of learning the formal strokes: the freestyle, backstroke, butterfly and breaststroke. However, experience in thousands of child-centered programs around the world, bares witness to the fact the infants and toddlers can "swim". Some people, who are unaware, think that you must swim freestyle to be swimming. If you ask most experienced "baby friendly" swimming teachers, they will tell you that swimming is "harmonious movement through the water".
We recognize that babies are individuals and take this into account with our teaching methodology. We know that not all kids will instantly take to the water. What may work for your friend's baby may not be as successful with yours. We adjust our style to your baby's temperament and skill level.
We advise parents to be present in AquaBabes classes so they can help the child relax by transferring calmness to their baby. Positive, proactive parenting, consistent practice and very gradual introduction to water on the face (above the surface) all combine for success. A frightened infant or toddler can be creatively redirected to comfort through playing games, singing songs and appealing to their vivid imagination. A positive group class situation greatly helps to ease the fears of most children. Focus on what your child can do and be patient.
Eventually, through a trusting and secure learning environment, play and perseverance, a tolerance for water on the face will be developed. Do not submerge children until they are relaxed and adjusted to water poured on their face. This can take time, but it's worth the effort.
Crying or resistance is not a prerequisite to learning how to swim. However, some children react negatively when introduced to a new environment. Parents should stay calm and encourage the child to participate even if he/she is crying. There may be cases when the instructor may need to set the child aside to address the child’s fear or issue. Parents should give the instructor an opportunity to bond with the child as they have been trained to handle different situations in the pool. It maybe heartbreaking for the parent to see their child cry when first introduced to the swim program, but with proper handling, positive reinforcement, and a regular routine, children learn to eventually love the water despite their initial reaction to their first swim lesson.
It usually takes about 2-4 lessons to get the child to warm up to the class.
Many have found our method of teaching swimming very effective for children, especially those who are fearful or those who have had a traumatic experience in the water. We take the time to let children feel that the pool is a pleasant and safe place to be in. Children who have developed fear or a repulsive attitude towards the water will usually cry, but with the combination of structured play and discipline, they calm down and achieve comfort in the water.
Researchers observed that the optimal age to start babies is between six months and 12 months old. At this stage the majority of infants are ripe in the water. They are comfortable, the water feels natural. These very young babies still seem to have a memory of the fluid environment in the womb. However, a window of opportunity for smooth learning still exits up to approximately 18 months old (especially for water adjustment and initial submersions). At approximately 19 months to 24 months toddlers can begin to enter the "challenging twos" phase. It is easier to teach water adjustment and breath control before this stage begins. However, it is never too late when utilizing a creative and interactive curriculum. The group class structure works miracles and motivates children to participate with their peers, at any age.
Being baby swimming advocates, we of course encourage our little ones to learn to swim primarily without floatation devices. Children must be aware that without floatation devices they have to know how to propel themselves safely through the water.
Parents should not be dependent on floatation devices such as inflatable water wings, swim vests, and floatable swim suits as these promote false sense of security and teaches the child improper body position.
A condition called hyponatremia or water intoxication is a concern to some doctors, as it can be a health risk. This is caused by swallowing excessive amounts of water. Such symptoms as disorientation and listlessness can occur, and even shock in extreme cases. This could occur if a young baby is pushed too hard, too soon and too long.
Our gentle, child-paced program has your "whole child's" interests at heart. In our program, your baby should swallow no water (or very, very little), because skills are gradually introduced when the child is ready, relaxed and happy. A few babies do like to drink the water. Parents need to remember when holding their child to keep the child's mouth above the surface. If a child's stomach does become distended with excess water you will want to stop the lesson for the day. When practicing at home remember not to over extend your baby by showing off for the neighbors or relatives, especially if your child is just beginning to achieve proper breath control.
Swim Suit
A snugly-fit bathing suit or swim trunks to ensure free movement and less drag for the little swimmer.
Rash Guards / Sun suits
To reinforce sun protection, we encourage all our students to wear a rash guard or a sun suit over their bathing suit. These suits are usually made of spandex, lycra or polyester, and the material has an inherent SPF (Sun Protection Factor).
If you or your child gets cold easily in the water, we recommend to wear a NEOPRENE wet suit over your swimsuit to keep warm during swimming lessons.
Stingray™ Sun Protection swim suits are available for sale. Check out our Product Catalog for more info.
For custom-made rash guards and wetsuits, please contact Lisa Guevara at 0919-8021809.
Swim Diapers
Infants/toddlers who are not yet potty trained are required to wear swim diapers to reduce the risk of deadly bacteria released in the water. You can use disposable swim diapers or a reusable swim nappy.
Zoggs™ Reusable Swim Nappy is available for sale. Check out our Product Catalog for more info.
Disposable Swim Diapers are also available for sale at our Product Catalog.
Big Towel / Bath Robe
You want to make sure that you dry off your child when you take them out of the pool and wrap your child with a towel or a robe to keep them warm after their swim lesson.
Aqualogic™ Microfiber towels are super absorbent, very light, and easy to carry around. Free personalized embroidery available for Aqualogic Students. Check out our Product Catalog for more info.
Waterproof Sunscreen (at least 30 SPF)
If you will be swimming in an outdoor pool, we have to protect our child from the harmful rays of the sun by using a sunscreen specifically formulated for babies/children. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before the swim lesson to let the skin absorb it, and to also avoid any excess lotion running down the child's eyes. Trust us on the sunscreen!
Non-Slip Slippers or Shoe
We highly-recommend that the students and parents wear non-slip shoes or slippers around the pool deck to avoid any accidents since the area is always wet.
Crocs™ shoes are non-slip, very comfortable, light-weight, and waterproof and are available at Crocs Concept Stores in Manila: Bonifacio High Street, Ayala Trinoma, SM Mall Of Asia, Ayala Greenbelt 5, Robinsons Ermita, Promenade Greenhills, Alabang Town Center, SM Marikina, Robinsons Galleria, SM Megamall, Gateway mall Cubao, Shangri-la Edsa Plaza Mall, Ayala Glorietta3 and Cash & Carry. Also available at: Rustans, SM Department Stores and Planet Sports
