The Do’s and Don’ts When Teaching Kids to Swim

Teaching kids to swim is common sense

Swimming is a fun, healthy activity that can also offer a line of defense against drowning (although no amount of lessons can replace supervision). But did you know that some of the things you do in the name of protecting your child may actually be teaching them the WRONG lesson?

Take a look at our infographic for some do’s and don’ts.

DO

Teach kids to respect the water. Water is fun! Teach them all about splashing, swimming, floating and submerging so they are comfortable and know what they can can’t do.

DON’T

Make water a “sandbox.” Kids return to places that are fun – if you make water seem both fun AND harmless, they might go back there on their own. Make sure they understand how water really feels – or else keep them out altogether.

DO

Teach kids to get permission to enter the water. Make permission part of the experience. Do countdowns for entering the water, ask them to show you how they dive, swim and bob, so they understand an involved adult is part of water play.

DON’T

RELY on flotation devices to teach children to swim. Flotation devices are helpful as a teaching tool and lots of fun, but they are no substitute for swimming skill and an attentive adult. If used every time a child is in the water, they may teach the lesson “I will never sink!”

DO

Teach kids not to panic in the water. Once they are comfortable with water all over them, kids are less likely to tense up if they find themselves submerged. Teach them the best way to get back out as fast as possible when needed.

DON’T

Protect children from getting their face wet. They may seem like good ways to build confidence, but they teach kids an unrealistic lesson about water. Further, it will feel unfamiliar and may cause panic when they finally do put their face in the water. Instead, make getting wet fun – make games of pouring water over their heads, getting water in their ears, putting their faces in water.

DO

Make swimming a basic life skill. There’s a big difference between swimming and swimming well. And it’s not just about safety – it’s about health, coordination, confidence and fun too!

DON’T

EVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THEM. Finally, don’t expect any number of lessons to make drowning impossible. Helping your child be comfortable in water and learn to swim well offers another layer of protection, but adults need to be present and attentive. Being engaged is more fun!

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