At Puddle Ducks we have a Pyjama week every term so that all our swimmers gain a vital understanding of water safety, and know how it feels should they ever fall into the water fully dressed.
Whilst all of our classes each week have a water safety element to them, our Pyjama week gives all of our swimmers a regular session in pyjamas which will help them realise that although they feel heavier, they can still kick to the surface, turn and reach for the side.
With this terms PJ week fast approaching, we thought we would share 10 Water Safety tips with you!
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Learning to swim should be a pleasure and led by the child. Never force and do not rush, children should love swimming for life.
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Goggles are fun and can make the world of difference – if a child can see under the water then it can’t be that scary! (Have regular breaks from goggles - if a child falls into water, they are likely to not be wearing them)
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Bermuda shorts are not the best swimming attire! They fill with air & cause drag, making swimming more difficult.
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A bar in the swimming pool is lots of fun when learning to swim. Keep hold of the bar and dip under water. This helps build water confidence and gives little one’s independence.
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Make swimming fun and interactive. Children learn through singing, games and repetition.
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Treading water & floating activities should appear in swimming lessons. These are key personal survival skills and not just filling time.
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Ask young children important water safety questions so that they grow up understanding how to behave around water. For example, children should know it is not safe to walk on an iced pond.
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Kicking is a basic skill but could save a child's life. If they fell into water, we would want them to kick to the surface and that’s why kicking is a key activity in every lesson.
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If you do find yourself in a difficult situation, stay calm and try to stand up if possible. Shout for help and wave your arm above your head so you can be seen.
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Keep a look out for signs and flags when out and about and teach your child the meaning of the signs to help with their understanding.
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For more water safety advice follow our very own Ali Beckman AKA @BabySwimExpert on Twitter
