Q: What is the best age for my child to start swimming lessons?
A: Infants before the age of 6 months can be taken in the water. Make it a fun experience, and keep the water nice and warm, 90-94 degrees. These little ones lose body heat up to four times faster than adults. A 20-minute water session is a good limit. Do not take an infant under water, unless you are with a properly trained and experienced instructor. There are special submersion methods used so that the baby does not ingest chlorinated water.
Q: What about toddlers (13-24 months)?
A: For actual swimming, infants and toddlers can learn to do so, but it takes basically daily lessons for 9 months to develop the reliability of their swimming. It is very rare in today’s Los Angeles hectic schedules to have moms be able to commit to daily lessons for 9 months to meet that goal. This is also backed up by several large established Infant Swim Schools of the US Swim School Association, of which we are a member.
Q: What about the toddler (24-36 months)?
A: Toddlers are capable of swimming unassisted for up to 10 seconds underwater. Depending on the child and experience they are having in the water that day during swim lessons you have to judge what type of mood your child is in that day if they are having fun or not. You do not want to force them, that will just set them back or make them fear the water and we do not want that.
Q: Why should I put my child in private lessons?
A: It has been proven over and over that lower student to teacher ratio is the best situation for learning. Therefore, one student to one instructor is optimal for learning. A private 30-minute lesson is 30 minutes with an instructor. A group lesson for a half hour with three students is 10 minutes per student with the instructor. Also with swimming, there is a safety factor to consider.
Q: Which class should I sign up for?
A: Try to use the descriptions for the classes for the first time you sign up for swim lessons. After completion of the first session of lessons, you will receive a certificate from the instructor this will not only have a checklist of things accomplished in the class but will also include comments from the instructor and which class to sign up for next time.
Q: What can I do to help?
A: You will be taking the first step by enrolling your child in swim lessons. Schedule the lessons so that your child receives them on a regular basis and take time for other practice and water play opportunities in-between lessons. This will help extend the lesson experience beyond the water and encourage discussions about safe practices in and around the water.
Q: Do you recommend using flotation devices?
A: If you must use a flotation device for your child, then we recommend using something that will allow them to maintain a horizontal body position in the water. Such devices are Swim Backpacks (only pads on the back with levels) or flotation suits (those with pads in the front and back with levels). Please please DO NOT put arm floaties on your child as they cause them to remain in a vertical position in the water. They also make your child think he/she will pop back up after jumping in automatically instead of needing to kick and use arms for doing it on their own, so when they don’t have them on and jump or fall in, they don’t know how to kick and swim to surface of the water.
Q: How many levels should my child complete?
A: Ideally, your child should complete up to Level 5 to develop full swimming competency. A child who has only completed level 1 or 2 may have acquired just the basic skills for swimming. It may take several sessions for a child to successfully complete all levels. Regular practice is recommended to keep skills and progress to the next level.
Q: Will my child become “drown proof” after having swim lessons?
A: Participation in any swimming lesson program does not “drown proof” your child. It is only the first step in developing your child’s to become Safer and have swimming skills. Continuous practice, regular exposure to water and positive encouragement are the tools needed for developing your child’s comfort level in water and improving his or her swimming skills.
Q: Why do some people float better than others?
A: With a few exceptions everyone floats, however, most people think that they are the exception. The degree of buoyancy is dependent upon several factors: the ratio of fatty tissue to muscle tissue; the amount of bone mass; and lung capacity. Generally, persons who are physically fit are less buoyant. The goal of Kidz Aquatic is to teach proper body position and balance so that each swimmer can maximize their buoyancy.
Q: What causes fear of the water?
A: There are numerous reasons why a person may feel a fear of water. Some of these include: Being raised by parents or caretakers who are afraid of the water and have either knowingly or unknowingly communicated this fear to their children Being raised in an environment that prevents childhood water play, whether as a result of lack of opportunity or parental actions Being forced into water activities beyond their ability or comfort level Being carelessly handled in water experiences Being involved in or witnessing a traumatic water accident Having a fear of the unknown or a general fear of new experiences
Q: What helps prevent fear of the water?
A: No matter how cautious one might be, fear cannot always be prevented. You can help reduce fear in the following ways: Provide enjoyable non-threatening water activities that are simple and fun to build confidence and success Arrange for regular, continued contact with a water environment for your child Select safe water environments and supervise all water play Treat water mishaps sympathetically, but do not alarm your child. Be aware of your facial expressions and choice of words so that you do not signal panic or fear Try using goggles. This may help children explore under the water Teach your child “respect” for the water and water rules without implied threats or fear Lead by example. Follow rules and enjoy the water with your child. Get your face wet and perform some of the simple and fun activities you observe them participating in during lesson time
Q: What if my child already has a fear of the water?
A: Respect your child’s feelings. Progress slowly by following these guidelines: Provide plenty of time for your child to adjust to the new setting Concentrate on activities with which your child is comfortable and ready Expose your child to other children who are having fun enjoy the water you with your child
Q: What should I do if my child cries during swim lessons?
A: It’s hard to know what to do when your child cries during the swim class. A part of you wants to go rescue your child. But, another part of you wants your child to “tough it out” and gain victory over this fear. You may feel embarrassed to have a child who is so unhappy, and you are hopeful he/she doesn’t disrupt the class too much. Crying is not uncommon and is a natural expression of his/her emotional discomfort due to immersion in the water or separation from you. We will actively combat your child’s discomfort because his/her emotional comfort will greatly affect the acquisition of new swim skills.
Suggestions on how you help:
– Give your child to the instructor.
Walk your child out on the deck and hand him/her over to the teacher. Then calmly walk back to the sitting area with a pleasant expression on your face. By handing your child over to the teacher, you are telling your child that you trust the teacher.
– Hide In The Observation Room
If you’re crying child continually looks at you and calls to you in the observation room, break eye contact. This can easily be done by looking at a magazine or book every time your child looks at you. Keep a pleasant expression on your face. We prefer that you not hide from your child or disappear from the viewing room.
– Play with them in the water.
Go to a family swim or practice time and play with them in the water to speed the adjustment period. Don’t make this a mini-lesson, just have fun and enjoy the water together. Do not go for practice time immediately before the lesson. That is like putting dessert before dinner.
– Praise and encouragement
After lessons are very important! Don’t forget children are actually learning even if they are crying. Muscles are being built, coordination is increased, correct patterns are developing in the brain, and breathing control is increased
– How Long Is Too Long?
How long is too long for your child to cry in swim lessons? On average, most crying swim students have stopped after the third lesson. At the very least you should notice that the crying is diminishing. If not, it is possible that your child may need a private lesson. Some children are much more comfortable with the undivided attention of a caring teacher.
Q. What is Kidz Aquatic make-up policy?
A. Because Kidz Aquatic prides itself on the reliability of our services and instructors, we do offer make-ups only if you give a 24-hour notice that you are going to miss lessons otherwise we cannot offer you a makeup lesson. It is the responsibility of the student to properly schedule their class so that they may attend all of their lessons. We only reschedule bad weather and extreme emergencies without a 24-hour notice.
Q. What if a lesson has been cancelled due to weather conditions?
A. We will not hold lessons if teaching conditions are inappropriate in any way. If weather or other conditions prohibit the use of a pool, we will reschedule the lesson for another day, with no consequence to you. However, no refunds will be issued.
Q. What happens if I am late to a lesson (For Rancho & houses)?
A. Because we run on a tight schedule, we end all of our classes at the scheduled time. Please make arrangements to be to class on time. Our instructors our there on time so the clock starts, if the instructor is late because of traffic than the clock starts when the instructor get in the pool and starts teaching.
If you would like to know what the Unioted States Swim School Association has to say, you can find it at USSSA About Us
Q. What if I have a questions that hasn't been answered?
A. You may call us directly in the office at (818) 671 1905 send us an e-mail at info@kidzaquatic.com
Water Safety Questions
Q: What type of rescue equipment do I need for my home pool?
A: It is recommended that you have the following equipment available in a prominent and accessible location(s): Reaching equipment, such as a reaching pole Throwing equipment, such as a ring buoy with a line attached A well-stocked first aid kit A telephone or mobile phone with emergency numbers posted near the phone.
Q: My child has been invited to a pool party. What can I do to ensure his or her safety?
A: Make sure to ask the following questions before you allow your child to attend the party: What type of supervision will be provided? Are the individuals who are responsible for supervising swimmers trained in CPR, first aid and water rescue techniques? What type of safety rules do you have at your pool? Be sure to review these rules with your child before the day of the party. Attend the pool party so that you may supervise your child.
Statistics
- Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. among children under 14 and the leading cause of accidental death for children five and under.
- Of all preschoolers who drown, 70% are in the care of one or both parents at the time and 75% are missing from sight for five minutes or less.
- 60-90% of drownings occur in a backyard pool or spa
- For every drowning, there are 4 near-drowning incidents that lead to hospitalization, with several survivors suffering significant neurological impairment
- Drowning is the greatest summertime risk, increasing 96% above average during the summer months
- Fully 65% of all preschooler drownings occur in the child’s home pool and 33% occur at the homes of friends, neighbors or relatives…a child can drown in the time it takes to answer a telephone.
- Invest in your child’s life and enroll in swim lessons today!
Sources: National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), American Academy of Pediatrics, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), National Safe Kids Campaign