Beginner Guide to Start The First Swimming Lesson for Kids

Not only is swimming a life-saving skill, but it’s also something your kido can enjoy for years to come. As a parent, signing your child up for their first swimming lesson can be a bit of a leap. Preparation is one way to ensure your little one feels prepared and has a positive experience. This book will teach you how to teach your child to swim, by preparing your child for their very first swimming lesson, from collecting the essential tools, all the way through to managing your expectations. So let’s jump right in and make this thing fun for both you and your child!

The Importance of Kids Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons do more than teach the strokes; they instill confidence, promote safety and create a life long love for water. For children 3 to 10, early lessons help the children become accustomed to the pool water and gain vital skills such as floating and how to breathe. Your encouragement as a parent can help you toddler to rise up into this new challenge for him or her. With proper handling, your baby’s first class can ignite a lifelong love of swimming.

Preparing Your Child for Their First Swimming Lesson

Preparing your child for their first swimming lesson is practical and emotional preparation. Some tips on how to prepare them practically so that they will feel enthusiastic and confident are given below.

Talk About What to Expect

Children thrive on routine, so tell them what a swim lesson is like. Tell them they’ll meet a nice teacher, play in the water and learn some fun things, like blowing bubbles or kicking their legs. So I say keep it simple and keep it positive to relieve any jitters.
For instance: “You’ll be able to splash with other kids and learn how to move in the water. It’s the equivalent of playing with a teacher watching over your shoulder. If your child is anxious, acknowledge their feelings and reassure them that it’s okay to be frightened by something new.

Go to the Pool Early

If at all possible, go to the pool with your child prior to their first lesson. Have them experience the water, listen to the noises, and get a feel for the setting. Familiarity can be a great reducer of anxiety and make the lesson itself less daunting. Point out enjoyable aspects, such as brightly colored pool toys or the shallow endwhere they will begin.

Practice Water Play at Home

Get your child used to the water in a stress-free manner. At bath time, have them blow bubbles or splash gently in the water, or let them pour water over their head. These small activities can build up comfort with water on their face, which is a big part of how to learn swimming for beginners.

Choose the Right Class

Look for a beginners’ swim program with small classes and qualified teachers. Most programs for children aged 3-10 years old will focus on water safety and learning some basic movements to make your child feel confident. Ask for the instructor and how they handle nervous swimmers.