PREPARING THE YOUNG CHILD FOR SWIMMING LESSONS

The first step towards learning to swim if feeling at ease in the water and it is well worth planning ahead to ensure that your child's first experience of swimming is a happy one. During infancy, a child should be introduced to total bodily immersion in water, with the object of waterproofing and not just bathing. The parent needs to develop within the young child, a mental condition that accepts water as a completely natural part of his life. The child then quickly learns to adjust in water as easily and effectively as playing on the playground or in the park, with an instinctive and relaxed sense of mastery. The following are activities/exercises you can do with a young child in order to prepare them for swimming lessons.

EXERCISES FOR BABY

Fill the bathtub with pleasantly warm water and place a few floating toys in it. Get into the bath with the baby and while supporting the child on your lap, let him splash and get his face wet. With cupped hands or sponge, trickle water over the baby's head and ears. Gradually include the eyes and increase the amount of water. For an older child, warm showers accompanied by a parent, will serve the samepurpose. Holding the baby under his arms, facing you, dunk him up and down in the water playfully. As soon as it becomes obvious that he likes water on his face, submerge him very briefly. He will instinctively hold his breath under water - this is a natural survival reflex. Remember, that in playing with the baby at this stage,his head should either be clear of the water so that he can breathe without effort, or totally submerged, nose and mouth. Never submerge the mouth alone as he may then attempt to breathe through his nose and suck up water. Encourage leg-kicking and arm movements supported on the mother's hands and include dunking as fun. If the baby is upset by it, remove him from the water, dry him with warm towels and affectionately cuddle him. Be generous with kindness and praise.