Questions and Answers
1
How old should my child be to start swim lessons?
6 months, as a parent/ caregiver course the sooner a little human starts, the more comfortable they become in the water. If you, the parent or caregiver is not comfortable, sign up for swim lessons, its's your safety and your childs.
6 months, as a parent/ caregiver course the sooner a little human starts, the more comfortable they become in the water. If you, the parent or caregiver is not comfortable, sign up for swim lessons, its's your safety and your childs.
2
Why do we need to use swim diapers, a regular diaper should be ok, or they are potty training.
Unfortunately, a regular diaper is not ok, unless you have a tight fitting rubber diaper over top. Swimming pools are easily contaminated with what is known as Accidental Fecal Release (AFR), and this can cause people to get sick. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), requires that the swimming pool closes while the correct chemical balance is maintained, to prevent illness.
Unfortunately, a regular diaper is not ok, unless you have a tight fitting rubber diaper over top. Swimming pools are easily contaminated with what is known as Accidental Fecal Release (AFR), and this can cause people to get sick. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), requires that the swimming pool closes while the correct chemical balance is maintained, to prevent illness.
3
Does my child need goggles?
NO, although some children do have sensitive eyes, keep in mind, you will not have goggles, if you fall off a boat, and sometimes false securities can cause problems. Basically, it is preference of your instructor. More advanced swimmers it is recommended. Goggles, should not be used when learning to dive, on slides, or diving boards.
NO, although some children do have sensitive eyes, keep in mind, you will not have goggles, if you fall off a boat, and sometimes false securities can cause problems. Basically, it is preference of your instructor. More advanced swimmers it is recommended. Goggles, should not be used when learning to dive, on slides, or diving boards.
4
I can't afford privates.
That is okay, organizations like Parks and Recreation, and the YMCA tend to offer programs such as the American Red Cross Learn to Swim, Y Swim Lessons, it's more important that your child or you learns to swim, then worrying about privates. Take your time, everyone learns differently, and it is ok to stay in classes or level for longer periods of time, there is no "pass or fail," the goal is to learn to swim, not pass swimming.
That is okay, organizations like Parks and Recreation, and the YMCA tend to offer programs such as the American Red Cross Learn to Swim, Y Swim Lessons, it's more important that your child or you learns to swim, then worrying about privates. Take your time, everyone learns differently, and it is ok to stay in classes or level for longer periods of time, there is no "pass or fail," the goal is to learn to swim, not pass swimming.
5
I am a adult, and scared
I respect you, as a swim instructor, you are taking the first step in contacting me, swimming can be scary. As adults, we have fear, I am not a fan of height, I tend to close my eyes when I stand on the end of diving board, I can dive, something happened. Congratulation, the first step contacting a swim instructor, we have you, if you are not comfortable with that instructor, tell them, or their boss, a good instructor will help.
I respect you, as a swim instructor, you are taking the first step in contacting me, swimming can be scary. As adults, we have fear, I am not a fan of height, I tend to close my eyes when I stand on the end of diving board, I can dive, something happened. Congratulation, the first step contacting a swim instructor, we have you, if you are not comfortable with that instructor, tell them, or their boss, a good instructor will help.
6
No matter what I do, I sink, like a rock.
You not alone. Floating, is a lifesaving skill, that requires patience, and finding your center of buoyancy and gravity. You might not end up floating on top of the water on your back like a starfish, (unless you are in the dead sea) you might need to position your hands, arms, legs hips differently, it takes time. Frustration makes it's worse, from both of us, the best thing to do is practice.
You not alone. Floating, is a lifesaving skill, that requires patience, and finding your center of buoyancy and gravity. You might not end up floating on top of the water on your back like a starfish, (unless you are in the dead sea) you might need to position your hands, arms, legs hips differently, it takes time. Frustration makes it's worse, from both of us, the best thing to do is practice.
7
What is the difference between what you teach, the YMCA, and a swim school.
This is a question with many answers, but I personally stick to a program and progression designed by the American Red Cross, called Learn to Swim. The YMCA and other swim schools use different progressions, most often based on the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program, since it is considered to be the Gold Standard. Everything American Red Cross Aquatics is based off of water safety.
8
My swim instructor seems to play with my child more then teach
I am almost 100 percent positive a lot of parents see this with me, especially in a group environment. All instructors take different approaches, just like in a traditional classroom, I like happy children, no need for tears. I personally find that when a child is having fun, they tend to relax and forget they are in a pool learning, and we accomplish more. With larger groups, it is hard to have one-on-one time to do specific skills, so if I can turn it into a game with everyone, I find a way. An example would be when we are learning to float, we might be counting together (cheering each other on, or singing) or blowing bubbles. One, it enables me to have eyes on class at all times. Two, we ask a lot of children in swim lessons, and staying still in a swimming pool is not an option. I do not know about you, but for me, that is like putting a bag of open chips in front of me and saying, " No, you may not have any.” Just mean. Safety is the key; as long as eyes are on the class, the skills are being taught, and play can be good. (Ask to see a skill list, ask questions about the games.
You not alone. Floating, is a lifesaving skill, that requires patience, and finding your center of buoyancy and gravity. You might not end up floating on top of the water on your back like a starfish, (unless you are in the dead sea) you might need to position your hands, arms, legs hips differently, it takes time. Frustration makes it's worse, from both of us, the best thing to do is practice.
8
My child is not "passing" level 3
My first response is that your child is not failing level 3 either. Level 3 is demonstrating proficient swimming* and an introduction to almost every stroke. They may not have accomplished the skills they need to succeed at the start of level 4. Level 3 is actually my favorite level to teach; your mini-human believes they can swim proficiently, normally on the first day. It's my job to “tweak it,” so they can. (I love that self-confidence they have) Level 3 is actually just that, self-confidence with a lot of corrections. What you can do if you believe they should have completed the class, and you are going on the 3rd or 4th time, is request another person to give the skills evaluation. Normally, the class takes 3 or 4 times. Each time a skill or goal should be met. That is why “Cards,” or checklists for parents, are so important. A good instructor points out everything they are doing right, self confidence.
*A proficient swimmer can jump in water over their head, turn and go to the wall, swim 25 yards demonstrating rhythmic breathing (face in water, somewhat correct side breathing 1/2 way and correct breathing , and not in that order, however it works it works for them), and treadwater for a mintue. Then climb out without a ladder.
You not alone. Floating, is a lifesaving skill, that requires patience, and finding your center of buoyancy and gravity. You might not end up floating on top of the water on your back like a starfish, (unless you are in the dead sea) you might need to position your hands, arms, legs hips differently, it takes time. Frustration makes it's worse, from both of us, the best thing to do is practice.
7
What is the difference between the program you teach, the YMCA and a swim school
You not alone. Floating, is a lifesaving skill, that requires patience, and finding your center of buoyancy and gravity. You might not end up floating on top of the water on your back like a starfish, (unless you are in the dead sea) you might need to position your hands, arms, legs hips differently, it takes time. Frustration makes it's worse, from both of us, the best thing to do is practice.
This is a question with many answers, but I personally stick to a program and progression designed by the American Red Cross, called Learn to Swim. The YMCA and other swim schools use different progressions, most often based on the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program, since it is considered to be the Gold Standard. Everything American Red Cross Aquatics is based off of water safety.
8
My instructor looks like they are only playing
You not alone. Floating, is a lifesaving skill, that requires patience, and finding your center of buoyancy and gravity. You might not end up floating on top of the water on your back like a starfish, (unless you are in the dead sea) you might need to position your hands, arms, legs hips differently, it takes time. Frustration makes it's worse, from both of us, the best thing to do is practice.
I am almost 100 percent positive a lot of parents see this with me, especially in a group environment. All instructors take different approaches, just like in a traditional classroom, I like happy children, no need for tears. I personally find that when a child is having fun, they tend to relax and forget they are in a pool learning, and we accomplish more. With larger groups, it is hard to have one-on-one time to do specific skills, so if I can turn it into a game with everyone, I find a way. An example would be when we are learning to float, we might be counting together (cheering each other on, or singing) or blowing bubbles. One, it enables me to have eyes on class at all times. Two, we ask a lot of children in swim lessons, and staying still in a swimming pool is not an option. I do not know about you, but for me, that is like putting a bag of open chips in front of me and saying, " No, you may not have any.” Just mean. Safety is the key; as long as eyes are on the class, the skills are being taught, and play can be good. (Ask to see a skill list, ask questions about the games.
9
My Child is not passing level 3
You not alone. Floating, is a lifesaving skill, that requires patience, and finding your center of buoyancy and gravity. You might not end up floating on top of the water on your back like a starfish, (unless you are in the dead sea) you might need to position your hands, arms, legs hips differently, it takes time. Frustration makes it's worse, from both of us, the best thing to do is practice.
My first response is that your child is not failing level 3 either. Level 3 is demonstrating proficient swimming* and an introduction to almost every stroke. They may not have accomplished the skills they need to succeed at the start of level 4. Level 3 is actually my favorite level to teach; your mini-human believes they can swim proficiently, normally on the first day. It's my job to “tweak it,” so they can. (I love that self-confidence they have) Level 3 is actually just that, self-confidence with a lot of corrections. What you can do if you believe they should have completed the class, and you are going on the 3rd or 4th time, is request another person to give the skills evaluation. Normally, the class takes 3 or 4 times. Each time a skill or goal should be met. That is why “Cards,” or checklists for parents, are so important. A good instructor points out everything they are doing right, self confidence.
*A proficient swimmer can jump in water over their head, turn and go to the wall, swim 25 yards demonstrating rhythmic breathing (face in water, somewhat correct side breathing 1/2 way and correct breathing , and not in that order, however it works it works for them), and treadwater for a mintue. Then climb out without a ladder.
The Community
Giving back to the community is an essential part of Platypus Aquatics general purpose. Having the true belief in the American Red Cross Aquatic Mission statement : “to prevent drowning and reduce aquatic-related injuries by teaching people of all ages to be competent in the water, and by educating them on how to prevent, recognize, and respond to emergencies,” it is important that aquatic professionals do so. One of my goals is to be able to reach out into our community hubs, whether it is a HOA, church group, scout groups, or schools, and share information for free, using the American Red Cross, using ARC materials, and dry land lesson plans. These include the General Water Safety microcourses: Safety for Home Swimming Pools, Riptide Safety, Sun Safety, and Recognizing Water Emergencies. Of course, WHALE TALE, a program designed for children between the ages of 5-12 (really, you're never too young, Longfellow). So please feel free to reach out, and we can set up a presentation free of charge, it is our responsibility as a community to prevent accidents. Platypusswimlessons@gmail.com