We get this question quite often. To a parent who may not know much about
swimming let alone a child learning to swim, this sounds like a simple
question but I can assure you, there is no simple, short, definite answer.
So we have decided to break down the question and explain.....
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: This is for children who attend
weekly 30 min private swim lessons all year round and
do not have a fear of any kind about water or do not
have any disabilities (learning or physical):
- Children who start swimming lessons between the ages of 3 years old and 5 years old will take about one year to learn to be safe in the water (about 52 swim lessons).
- Children older than 5 years old with no previous swimming experience will take about 6 months to one year to learn to be safe in the water (between 24-52 swim lessons).
With semi-private lessons, the process of learning to swim is slower.
The answers above are based on certain factors. Let’s take a look at the
most important factors that come into play when learning to swim:
1. Consistency
Once kids begin the process of learning to swim, consistency is key.
It is important to keep the lessons/pool visits consistent as much as possible
and to not take long breaks from swimming until the child can swim
independently. A consistent swimming schedule allows for muscle memory
to form and keeps the progress going. If your child gets sick, give them the
appropriate time to recover, then resume swimming as soon as possible.
Taking breaks from swimming (e.g. during the winter months)
will set back the learning process, as the child will have to acclimate with
the water or relearn previously learned skills upon resuming swimming.
2. Frequency
Most parents opt for having their children swim once a week due
to busy schedules or financial aspects – in this case, it’s important to keep the
lessons consistent. Swimming twice a week allows for great progress and helps
children learn faster. Additionally, practicing with your kid is a great way to
help them learn faster and increase their confidence in the water. There are
many things kiddos can do at home to practice their skills even without water.
If your coach gives your child 'homework' you should really try to set aside
some time to work on whatever they assign your child.
3. Fear
Children who are introduced to the water at an early age and in a
positive manner are more likely to develop a love for the water and not be
afraid – which will help them learn to swim faster. For children fearful
of water, learning to swim may take longer. It’s important to first help kids
overcome their fear of water and find the joy of learning to swim.
Parents can take an active role in helping children fearful of water by
taking them to the swimming pool whenever possible. Be gentle and
help your child feel safe rather than trying to teach them swimming skills
on the first visits. To ensure a positive learning experience, work at the
child’s pace. Once the little swimmer is relaxed and happy in the water,
learning skills such as submerging the face, or the back float will come easier.
4. Private vs. semi-private swimming lessons
Children enrolled in private lessons typically will learn to swim faster,
as all the attention of the swimming instructor goes to the child.
The instructor can individualize the class to the child’s needs and can
concentrate on areas the child needs the most
attention.
The downside of semi-private lessons for non-swimmers is that children
spend most of the lesson waiting for their turn and they don’t get that
much one-on-one attention or even actual swimming time. One positive
aspect of semi-private lessons for beginners is that some children can get
motivated to learn by watching and playing with their peers in the water.
It is best to listen to the recommendations of the instructor or staff after
your trial lesson as they will know which would be beneficial
to your child's needs.
5. Age
Many children, if not all, between the ages of 6 months to 3 years old
tend to have a lot of separation anxiety. Many times, parents are so eager
to want their child to become water safe they are willing to just hand their
baby to a stranger in a new environment which can cause a lot of stress for
the child and potentially create that fear of water or swimming. The importance
of parent and me classes between these ages is greatly overlooked and generally
not understood by parents.
Children who are 3-years-old and up are typically past that stage of being
attached to mom or dad and are able to give full focus and attention to the
instructor. This makes learning much easier for them and ultimately a bit faster.
In conclusion, Teaching a child to swim is an investment in the child’s
safety, physical and emotional well being and in helping them acquire a
lifelong skill. We encourage you to introduce your kids to the water at
6 months old. You can do this at home in the bathtub or if you have access to a
pool of your own. The process of learning to swim should be fun and
customized to each child’s pace. Keep in mind that no two children are alike
and avoid comparing your child’s progress with the progress of other children.
Your child is unique so their process of learning to swim will be unique.
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