Beginner's Guide in Teaching Your Kids How to Swim |
Posted: June 20, 2019 |
Swimming is a fun and handy life skill that everyone should have, and the best time to pick it up is at a young age. If you're interested in having your little one join other kids learning to swim in Los Angeles, here are 4 tips that can help you out:
Get Them in the WaterThe best way to start is by simply going to your nearest child-friendly pool and getting them in the water. They don't have to be doing breaststrokes or freestyles right away. All that's needed is for them to be comfortable being wet.
Play with them in the shallow end of the pool. Once they're having fun, start gradually guiding them to put more and more of their body under the water, until they’re completely submerged. One way to do this is to teach them how to blow bubbles underwater. Not only will they enjoy doing it, but they'll also learn one of the fundamentals of swimming - don’t try to breathe underwater.
Kick It OffThe next step in kicking off your child's swimming is doing paddle kicks. Luckily for you, most kids love this exercise. In the pool, guide them to the edge or let them hold onto a float. Help them position their body, so they’re leaning forward while extending their legs back. When balanced, ask them to kick with their legs, keeping them as straight as possible. Let them get the hang of it and slowly back away. Before they know it, they're already half-swimming by themselves.
Doggy PaddleIf your kid's kicking game is A+, progress the training to the next level, the doggy paddle. In the shallow area, instruct them to reach and pull underwater, as if they’re digging in the dirt … like a dog. Let them practice this movement while kicking. If they're really enjoying the play portion of the exercise, encourage them to stick out their tongue and pant. Slowly, their instincts will take over and allow them to swim like their furry friend.
There are plenty of kids learning to swim in Los Angeles. If they can't do everything in a single day, don't worry! Even Olympic champions had to be taught! Just be patient and encourage them. They learn better when they’re having fun, so make it fun for them.
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