Puddle Ducks Doncaster have just finished their termly pyjama week, which tied in with International Learn to Swim Week.
During pyjama week, they give all of their swimmers a session in pyjamas to help them realise that although they feel heavier, they can still kick to the surface, turn and reach for the side.
Here are 10 water safety tips for parents that may be useful if you’re in or near water this school holiday.
- Learning to Swim should be a pleasure and led by the child. Never force and do not rush, children should love swimming for life.
- Goggles are fun and can make the world of difference – if a child can see under the water then it can’t be that scary! (Have regular breaks from goggles – if a child falls into water, they are likely to not be wearing them.
- Bermuda Shorts are not the best swimming attire! They fill with air & cause drag, making swimming more difficult.
- A bar in the swimming pool is lots of fun when learning to swim. Keep hold of the bar and dip under water. This helps build water confidence and gives little one’s independence.
- Make swimming fun and interactive. Children learn through singing, games and repetition.
- Treading water & floating activities should appear in swimming lessons. These are key personal survival skills and not just filling time.
- Ask young children important water safety questions so that they grown up understanding how to behave around water. For example, children should know it is not safe to walk on an iced pond.
- Kicking is a basic skill, but it could save a child’s life. If they fell into water, we would want them to kick to the surface and that’s why kicking is a key activity in every lesson.
- If you do find yourself in a difficult situation, stay calm and try to stand up if possible. Shout for help and wave your arm above your head so you can be seen.
- Keep a look out for signs and flags when out and about and teach your child the meaning of the signs to help with their understanding.
- For more water safety advice, follow Puddle Ducks’ Ali Beckman AKA @BabySwimExpert on Twitter!
To speak to Puddle Ducks Doncaster about classes in Doncaster, Grimsby, Gainsborough, Selby and North Lincolnshire, visit the Puddle Ducks website or call 07884 933789.
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*Sponsored guest blog post by Puddle Ducks Doncaster
