Learning how to swim isn’t just for athletes or teenagers, but for little ones as well. It can be a valuable life skill that helps take the fear out of not only owning a pool, but also any water that may be over their heads such as a lake, river, or the ocean. If you own a pool and would like to teach your kids how to swim, this helpful guide can help you get started on the right foot.

Starting at the Beginning

It’s completely natural to feel comfortable around the water. As early as six months, you can have your infant learning how to swim. If every time they get their precious feet wet, we panic and immediately wipe it off, your child might learn from you that being in the water is a scary thing – as early as the first bath.

When you love the water, your kids will learn to love it, too.

Keeping Them Safe

Of course, being the excellent protector that you are, there is no chance you would ever let your unskilled child anywhere near water without yourself close by. No matter how diligent you are, however, the anxiety of what-ifs will always be there and so it is a great idea to have a floatation device secured around them. This can include a life jacket, puddle jumper or floatie.

For added security, sturdy and durable pool covers can be customized to fit both resin frame above-ground pools and steel frame above-ground pools so there is one less thing for you to worry about. For an above-ground pool installation that is built into a deck or has wooden stairs for easy access, you may want to consider adding a gate with a latch and lock.

Blowing Bubbles

Some refer to this technique as “feeding the fishes,” which may help your young one to understand better. Putting the mouth into the water and blowing bubbles is not only fun, but it can also teach them how to better control their breathing and is a pivotal first step in learning to swim. Simply lower the face into the water and blow — it really is that easy! If they grow frustrated, remember to work with them, not against them. The time will come when they will have to deliberately get their faces wet underwater, so be prepared to praise them when they come up and it should help secure the path to safer swimming.

Remember to discourage them from inhaling or swallowing the water, as this could potentially cause a safety risk.

Staying Upright

Even though it may take a while for them to master the dexterity required to propel themselves through the water, it’s good to learn right off the bat how to keep their heads above the water without panicking. A floating noodle can be used to teach them how to keep their heads up while staying balanced in the water. Once they feel confident in this ability, you should be able to take away the noodle (while still holding them for security) and begin the process of learning how to pull themselves through the water.

Basics of Swimming

While there is very little to remember about floating and treading water, when it comes to propelling yourself, it can help to teach proper positioning to aid in future venues. The fingers should be close together to create better movement and legs should be straight with the toes pointed. Because your hands and feet are the primary means of moving through the water, it’s essential to teach correct form to allow for an easier transition when they are able to begin swimming on their own.

Swimming Pools for Sale

If you wish to supplement your lessons with a professional trainer, they are often readily available and offer classes ranging from the smallest tot to the amateur adult, so everyone is able to enjoy the water without anxiety. Learning to swim is a life skill that has limitless benefits, so it makes sense to make it a family experience that can be enjoyable for all. For more information, please do not hesitate to check out our blog or visit your local All Seasons Pools and Spas showroom, from Grass Valley and North Auburn, to Roseville, Granite Bay, and Shingle Springs, where our helpful staff is more than willing to answer any questions you may have or help you explore our range of pools for sale!