Group lessons are an effective and fun way for most children to learn to swim. The small group format is beneficial because of the social interaction it allows, as well as the opportunities it provides for students to learn from watching each other. Therefore, group lessons work well for those
When September gets here, most parents consider that their kids’ swimming season is done. They may think that there isn’t much in the way of opportunities for swimming until next spring or summer. But you know that isn’t the way it has to be! It’s transition time and all of
Believe it or not, crying doesn’t have to be a part of swimming lessons. Learning to swim can (and hopefully does) turn out to be a positive experience for children. There are both aggressive and gentle swimming programs out there so before enrolling your children, make sure that you’ve chosen
There was a lengthy debate at the National Aquatic Summit several years ago on the true definition of swimming. Swimming is the ability to move through the water harmoniously on one’s own accord. This can take place in stages, first moving through the water for short distances using kicking as
Even the best swimmers are not drownproof. Anyone can end up in a situation that could cause them to drown. The reason we learn to swim is to reduce the chance that something unfortunate take place when we’re in and around the water. We combine swim skills with water safety
There are a few very basic safety skills that are potentially life saving for children when age appropriate for them to learn and remember. Children should be comfortable in the water and have the foundational training to enable them to use these skills to prevent any adverse effects that forcing
Since swim diapers and swim pants are not waterproof, they should not be worn for swimming lessons. These items are merely water-repellent, fitting snugly around a child’s thighs and waist. Why is this a problem? Think about what would or could happen if a child had a bowel movement in
The hip flexor muscle (the psoas) is used in the split leap, straddle jump, glide kip, running, and many other gymnastics and dance skills. But it is often overlooked in training – overlooked until pain is involved. Then it gets some attention! Back and hip pain can be related to
Some great examples that Betsy Brown Braun, author of “Just Tell Me What to Say,” offers include how some athletes have “gone south” – or ruined their lives – using drugs. Her video shares very practical advice about how to shape your very young children’s perception of drugs and the approach
Written by John Kirk Did you know that infants have pretty advanced water survival skills? They are pretty much “programmed” with a couple of helpful natural reflexes that help to protect them from drowning. There’s the diving reflex. The “official name for this is the bradycardic response” and it is
