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FAQ'S
How do I know if my child needs swim lessons?
Preschool children need swim lessons to learn safety skills. The most
important skill is the "roll over", a skill where your child will learn to float
on his back and get air. Other skills like swimming to the wall in case he
accidentally falls into the water need to be learned as well.
School age children need swim lessons to learn to swim on top
of the water. Underwater swimming cannot save their lives! Children
tire quickly underwater, and trying to sustain underwater swimming may even
cause a drowning! Learning a good freestyle stroke with proper air
exchange will help your child build confidence in the water and may save his or
her life.
How long will it take to learn to swim?
This depends on your child's age and level of fitness. It takes 20 or
more lessons for preschoolers to learn the basic skills of floating, kicking,
returning to the wall and rolling over on their back to breathe float and rest.
Older children learn more quickly and most can learn to swim 2 or more strokes
in 20 or so lessons.
Just what makes "a swimmer"?
SwimAmerica does not consider a child a true swimmer until he/she can swim
at least 300 yards with good air exchange and be able to use several strokes.
Research shows that a person with these skills can sustain themselves at least
20 minutes in 4 foot seas.
Does my child need ear plugs, nose clips or goggles?
Ear plugs and nose clips should not be worn unless medically required by your
doctor. To be prepared for an accidental fall in the water, your child
needs to get used to the feel of water in the ears and eyes and learn to keep
water out of the nose. Once comfortable opening the eyes under water, the
instructor will allow, and even encourage, the use of goggles. We have
good quality loaner goggles that are made to fit children's faces. Before
buying your own goggles, please ask the Program Director for advice.
What do we need to bring to class?
Have your child wear flip flops and bring a good towel with his/her name on it.
Swimsuits should be snug fitting and quick drying. Skirts and baggy shorts
absorb water and weigh a child down.
PASS Class children need to wear swim diapers if not toilet trained (available
at grocery and discount stores). Please bring a plastic baggie for soiled
diapers and take them home to dispose. (J&R garbage is picked up only once
a week, so the smell can get pretty bad).
What about ear drops?
Children who swim regularly sometimes get water trapped in the ear which can
lead to "swimmer's ear". Follow your doctor's instructions. If
desired, coupons for discounts on AuroDri drops and more information will be
available on the table in the parents seating area.
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