 Ensure young swimmers regularly practice swimming to the poolside. "The level of strength and skill of the child will determine what options are available to them." | By Sue Ward Owner of GetSet&Go (Australia) KindyNews Swim Coach WHEN children learn to swim, they usually do so at a Swim Centre. They are taught survival skills, for example, to swim to the poolside, grab the edge with both hands and where possible, pull themselves out of the pool. Other scenarios are to roll over and float on their backs until help arrives. The level of strength and skill of the child will determine what options are available to them. However, we cannot assume that if a child can swim to the edge of the Swim Centre pool, they can also grasp the edgoe for the home pool or another pool. We need to practice the skill that the child has learnt at the Swim Centre in a variety of situations. Ensure the child is aware of the new surroundings and practice swimming to the poolside of steps without goggles and caps and sometimes wearing clothes. Although water environments are different, for example, to exit at the beach is different to exiting a creek or backyard pool. Children need to be taught what we, as adults take for granted. Sue Ward has been teaching kids to swim for almost 2O years. Contact her at 3300 0444. |
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