When to drain your pool?

I have many pool clients that are wondering if they should drain and refill their pool.  In order to find out if your pool should be drained, simply answer the following  three questions.

#1.  Is your pool water brown, green, or cloudy? 

Brown or green water means yes, you should drain your pool.  Pool water should be clear and if it has already gotten so bad as to change color, the only way to safely correct the problem is to drain and refill your pool with new water. Caution:  If pool water is not clear and you can’t see through to the bottom in any part of the pool, it is not safe to swim in.

Cloudy water could be due to a number of problems so draining the pool might not be necessary.  Check the following.

• Check to see if the filter is clean
• Test the water for the following
• TDS (total dissolved solids)  Should be no higher than 4000 ppm.
• CYA (cyanuric acid)  Should be no higher than 100 ppm.
• CaCO3 (Calcium Hardness)  Should be no higher than 800 ppm.

#2.  Is your pool water old?

A residential pool should be drained about every 2 years but most pool owners drain their pools every 3-5 years.  Old pool water can be difficult chemically balance.  If the water is not properly balanced then there can be build up in and around the pool.  Imbalanced pool water can also do damage to the pool plaster or equipment.

Test the following to find out if your pool water is old.

• TDS (total dissolved solids)  Should be no higher than 4000 ppm.
• CYA (cyanuric acid)  Should be no higher than 100 ppm.
• CaCO3 (Calcium Hardness)  Should be no higher than 800 ppm.

If you do not have the proper water testing equipment, you can take a sample of your pool water to any pool supply store to have it tested.

#3.  Is your pool plaster or pool equipment changing color or developing build up?

Pool plaster discoloration or pool equipment degradation could be due to the following.

• Age of plaster and equipment.  Over time pool plaster can change color and develop bumps and craters regardless of perfectly maintained water chemistry. 
• Improper application or installation of plaster and equipment.  Occasionally, pool plaster and equipment can become damaged or change color showing staining due to improper installation.  If the pool builders do not apply materials correctly then premature imperfections and equipment failure could be possible.
• Improper pool water chemistry.  If the pool maintenance service provider is not managing  pool water chemistry  properly then it is very possible to begin seeing premature degradation of pool plaster and equipment.  Make sure that your chlorine,  pH, and total alkalinity levels are all at appropriate ranges.
• Chlorine (1ppm – 5ppm) Ideal Range
• pH (7.4 – 7.8) Ideal Range
• Total Alkalinity (80ppm-140ppm) Ideal Range

For more information about having your pool drained please contact YardSwim

Pool Vacuum Cleaner Analysis

Here is a breakdown of the different automatic vacuum cleaners that I see in pools.

HAYWARD:  A+

This first vacuum is kind of expensive but works very well.  This is also the most common one that I see.  It is a Hayward Pool Vac Ultra.  It can cost between $450 and $550.  This vacuum works very well even with lots of heavy debris like sticks and leaves.  It will climb the pool walls and last for a very long time, 5-7 years with proper maintenance. 

Hayward Pool Vac Ultra

The Hayward Navigator is the slightly less expensive version which is more like $400-$500.

Hayward Navigator

Both designs are likely to need a $150 maintenance service after 2-4 years of use depending on proper maintenance and water balance.


ZODIAC BARRACUDA:  B

The Zodiac G3 is another very popular vacuum although I never see it working very well. Every pool that has a G3, still needs to be vacuumed when I get there.  The Hayward designs can keep pools literally spotless where as this G3 can run for 8-12 hours and I will still need to spot vacuum pool corners and shallow end areas.  The G3 is slightly cheaper at anywhere from $350-$450.

Zodiac G3

Maintenance with the G3 usually involves replacing the skirt every 1-3 years.  The skirt replacement can cost about $60.

EZ VAC:  C+

This is the cheapest vacuum that I have seen in a pool.  It works OK but again, I feel as though this design is not the best for automatically cleaning pools.  The EZ Vac is super cheap though, about $100.

EZ Vac

Please contact YardSwim if you have any questions.  www.yardswim.com

Helpful tips to make your summer safer at the pool.

It’s summer time once again and with the sun comes the fun!  To ensure that your family stays safe in and around the pool this summer, all of us here at YardSwim have come up with some simple safety tips that will help to make certain that this summer is a happy and enjoyable one.

1.  Learn to swim

One of the best things anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. One of YardSwim's missions is to teach swimming lessons in the area where most preventable water related accidents may occur. Our idea of water safety involves not only a healthy understanding of the risks that accompany water but also supervised exposure to it.  Through repetition in an interactive environment, children can “soak up” good water safety habits and become as comfortable in water as they are on dry land.

2.      Never leave children unattended.

No matter what the age of your child is there is no such thing as a "water proof" or "drown proof" child.  As a child’s swim skills progress so does their risk taking.  Children have been known to drown in as little as 2 inches of water.  Remember, all children are at risk when in and around water.

4.  Keep the pool area tidy and clean.

Prevent accidents such as slipping and falling by keeping the deck and area around the pool safe and clear. The sides of the pool should be easy to reach for children and adults already in the water. Keep floaties and objects away from the pool so that the water can be supervised more easily.  No glass should ever be used in or around water.

5.  Do not swim if you are sick.

Chlorine kills most bacteria and germs but there are some recreational water illnesses (RWIs) that chlorine might not kill.  Pool users who are sick and have diarrhea may introduce harmful RWIs to other pool users.

6.  All young children should wear swim diapers.

Snug fitting swim diapers will help to prevent pool closures.  Young swimmers who wear snug fitting nondisposable swim diapers will be less likely to cause a mess if they have an accident.  These can be found online or at Target.  Keep the pool clean and so that everyone gets to enjoy it.

7.  Learn CPR

Help to better prepare your family in case of a disaster by taking disaster preparedness classes such as Adult, Child, and Infant CPR.   For more information call 858-309-1200 or go to http://www.sdarc.org/.

For more information please contact us online at http://www.yardswim.com/ or by phone at 858-220-6251.

Does your pool show signs of neglect?

Pool maintenance needs to go well beyond checking the water chemistry and removing debris. Just because your pool maintenance company stops by every week and your water is clear, doesn’t mean that your pool is being maintained properly.  Good preventative maintenance will save you money and hassle in the future.   I always ask a new client, “when’s the last time your pool was serviced,” and they will almost always answer, “last week.”  When I hear this response I can’t believe it.  It seems like their pool has not been serviced ever.  The water looks clear but just standing on the pool deck for a couple of minutes, I can usually see grime and build up on the pool walls near the waterline.  This is usually the tip of the ice berg.

As I begin to dig deeper into the new pool’s history I start seeing all sorts of other problems.  Calcium build up on the water feature, a leaky 3-way valve, pump baskets that have turned from white to yellow and look as though they have never been opened.  What are these pool maintenance companies doing? 

This is why it is important to check up on your pool every couple of weeks or so.  A simple visual inspection is enough to determine if your pool maintenance person is doing his or her job. Here are some things to look for.

List of pool areas to check.

·         Check the Water Quality:  This can be done easily by just looking at the water to see if it is green or cloudy.  Green or cloudy pools are usually a sign of poor water chemistry and lack of proper sanitation.  If you want to look into the water quality more closely, get some test strips and you can test the water in a matter of seconds.  You simply take a test strip and dip it in the water in the deep end and then pull it right out and wait 15 seconds.  Then match the test strip with the markings on the bottle and this will give you most of the water chemistry readings.  The test strips are not as accurate as a water quality testing kit but they're still effective at testing for obscurities in the water chemistry.

·         Check the Skimmer Baskets:  These can usually be found right near the edge of your pool. The skimmer is designed to remove all of the floating debris that rests on the water’s surface.  While standing above a skimmer on the deck of an in ground pool, you should be able to locate the top lid of a skimmer.  It looks like a white circle or a white square with two finger sized holes with which you can lift the top off.  Once the lid is removed, look inside and check for debris, mold, and/or grime.  Also, take a look at the bottom of the lid as well.  It should be as clean as the rest of the skimmer.

·         Check Pool Area:  Take a walk around your pool and try to notice anything out of the ordinary.  Is there a dirty grimy waterline mark around the pool?  If so, your pool maintenance company is not properly scrubbing and cleaning the pool walls.  Do you notice any worn areas or white build up anywhere?  Make sure to ask your pool maintenance company about anything you see that looks out of the ordinary.

·         Check Pool Pumps:  The pool pumps should be located along with all of the other pool equipment.  Look for leaks and listen for loud noises while the pumps are running and while they are turned off.  Pumps are usually noisy but they shouldn’t be making any metal on metal grinding noises or screeching noises.  If this is the case please contact your pool maintenance service provider immediately to make sure your pump will not burn out or cause other peripheral damage to other pool equipment.  Please contact YardSwim for a free quote on any maintenance or repairs.

·         Check Pool Equipment:  Look at all of the pool equipment very carefully.  Check the filter for leaks, cracks, discolorations, or any other wear and tear.  Look at all of the plumbing in and around the filter and pumps and check for any unusual signs of neglect.  If you see anything that looks dirty or in disrepair please contact us!

·         Check Pool Lights and Electrical:  Turn the pool lights on and run the jets in your spa if you have one.  Make sure that everything is working properly.  Visually check all the fuses to make certain that they look like they are in good working order.

·         Make Sure That Your Pool Isn’t Leaking:  A pool needs water added due to evaporation but you need to make sure that you are not filling up your pool too much.  Contact us for more information.  Click Here!

YardSwim specializes in good water chemistry and repair prevention.  Keep your pool running safe and please contact us if you have any questions.  http://www.yardswim.com/pool_maintenance.php.

First Day of Swim Lessons

Swimming is a fun and essential life skill and the first day of swim lessons can be life changing.  Being prepared for the first day of swim lessons is the best way to ensure success.  Here’s what you need to bring on the first day.

Equipment That All Swimmers Should Bring to the First Day of Swim Lessons.

• Residency verification if at a private community pool
• All necessary registration/waiver documents filled out in full
• Towels
• Hair tie or swim cap to keep long hair away from the face
• Clean, comfortable, and snug fitting swim wear (not too tight, not too loose)
• Warm dry clothes to change into after the lesson in case they get cold
• Sunscreen or a SPF protected rash guard to protect against harmful ultraviolet rays.
• Water to drink after the swim lesson to prevent against dehydration

Please be early to your first swim lesson in case you might have to fill out any peripheral facility documents or pay for the lessons.

On the first day, we will typically see 4 different types of students.  I call them beginners because they have never taken swim lessons before.

4 Types of Students Starting Swim Lessons

1. Young Beginners:  Typically between the ages of 6 months and 6 years.  Very little exposure to water over the head and face.  Brand new to water and very nervous and cautious.
2. Older Beginners:  These are beginners between the ages of 6 years and 18 years.
3. Experienced Beginners:  Typically, these students might already have experience swimming and being in swim lessons. These students are what I call "rusty".  They know quite a bit of information but everything is a little hazy and they might need some fine tuning done to their already existing strokes.
4. Adult Beginners:  These are simply beginners who are older than 18 years.  The one thing that I enjoy about Adult Beginners is that they are usually self-motivated to learn and get better at swimming.  You usually have to motivate children through skill progression but with adults, they want to get better and learn more so it is easier to guide them through our swim programs.

Young Beginners
Young Beginners can be one of the most difficult students to work with.  Because of their age and their lack of exposure to either water, class structure, or both, they can definitely be a challenge to most instructors.  We understand this and that is why YardSwim instructors will usually put a lot of time and energy into parent training. We know that most swimmers will usually spend more time swimming outside of swim lessons, so it is so important that the whole family be involved with the learning process.  We ask that parents usually sit on the side of the pool with their children.  Whether a parent needs to sit on the side of the pool with their child is dependant upon the instructor but be prepared and bring an extra towel just in case.

The first day of lessons is usually filled with a very light work load.  Too much work the first day means that student's might not want to come back.  The first day should also be fun.  If it's not fun then why would anyone want to continue.  A happy and comfortable student is more receptive to learning.  If they are not comfortable and having fun, then there will be very little interest in learning.

Most Young Beginners will cry the first day.  Even if the instructor is the most perfect instructor in the world, being personable, fun, friendly, and informative, the students might get nervous and cry. This is very common and it is quite alright.  There is usually no reason to stop the lesson due to crying.  Crying is a natural reaction to the setting that they are placed in.  They usually don't know anyone else in their class, the instructor is new, the water is new, and not having control over what happens is usually new too.  Don't be surprised if this happens and definitely don't be embarrassed around the other parents.  All parents know what it's like to be in a public setting where their children are crying.  They will more likely be very sympathetic and do everything they can to help you out.

The crying will go away as the Younger Beginners get more used to the lessons.  This means that in order to ensure swim lesson success, it will be necessary for the parents and family around the students to commit to being consistent and full participants in and around the swim lessons.  This means you must communicate with your instructor to find out what more you should do to help the lessons and the student's progression.  Be on the instructor's side.  They usually see hundreds if not thousands of children every week and they will usually always know what to do.

Be patient, encouraging, and very positive.  You'll need to show the student two things.  One, swim lessons are good for them and fun once they get to know everyone.  Two, they must continue through the series in order to be done.  Making a commitment to swim lessons for a duration of time no matter what, is one of the most efficient ways to successfully integrate a child into swim lessons.

Let's recap on Young Beginners:  What to expect the first day of swim lessons?

• Parents should expect to possibly sit on the side of the pool with their students so bring an extra towel.
• First day of lessons is intended to assess skill level and have fun.
• Younger students will usually cry and most students between the ages of 6 months and 6 years will usually be a little uneasy about continuing with the lessons.
• Be patient, positive, encouraging, and side with the instructor so that the students will feel more comfortable with the lessons.

Older Beginners
These students are older and tend to be slightly easier than the Young Beginners.  They have better coordination, communication skills, and exposure to class structure. 

Do not bring goggles, floaties, ear plugs, nose plugs, or any other kind of artificial equipment to the first day of lessons unless you have a doctors note explaining the need for any of the equipment previously listed.  These kinds of swim aids are usually detrimental to the learn-to-swim process and can actually create a false sense of security for the swimmer.  A false sense of security means that the swimmer can grow accustomed to using certain equipment to swim but when the equipment fails or is not available the swimmer can panic and get into serious trouble.

Experienced Beginners
These swimmers are usually already very well prepared for their first day of swim lessons.  The first day with these swimmers usually involves what I call, “knocking off the rust.” 

In order to “knock off the rust”, swimmers will need to be given time to get back into the swing of things.  This means that patience is key.  Just because they were a Level 3 swimmer, advanced beginner, last year doesn’t necessarily mean that they are still a level 3 on the first day back.  It may take them a couple or more lessons to get back to where they left off.  Be patient and encouraging and they’ll be back up and swimming in no time.

Adult Beginners
Adult beginners will usually possess all the necessary skills and motivation for learning to swim and communicating properly with their instructor.  What they are usually not ready for is the embarrassment factor.

Learning to swim as an adult can be awkward and uncomfortable, especially if the student’s skills are very basic or if they don’t have any at all.  Adults shouldn’t be embarrassed but I understand if they feel that way.  I always try to schedule any adult lessons, regardless of the adult’s skill level, at a time and location with fewer pool users and no children.  This enables us to try more activities and helps the student to feel more relaxed and comfortable.

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for swim lessons.  If you have any questions, please contact us through our website at www.yardswim.com or by phone at 858-220-6251.

Happy Safe Swimming to All!

Junior Guards Programs throughout San Diego

San Diego County junior lifeguard programs are not “learn to swim” programs. Therefore, participants are given a tryout test to determine if they have the minimum skills needed to benefit from the program. Most programs will encourage parents to work with their child(ren) on swimming skills before the beginning of the program to ensure that their child(ren) can pass the test with confidence.

Below is a list of different programs and locations. Click on any program to get more information.

·         San Diego Junior Guards

·         Carlsbad State Junior Lifeguards 

·         Del Mar Junior Guards

·         Encinitas Junior Lifeguards 

·         Silver Strand State Junior Lifeguards

·         Solana Beach Junior Lifeguards

·         Torrey Pines State Beach Junior Lifeguards 

Get ready for any Junior Guards program!  Contact YardSwim to schedule your Junior Guards prep lessons.  www.yardswim.com

Breath Control

Breath control is a swimmer’s ability to control their breathing during swimming.  Good breath control allows a swimmer to stay under the water longer and use their breath more efficiently while swimming.  It may take time for a new swimmer to get used to being in the water, as water is much heavier than air.  Many new swimmers find that it takes more effort to breath when the water level is at or above the swimmer's chest.  Exercises to improve breath control include simple exercises such as blowing bubbles with your face in the water and bobbing underwater.  More advanced exercises to improve breath control include flip turns and distance swimming. Swimmers of all skill levels can improve their swim technique by improving breath control.

Please Note:  You should not hold your breath until you’re in pain or feel light-headed.  Always perform the exercises detailed below in the presence of a lifeguard or aquatic professional.

Exercises To Improve Breath Control

Bobbing for Breath Control

1. Start with your chest at the water line.
2. Inhale taking a comfortable breath in.
3. Drop under the water.  Completely submerge the body and head.
4. Return to a standing position without stopping under water.  The motion should be smooth and slow.  Make sure to exhale when returning to the standing position (this will prevent water from going in your nose and mouth).
5. Repeat these steps slowly and in a rhythmic pattern.
6. Practice this 10 to 20 times each time you swim!

Bobbing is a great way for a new swimmer to get more comfortable holding their breath underwater.  One tip that seems to help is to remember to exhale for the same amount of time that you inhale. 

3/5/7/9

This exercise involves swimming front crawl for a distance of 100 meters or more. 

1.  For the first 25 meters breathe every 3 arms.

2.  For second 25 meters breathe every 5 arms.

3.  For the third 25 meters breathe every 7 arms.

4.  For the last 25 meters breathe every 9 arms. 

Most swimmers will have some trouble with the last 25 meters so, don't be discouraged if you struggle a bit the first time.  Keep practicing and you’ll get it!!  This drill can also be enhanced by lengthening the distance.  Ex/ Instead of swimming only 100 meters, you can do a 200 meter swim changing the breathing rate every 50 meters instead of every 25 meters.

Flip Turns

 A flip turn is a way to turn when doing either the front crawl or backstroke.   

1.  Swim front crawl towards the wall.

2.  Curl your legs in and begin to tuck into a somersault.

3.  To somersault, bring your arms up shoulder width apart with your palms facing toward you.  Push them up and behind you as if you’re tucking and pushing the water behind you.  The flip turn somersault is also sometimes explained as  “throwing water.”  The swimmer “throws water” over their shoulders to complete the somersault.

4.  Finally, place feet on the wall while in the upside down or in sideways position.

5.  Push away from the wall in a streamline glide (hands together, feet together, head down straight like an arrow gliding).  Be carefull not to push down towards the floor of the pool.  Take it slow the first couple of times.

6.   As you streamline glide away from the wall rotate body position into the crawl stroke (prone position) or the backstroke (supine position).

7.  Continue on with preferred stroke.

Most swimmers will have some trouble with the mechanics of this turn the first few times so, don't be discouraged if you can't do it immediately.  Keep practicing and you’ll get it!!

Distance Swimming

Swimming for a long time continuously can help to develop superior breath control.  Long distance swims (1,000 meters to 1,600 meters or about 1 mile) with proper technique can give a swimmer the time and distance to practice and improve their side breathing techniques with more ease and quickness.  As the swimmer tires during the swim, their breathing will become more labored and will force the swimmer to focus heavily on improving their breath control.

For more information please contact YardSwim at www.yardswim.com.  Happy Swimming!!

YardSwim Moves Into Pool Maintenance

For almost a decade, YardSwim has been working to spread the word of water safety to as many people as possible in San Diego County.  We have been able to reach out to a number of communities and provide lessons to thousands of families. In order to continue our excellence in service we have decided to offer pool maintenance as well as aquatic and disaster preparedness programming.

YardSwim pool maintenance technicians are CPO certified and insured.  CPO stands for Certified Pool/Spa Operators.  All YardSwim pool maintenance technicians are trained and experienced to handle everything from pool cleaning to repairs. 

Our client list is growing and we are so happy to be able to provide such a quality service.  For more information please contact us at www.yardswim.com.

How to get your child ready for Junior Guards?

Junior Guards is a summer camp that takes place along the southern California coast.  The camp teaches children lifeguarding skills such as ocean and beach safety, lifesaving techniques and procedures, first aid and CPR.  Camp participants will also have the chance to participate in ocean swims, body surfing, body boarding, surfing, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, beach games, and competition events with other junior lifeguard programs.

There is a tryout test for new camp participants.  Every program has different test guidelines but generally a new camp participant will have to demonstrate competency in the following areas, a timed 100 yard swim, 2-5 minutes of treading water, and an under water swim that could be anywhere from 10 feet to 15 yards.

Most children are capable of passing the treading water and the under water swim sections of the test but the timed 100 yard swim can be a challenge for most.  This is usually because most children between the ages of 9 -15 years old, have never had to swim that far continuously.

One of the most important things that a family can do to get their children ready for the Junior Guards tryout test is to expose them to long distance swimming.  Below are 3 simple steps that can help to better prepare a child for Junior Guards or as it is more commonly referred to as JG.

How to get your child(ren) ready for the 100 yard swim?

Step #1:  Get rid of the goggles. A strong swimmer is one who can swim with or without goggles.  Since goggles break, leak, or become forgotten, it is necessary to get children comfortable with opening their eyes in the water.  This will help your child(ren) to be more prepared for swimming in the ocean.  Note: Chlorine does not usually irritate the eyes.  Check with your physician about chlorine allergies if you are concerned with swimming in a pool.

Step #2:  Have your child(ren) swim front crawl for 100 yards or more 2-3 times per week for 2 weeks.  Swimming front crawl is the fastest stroke for most swimmers.  This will give them the greatest chance to be successful during the test.  Even though the 100 yard swim will be timed don't be concerned with timing your child's prep swims.  This may discourage children from wanting to take the test.  If your child does not know the front crawl then the best thing to do is enroll them in swim lessons.

Step #3:  Teach your child(ren) how to make their streamline glides more efficient.  Most JG tryout tests are conducted in a pool.  This means that the tryout participants will have several chances to push off the pool walls as they test.  If participants can learn to glide in a streamline position during their swim, then they will be able to conserve energy and complete the swim in a faster time.

JG is a fantastic summer program and I hope that this information will be helpful in helping your child(ren) to participate.  Remember, be enthusiastic and encouraging so that a positive association is made with aquatics and lifeguarding skills.  For more information please contact us at http://www.yardswim.com/.

What is Junior Guards in San Diego?

Junior Guards is a summer program that is held in Southern California along the coast.  Children that want to participate must meet a certain criteria in order to join JG.

3 Criteria for Joining Junior Guards

1. Must be between 9 yrs – 17 yrs.  Some programs only allow 9 yrs -16 yrs
2. Must pass a tryout test.  The tryout test usually includes 5-10 yard swim under water, treading water for 3-5 minutes, and swimming 100 yards in about 2 mins and 30 secs. 
3. Must pay the $300 - $600 fee per participant.

Age:  The ages that can participate, are any age between 9 and 17 years.  Some programs only allow ages 9 – 16 years.  Every JG program will usually group participants by age. They will usually separate everyone into three groups, A, B, and C.

Tryout Test:  The Junior Lifeguard Program is not a “learn to swim” program. Therefore, participants are given a tryout test to determine if they have the minimum skills needed to benefit from the program. All the JG programs encourage parents to work with their child(ren) on swimming skills before the beginning of the program to ensure that their child(ren) can pass the test with confidence.

The tryout test usually includes 5-10 yard swim under water, treading water for 3-5 minutes, and swimming 100 yards in about 2 mins and 30 secs.  The one part of the test that seems to be the most difficult for children is the 100 yard swim.

The 100 yard swim is usually such a challenge for children because it is a long distance swim that most students have not had much experience with.  Not only do test participants need to maintain proper crawl stroke technique but they also must demonstrate strength and stamina by completing the swim under 2 mins and 30 secs.

Fees:  Fees vary from program to program.

For more information www.yardswim.com.

When should I enroll my child in swim lessons?

When should I enroll my child in swim lessons?

After teaching students of all ages, 3 months and up, I get asked this question a lot.  The simple answer is, "the sooner the better."

The more accurate answer is, "it depends."

In order to answer this question more accurately, you'll need to know what you want from the lessons.  Most families that I talk to, want their students to be water-safe. Some want perfect swimmers who can compete at an advanced level.  Some families simply want to begin the lifelong activity of learning to swim.

Whether you are trying to "water-proof" your child or just get them more involved in aquatic activities, it is important to be patient.  Swimming is a skill that takes time to develop and perfect.  Since swimmer's can lose their skills when not swimming, it may take time to help a swimmer to progress to the desired goal.  Also, swimmers who are very young, 3 months to 3 years old need to develop coordination and get over certain difficult yet age appropriate developmental hurdles.

Difficulties young new swimmers can experience

• Adjusting to a structured class
• Adjusting to an instructor's teaching style or personality
• Adjusting to an aquatic classroom environment
• Learning to socialize with other students
• Dealing with separation anxiety when being away from mom or dad

Even though your child may need sometime to adjust to some or all of these factors, it is important to be as encouraging and patient as possible.  Children will learn how to cope with these hurdles and may end up becoming more capable, confident, and comfortable in and around water.

Children can greatly benefit from learning to swim at a young age.  In swimming lessons children can learn more than just swimming skills. 

Benefits of learning to swim for young children.

• Learn how to socialize with others
• Learn how to share toys
• Learn to build independence
• Learn how to problem solve
• Develop fine and gross motor skills
• Develop better breath control
• Learn how to cope with change

There are other benefits to starting children in swimming lessons at a young age. Children under 12 months old may not have any negative experiences to draw from.  This may help to make for a more positive introduction to swimming and water.  Children at such young ages may literally be starting with a clean slate.  Students who go to swim lessons worried about drowning can make for a more challenging first couple lessons.  A young infant may have an easier time adjusting to water in their nose, ears, or eyes.

There aren’t many negatives but let’s discuss them. Young children may need to get over a number of hurdles before they begin to feel more comfortable with swim lessons. 

Infants lack the coordination necessary to handle complex series of movements and may not have the strength to propel them through the water. Young students have lots of baby fat but very little coordination so this can hinder their progression through skills. 

Infants have a difficult time retaining information.  In order to be successful with starting young children on the aquatic road to learning to swim it will be necessary to stay committed for the long haul. Young children should be taking lessons 2-4 times per week or more, in order to get better.  Young children need repetition to be successful in swim lessons.  The more they swim, the faster they learn.

You can get started before swim lessons start.

If you want to better prepare your child to be comfortable and safe in and around water, you must start the process as early as possible.  Follow these simple guidelines.

1.      Expose your child(ren) to water as much as possible.  This means water on the face, in the eyes, and all around the body.  A bath or a shower may be a perfect opportunity to prepare a student for learning to swim.

2.      Under close supervision, let your child(ren) fall under water from time to time.  I see parents try really hard to keep their children from going under water.  Being underwater is how humans swim comfortably so give them that opportunity to learn.  Safely teach them how to jump to you from the side of the pool so that they can splash into the water making the experience more fun. Going underwater can also help your child(ren) develop better breath control.

3.      Avoid using floaties and goggles.  These tend to be used to encourage false senses of security meaning they give swimmers a false sense of what swimming is really like.  The water will not hurt their eyes.  Chlorine is usually not what causes the eyes pain.  The ph balance of the water is usually what does this so don’t lead your child(ren) to believe that chlorine is to blame.

Starting children in swim lessons after 3 years.

Older children can learn to swim faster than younger students but there are some negatives.  Older swim students have more coordination but may need more encouragement to stay involved in lessons.

Older children love to negotiate in order to keep things more comfortable for them.  They can better express themselves and may be more challenging for an instructor to handle.  A little child psychology may be necessary to get older students into the lessons.

Older children are also bigger and may be able to stand on the bottom of the pool easier. Children will always take the easy way out if they can.  This means that getting them to go underwater can offer quite a challenge.

In short, swim lessons are a very good thing for any age.  Water safety and learning to swim are very important skills to have.  For more information about YardSwim’s swim programs please visit us at www.yardswim.com.