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When it comes to raising water competent children, it is essential that the conversation doesn't just happen in swim lessons. The conversation must continue at home. When children see a connection between things they learn in lessons to things they hear their family talk about, they learn that water safety is something their family values and therefore must be important. We recognized that raising water competent swimmers can be a challenge, especially if you do not have a strong swimming foundation. To support you, we've come up with some topics on what to talk about and some important times to talk with your swimmers. What do I talk about with my swimmer? Water competency means that your swimmer not only has strong swimming skills but also knows how to make smart choices in ANY type of water. The conversation starts with teaching your swimmer about the water in and around your home. Here are some questions you can ask your swimmers when talking about water safety at home:
Remember every swimmer is at a different stage in their development and understanding of water safety. When you start talking about water safety, keep in mind that you will want to start where your child is at. Consider connecting new information with the knowledge they already have. When is a good time to talk about water safety? "My days are so incredibly busy with taking our children to/ from school, after-school activities, playdates, birthday parties, and more! We have to cook, clean, bathe, work, go grocery shopping, help my kids with homework, and sleep. I hardly have time to relax. Now you want me to talk about water safety? Isn't that what I'm paying a swim instructor for? Lady, are you out of your mind." Do those thoughts sound familiar? We hear you! Parenting is hard! Our days are crazy! And YES, the swim instructor is the expert! We also know that YOU CAN DO THIS!
Before you go tossing in the towel, check out these logical times throughout our insane days where you can naturally chat about the water with your swimmers...
Talking about water safety doesn't need to be a huge undertaking. The best water safety conversations are those that are specific and relevant. Talking about water safety before heading to the beach or taking a bath will help your swimmer remember those safe water habits you've been modeling and practicing while having fun! Remember that starting the conversation at a young age, consistently talking about water safety, and modeling water safety habits will help build a water competent swimmer! YOU GOT THIS!
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Fact or Fiction: My kids are water competent because they can swim in a pool. (Part 3 of 3)10/18/2021 FICTION! Another tricky one! A water-competent person has water smarts, swimming skills, and the ability to help others while engaging in water activities in, on, or around ANY body of water. You should not assume that someone who is a competent swimmer in the pool will be a competent swimmer in open water. How do I support my kids in becoming water competent?
Practice swimming with your swimmer in a variety of aquatic environments Reason 1: Open water has a lot of characteristics, attributes, and features that an enclosed swimming pool does not. When swimming in open water, swimmers should be knowledgeable about currents, rip currents, tides, riptides, undertows, and jetties. Reason 2: Always remember to practice under the supervision of a certified lifeguard! Enjoying the open water can be a wonderful summertime or vacation experience. Swimming with a certified lifeguard on duty ensures that you have a safe and positive water experience. Reason 3: Responses to water emergencies are also different depending on which type of water you are swimming in. Completing swim lessons up to and including Level 6 teaches swimmers basic water rescue skills in any body of water. You should continue to reinforce what should swimmers should do if they recognize a water emergency. Understanding the difference between each body of water will help you and your swimmer make smart decisions while swimming in any body of water. Check out our Water Competency Questionnaire to determine if your swimmers are Water Competent!
Fact or Fiction: My kids are water competent BECAUSE they go to swim lessons. (Part 2 of 3)10/11/2021 FICTION! This is a tricky one. While it's true water competency develops in swim lessons, it's important to remember that participation and engagement are essential parts of helping your children become water competent. Just attending swim lessons is not enough. Check out our tips for how to stay actively engaged before, during, and after swim lessons. How do I support my kids in becoming water competent?
Be active and engage before, during, and after lessons Before lessons...
During lessons...
After lessons...
Check out our Water Competency Questionnaire to determine if your swimmers are Water Competent! Stay tuned for part 3 or 3!
FICTION! Water competent kids know more than just each of the swimming strokes. They also have a solid understanding of the water and know what to do if they are involved in a water emergency. How do I support my kids in becoming water competent?
Completing ALL Learn-To-Swim Levels is essential to having water-competent kids! Check out these top three reasons why it's essential your children complete all the learn-to-swim levels to become water competent! Reason 1: A child who completes Level 3 has acquired just the basic/minimal swimming skills for swimming and water competency in a pool. A swimmer that a completed Level 3 skills have only learned about half of the survival swimming needed to truly stay safe in, on, and around the water. Swimming skills they have learned are:
Reason 2: Completing Levels 4, 5, and 6 gives your child the skills and endurance to be more competent in different bodies of water and activities, such as going to a waterpark or swimming in open water. Swimming skills they learn in levels 4-6:
Reason 3: Water competency is not just about swimming skills, it's also about knowing how to recognize and act in a water emergency. Level 6 swim lessons teach swimmers what to do to help themselves and others in a water emergency. Check out our Water Competency Questionnaire to determine if your swimmers are Water Competent! Stay tuned for Part 2 of 3!
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