Has your child just finished their swimming lessons and earned their ABC diploma? Congratulations! You're probably very proud, and rightly so. But what's next? Many parents think their child is 'done' with swimming after the C diploma, but unfortunately, that's not entirely true. Hidden risks can still be present, and it's important to prevent a 'swimming slump' . In this article, we'll give you practical tips to keep your child truly water-safe, even after the ABC diploma.
The 'Swimming Slump': What Exactly Is It?
You may recognise it: after a period of intensive swimming lessons, the motivation to swim fades away. Your child has earned their diploma, so why go to the pool anymore? This is what we call the 'swimming slump'. The problem is that without regular practice, your child's swimming skills can deteriorate . Research shows that children may no longer meet the requirements of their B diploma after some time if they don't continue swimming . And that's concerning.
Why Is Continuing to Swim So Important?
- Skills Fade: Swimming is like riding a bike: you have to keep doing it to remember how . Without regular practice, swimming technique can worsen, and fitness can decline .
- Changing Conditions: A swimming pool is different from open water. Consider currents, temperature differences, waves, and underwater obstacles . Your child needs to learn to cope with these changing conditions.
- Overconfidence: A child with a C diploma can become overconfident and take risks they can't handle . It's important to set realistic boundaries and teach your child to recognise dangers .
How to Prevent a Swimming Slump and Keep Your Child Safe
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to prevent a swimming slump and ensure your child's water safety:
- Swim Regularly: This is the most important tip! Try to go swimming with your child at least once a month . Make it a fun outing, for example, by going to a subtropical swimming paradise. This keeps it fun and allows your child to practice their skills .
- Swimming Lessons After the C Diploma: There are various options to continue swimming after the C diploma. Consider swimming proficiency lessons, snorkelling, survival swimming, or a swimming sport like water polo . This is a fun way to maintain skills and find new challenges.
- The National Swimming Challenge: Participate in the National Swimming Challenge to test and improve your child's water safety . This is a fun and challenging way to see how water-safe your child is and where improvements can be made.
- Stay Alert: Even if your child has a swimming diploma, it remains important to supervise them, especially in open water. Children recognise danger less quickly than adults and can become overconfident .
- Check the swimming lesson location: Always check whether the location has a licence for National Swimming Diplomas for the swimming lesson location and water safety.
The Role of the C Diploma
The C diploma is seen as the National Standard for Water Safety . This means that your child has mastered the basic skills to swim safely in a pool with attractions and in open water without currents or large waves . Think of recreational lakes and wider ditches. Yet, it's important to realise that the C diploma doesn't guarantee absolute water safety. So always stay alert and take the above tips into account. Also, note that clothing is worn during the C diploma test .
Is the C Diploma the Final Stop?
No, definitely not! See the C diploma as an intermediate step. Your child now has a good foundation, but it's important to maintain and further develop this foundation . By continuing to swim and possibly taking swimming lessons, you ensure that your child remains water-safe in the future.
Alternatives to Traditional Swimming Lessons
Is your child on a waiting list for swimming lessons? Or are you looking for another way to maintain your child's swimming skills? Consider the following alternatives:
- Practise During Family Swimming: Turn a visit to the pool into a practice moment. For example, have your child swim laps or practise specific skills, such as swimming underwater.
- Swimming Camps: Swimming camps are often organised during the holidays. This is an intensive way to improve your child's swimming skills in a short time.
- Private Lessons: Private lessons are a good option if your child needs extra guidance or wants to learn specific skills. Some swim schools also offer private lessons for children with disabilities .
Water Safety and the Cost of Swimming Lessons
The cost of swimming lessons can be significant, especially if you have multiple children. Fortunately, there are several ways to save on swimming lessons without compromising water safety. Enquire with your municipality whether swimming lesson subsidies are available. Or see if you qualify for another form of financial support.
Find the Best Swimming Lessons for Your Child
Want to be sure your child gets the best swimming lessons? Compare the different swimming lesson providers in your area on ZwemlesWijzer. This makes it easy to find the swim school that best suits your needs and budget. For example, take a look at swimming lessons in Amsterdam, swimming lessons in Rotterdam or swimming lessons in Utrecht.
Curious about the possibilities? Compare swimming lesson providers in your city and take the first step towards a water-safe child!
