From Bathroom to Swimming Pool: Create a Successful Water Familiarisation Routine for Your Child

As a parent, you want your child to be safe and enjoy playing in the water. But how do you ensure your child becomes comfortable in the water and starts swimming lessons with confidence? Many parents struggle with how best to prepare their child for the swimming pool. With the right approach and a little patience, you can make water familiarisation a fun and successful experience for your child. Read on for practical tips and insights!

Why Water Familiarisation Is So Important

Water familiarisation is the first step towards swimming safety . It helps your child become comfortable with water, overcome any fears, and lay the foundation for a successful swimming lesson journey . By starting water familiarisation at a young age, you give your child a head start and increase their confidence in the water .

The Benefits of Early Water Familiarisation:

• Reduces Anxiety: Early exposure to water helps children overcome fear of water .
• Improves Motor Skills: Playing in the water stimulates the development of motor skills and coordination .
• Boosts Confidence: Children who are comfortable in the water feel more confident in and around it .
• Promotes Bonding: Playing together in the water is a fun way to strengthen the bond with your child .

Water Familiarisation at Home: Start in the Bathroom

The bathroom is the ideal place to start with water familiarisation. Here, your child can get acquainted with water in a safe and familiar environment . Make bath time an enjoyable moment with games and songs .

Tips for Water Fun in the Bath:

• Make it Fun: Use colourful toys, such as floating ducks or cups, to attract your child's attention .
• Let Your Child Play Freely: Give your child the space to explore the water themselves. Let them splash, pour, and blow bubbles .
• Practice with Water Over the Face: Use a washcloth or a cup to gently pour water over your child's face . Sing a song or make it a game to make it more fun .
• Blowing Bubbles: Teach your child to blow bubbles in the water. This helps to control breathing and gets them used to the feeling of water on their face .
• Look with Eyes Open Underwater: Encourage your child to open their eyes underwater. Start with a short time and gradually build it up .

From Bath to Swimming Pool: The Next Steps

Once your child feels comfortable in the bathroom, it's time to take the next step: the swimming pool. Choose a swimming pool with warm water and a shallow area where your child can stand .

Tips for a Successful First Visit to the Swimming Pool:

• Go Together: Stay in the water with your child and give them a sense of security .
• Start Quietly: First, let your child get used to the environment and the noise. Don't go straight into the water .
• Play Games: Do fun games in the water, such as tag or 'going underwater' .
• Use Floating Devices: If your child likes it, you can use floating devices, such as a swimming ring or armbands . Note: Floating devices are not a substitute for supervision!
• Keep it Short: The first time, it's important to keep it short. Don't swim for more than half an hour .

Dealing with Water Fear

It is quite normal for children to have some fear of water in certain phases . Never force your child to do anything they don't want to do. It is important to take the fear seriously and give your child time to get used to it .

Tips for Overcoming Water Fear:

• Talk About It: Ask your child what they are afraid of and listen carefully .
• Take Your Time: Don't force your child to go too fast. Let them set the pace .
• Make it Fun: Make sure water familiarisation is a positive experience .
• Seek Professional Help: If the fear of water persists, you can seek professional help from a swimming instructor who specialises in guiding children with water fear .

Swimming Lessons: The Next Step Towards Swimming Safety

Once your child is comfortable in the water, it's time to start swimming lessons. In the Netherlands, there are many different swimming schools that offer swimming lessons. It is important to choose a swimming school that suits you and your child. Compare swimming lesson providers in your city to find the best option.

What Should You Pay Attention to When Choosing a Swimming School?

• Quality: Pay attention to the qualifications of the swimming instructors and the teaching method [Check our website for more information about lesson methods].
• Atmosphere: Choose a swimming school where your child feels comfortable. A positive and stimulating atmosphere is important for the learning process .
• Group Size: A small group size ensures that the swimming instructor can give sufficient attention to each child .
• Location and Price: Choose a swimming school that is conveniently located and fits your budget .

After the 'A' Diploma: Continuing to Practice Is Important!

Achieving the 'A' diploma is an important milestone, but it is not the end point. Continue to swim with your child regularly to maintain their swimming skills . Go to the swimming pool together, play games in the water and challenge your child to learn new things. And don't forget: the C diploma is the real standard for swimming safety!

Want to know more about swimming safety and swimming lessons? View the knowledge base for parents on our website.

Find the Perfect Swimming Lesson for Your Child

Are you looking for a good swimming school near you? Use ZwemlesWijzer to easily compare swimming lesson providers based on location, price, method, and reviews. This way, you can quickly and easily find the perfect swimming lesson for your child, for example, if you are looking for swimming lessons in Amsterdam, swimming lessons in Rotterdam or swimming lessons in Utrecht.

Don't wait any longer and take the first step towards a swimming-safe child today!