Are you proud of your child for earning their 'C' certificate? That's great, but it doesn't automatically mean your child is truly water-safe . Many parents believe their child is 'done' after getting the 'C' certificate, but the reality is often different . Swimming skills are like riding a bike or driving a car: if you don't maintain them, you'll forget them . And that can lead to dangerous situations. In this article, we'll dive into the hidden risks after the 'C' certificate and give you a practical checklist to ensure your child's water safety. Did you know you can easily compare swimming lesson providers through ZwemlesWijzer? That way, you can always find a suitable option to maintain your child's swimming skills!
The myth of the C certificate
The 'C' certificate is often seen as the finish line, the 'National Swimming Safety Standard' . And yes, with a 'C' certificate, your child masters the skills to swim safely in swimming pools with attractions and in open water without currents . However, the reality is that many children swim less after getting their certificate . As a result, their fitness and swimming skills decrease, which can still cause them problems in emergency situations .
'Forgetting' how to swim: how does that work?
Research shows that children can quickly forget the skills they learned during swimming lessons . For example, a study by Windesheim University of Applied Sciences showed that a large proportion of children could no longer meet the requirements of their 'B' certificate 18 months after obtaining it . Specifically, 44% of the test group no longer mastered the skills of swimming while clothed . The front crawl and back crawl were also not performed correctly by 45% and 34% of the children, respectively . This shows the importance of actively maintaining your child's swimming skills.
Costs versus safety: a dilemma?
We understand that swimming lessons are an investment. The costs for swimming lessons vary, but on average you pay between €35 and €70 per month for swimming once a week . A full lesson package for the 'A' certificate often costs between €700 and €1100 . The costs for the 'B' and 'C' certificates are lower, between €200 and €300 . It is tempting to stop after the 'A' certificate to save costs, but remember that you are investing in your child's safety . By stopping, you miss the crucial skills learned in 'B' and 'C' . Check out ZwemlesWijzer for tips on how to save smartly on swimming lessons, so you can keep your child water-safe and save money!
Checklist for real water safety after the C certificate
So how do you ensure that your child remains water-safe even after the 'C' certificate? Use this checklist to maintain your child's swimming skills:
- Keep swimming! Go swimming with your child regularly, for example once or twice a month . This will keep your child familiar with the water and maintain their swimming skills .
- Consider follow-up lessons. There are several options to continue after the 'C' certificate, such as swimming skills 1, 2 and 3 . Snorkelling, survival swimming or water polo are also fun options .
- Practice in different conditions. Don't just go to the swimming pool, but also practice in a recreational lake (without currents!) or in the sea (under supervision!) . This teaches your child to deal with different water conditions .
- Repeat the survival techniques. Regularly refresh the survival techniques your child learned during swimming lessons. Think of treading water, floating and orienting yourself underwater .
- Be alert to fear of water. Detect fear of water in time and take action. A child who is afraid in the water will be less likely to practice and therefore less water-safe. Check the knowledge base for parents on ZwemlesWijzer for tips on overcoming fear of water.
- Check swimming skills. Occasionally test your child's swimming skills. Can he or she still swim the distances that came with the 'C' certificate? Does your child still feel comfortable in the water?
- Discuss the dangers. Talk to your child about the dangers of water. Explain that you should never go swimming alone and that you should always watch out for each other.
Swimming MOT: test your child's swimming skills
Think of it as an MOT for your child's water safety. By practicing regularly and testing swimming skills, you ensure that your child remains a true 'water friend' even after the 'C' certificate .
Extra tips for parents
- Take a critical look at swimming lesson providers. Choose a swimming school that values quality . Pay attention to the group size, the experience of the instructors and the teaching methods. Compare swimming lesson providers in your city to find the best option.
- Involve your child in the learning process. Let your child help decide on the swimming lessons and follow-up activities. This keeps him or her motivated and involved .
- Make swimming fun! Make sure swimming remains a fun activity. Go to a swimming pool with slides, organise a water fight in the garden or go swimming in a lake .
Conclusion: water safety is an ongoing process
The 'C' certificate is an important milestone, but it is not a guarantee of lifelong water safety . By actively maintaining your child's swimming skills and making them aware of the dangers of water, you ensure that your child can safely enjoy all the beauty that water has to offer in the future. Use ZwemlesWijzer to find the ideal swimming lesson and guarantee your child's water safety!
Don't wait any longer! Compare swimming lesson providers in your city now via ZwemlesWijzer and give your child the tools to stay really water-safe!
