Are you looking for swimming lessons for your child but worried about hygiene in the pool? You're not alone! Many parents wonder how to protect their children from infections during swimming lessons. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take yourself, and things to consider when choosing a swim school. With this checklist, you can send your child to swimming lessons with peace of mind.
Why Hygiene is Important During Swimming Lessons
A swimming pool is an ideal environment for bacteria and viruses. Think of chlorine-resistant bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause infections . Children often swallow water while swimming, putting them at extra risk . In addition, children walk barefoot in changing rooms and around the pool, making them more susceptible to, for example, athlete's foot . Therefore, good hygiene is essential to protect your child's health.
The Swimming Lesson Hygiene Checklist for Parents
Preparation at Home
- Shower Before the Lesson: Have your child shower at home before the swimming lesson starts. This removes dirt, sweat, and bacteria from the skin .
- Use Bath Slippers: Make sure your child wears bath slippers in the changing room and on the pool deck. This prevents the spread of athlete's foot and other infections .
- Bring Your Own Supplies: Bring your own towel, soap, and shampoo. This way, you can be sure they are clean .
- Inform the Swim School: Is your child sick, have diarrhoea, or another infection? Inform the swim school and keep your child home. This prevents other children from becoming infected .
- Check for Wounds: Cover any wounds with a waterproof plaster .
During the Swimming Lesson
- Encourage Not Swallowing: Try to teach your child to swallow as little water as possible while swimming .
- Pinch Nose: Teach your child to pinch their nose when jumping and diving to prevent infections .
- Shower After the Lesson: Have your child shower immediately after the swimming lesson to rinse off chlorine and any bacteria from the skin .
- Dry Well: Dry your child thoroughly, especially between the toes, to prevent fungal infections .
- Clean Clothes: Dress your child in clean clothes after the swimming lesson .
Checklist for the Swim School: What Can You Expect?
Of course, the hygiene of the swim school itself is also of great importance. Here are a few points to consider:
- Cleaning: Are the changing rooms, showers, and pool regularly cleaned?
- Water Quality: Does the pool water meet legal requirements? Inquire about this at the swim school. The water quality must meet the requirements as described in the [Activities Living Environment Decree]().
- Chlorine: Chlorine is essential for killing germs, but excessive exposure can cause irritation. A good swim school ensures the right balance .
- Filters: Does the swim school have good filter systems to keep the water clean?
- Staff Hygiene: Do the swimming instructors wear clean clothes, and are they alert to hygiene?
- Risk Analysis and Management Plan: A swimming pool is required to have a risk analysis and management plan, which includes the risks of drowning, health, and accidents .
- Safe & Clean Quality Mark: Swimming pools can obtain a Safe & Clean quality mark. This quality mark indicates that the swim school meets the rules for hygiene, water quality, and safety .
Infections in the Pool: What Are They and How Do You Recognise Them?
Despite all precautions, your child can still contract an infection in the pool. Here are some common infections and how to recognise them:
- Swimmer's Ear: An inflammation of the ear canal, caused by bacteria or fungi. Symptoms include itching, pain, and discharge .
- Athlete's Foot: A fungal infection on the feet, often between the toes. Symptoms include itching, redness, and flakes .
- Eye Irritation/Conjunctivitis: Red, teary, and itchy eyes, caused by chlorine or bacteria .
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, caused by swallowing contaminated water .
- Swimmer's Itch (cercarial dermatitis): Skin rash with itchy bumps, caused by parasites .
Always consult a doctor if you think your child has contracted an infection .
The Importance of a Good Swim School
Choosing a good swim school is crucial for your child's safety and health. When choosing a swim school, pay attention to the following points:
- Certified Instructors: Are the swimming instructors qualified and do they have a Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG)?
- Small Groups: The smaller the groups, the more personal attention your child receives .
- Hygiene: Pay attention to the overall hygiene of the swim school. Is it clean and well-maintained?
- Teaching Methods: What teaching methods does the swim school use? Do they suit your child's needs? Read more about teaching methods
- NRZ Licence: Swim schools with the National Swimming Diploma Licence are independently tested and meet the set quality requirements .
In the Netherlands, the Swimming ABC is the foundation of good swimming education . The complete Swimming ABC is a passport for a lifetime of swimming pleasure. With the National Swimming Safety Standard/Swimming Diploma C, you master skills for a swimming pool with attractions and in open water without current or large waves, such as recreational lakes and wider ditches/canals (except in the sea) . The Swimming Diplomas A and B are intermediate steps to the complete Swimming ABC .
Finding and Comparing Swimming Lessons
Finding the right swim school can be a challenge. ZwemlesWijzer is happy to help you compare swimming lesson providers in your city. For example, you can easily find swimming lessons in Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht. Compare swimming lessons on location, price, method, and reviews, and find the perfect swim school for your child!
Conclusion
Hygiene is an important aspect of swimming lessons. By taking some measures yourself and choosing a good swim school, you can minimise the risk of infections. This way, your child can learn to swim with pleasure and peace of mind.
Ready to find the perfect swimming lesson for your child? Compare swimming lesson providers in your city and start today!
