Are you proud that your child has earned their 'A' swimming diploma? That's great! But is that enough to be truly water safe? Many parents think their child is safe in the water after the 'A' diploma, but the reality is that the 'A' diploma only lays a foundation . Do you want to be sure your child has the right skills to swim safely in various situations? Then read on and discover the importance of a 'Swimming Lesson MOT' after the 'A' diploma.
Why a Swimming Lesson MOT After the 'A' Diploma is Essential
The 'A' diploma is an important first step, but it's crucial to understand that this is only the basics . In the Netherlands, with its many waterways, swimming safety is vital . After the 'A' diploma, it is important to further develop and maintain swimming skills . Think of it like a car: with a driving licence you are allowed on the road, but you have to refresh your skills regularly and have your car checked. It's the same with swimming.
The Risks of Stopping After the 'A' Diploma
Stopping swimming lessons after the 'A' diploma can lead to:
- Loss of skills: Without regular practice, swimming skills can quickly diminish .
- Insufficient control in unexpected situations: The 'A' diploma prepares children for swimming in a controlled environment, but not for unexpected situations in open water .
- Overestimation of one's abilities: Children (and parents) may tend to overestimate their own swimming ability, which can lead to dangerous situations.
What Does a 'Swimming Lesson MOT' Involve?
A swimming lesson MOT is a way to evaluate whether your child has sufficient swimming skills to swim safely in various situations. It includes the following aspects:
- Endurance swimming: Can your child swim longer distances without getting tired?
- Swimming in different conditions: Is your child able to swim in open water, with currents or waves?
- Rescue skills: Does your child know what to do if someone else gets into trouble?
- Swimming with clothes: Can your child swim with clothes on, which better simulates the situation in real life ?
- Underwater orientation: Can your child orientate themselves underwater, for example in a busy swimming pool with slides ?
The Importance of B and C (and Beyond!)
While the 'A' diploma lays a foundation, in the Netherlands the 'C' diploma is seen as the national standard for swimming safety . With a 'C' diploma, children master more advanced skills and are better prepared for various situations . The 'B' diploma is a good intermediate step, in which the skills of the 'A' diploma are expanded . After the 'C' diploma, there are often opportunities to learn further, for example at a swimming club or by participating in activities such as snorkelling or water polo .
Practical Tips for Parents
- Keep swimming: Go swimming regularly with your child, even after obtaining the 'A' diploma . Practice the skills they have learned and challenge them to try new things.
- Consider follow-up lessons: Invest in follow-up lessons for the 'B' and 'C' diplomas. This gives your child the opportunity to further develop their swimming skills and gain more confidence in the water.
- Swimming safety checklist: Use a checklist to determine if your child is sufficiently water safe. ZwemlesWijzer has a useful checklist that can help you with this.
- Be alert: Always be alert when your child is near water, even if they have a swimming diploma . A diploma is not a guarantee of safety.
Finding and Comparing Swimming Lessons
Are you looking for good swimming lessons near you? Compare swimming lesson providers in your city via ZwemlesWijzer and find the perfect match for your child. Whether you live in Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht, we help you find the best option. Read more about teaching methods and view the knowledge base for parents for more information and tips.
Conclusion
The 'A' diploma is a great start, but not an end point. A 'Swimming Lesson MOT' is essential to determine if your child is really water safe. Invest in follow-up lessons, keep practising and always be alert. This way you ensure that your child can enjoy the water with pleasure and confidence. Use ZwemlesWijzer to find the best swimming lesson provider in your area and easily compare on location, price and teaching method. Make the choice for real water safety today!
