ARE GOGGLES ALLOWED IN LESSONS?

Confused over whether your child can wear goggles in swimming lessons? Then let us clear it up for you.

Swimming is a vital skill for children to learn for health and enjoyment reasons, and also because it could one day save their life.  Children need to learn to swim without goggles unless they have a medical condition or other associated problem/s.

While swimming, goggles may make a child feel comfortable, however if they accidentally end up in water, it is unlikely they will be wearing them, and this can cause them to panic. It is vital therefore that children are comfortable swimming with and without goggles.

LIFE JACKET SAFETY…

It is extremely important that your child’s safety take priority at all times. Regardless of boating regulations in your area, life jackets are always a good idea. Please make sure to purchase a life jacket that fits your child well, but is still comfortable, and most importantly, make sure the jacket you purchase will float your child face up even if he or she is incapacitated.  Similarly, read the label on each of the jackets you are considering to make sure each one is an approved flotation device before purchasing.

Read more.... http://www.parents.com/kids/safety/other-safety-issues/choosing-life-jackets-for-kids/

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF SWIMMING FOR KIDS?

Swimming is an excellent cardiovascular workout that promotes heart and lung health, improves strength and flexibility, increases stamina and even improves balance and posture. In addition, swimming is a way to prevent childhood obesity, which has been linked to juvenile diabetes.  Swimming also puts less strain on joints and connective tissues than other forms of exercise. 

Enrolling your child in swim lessons and encouraging him to swim regularly can have significant benefits for both his health and safety as it encourages a healthy level of physical and social activity.  It will also give him that ability and confidence to fully enjoy his aquatic environment.  Did I mention that it’s also great FUN!!!

We'll love if you share some pictures of you and your kids SAFELY having FUN in the pool..

 

 

FLOATION DEVICE HAZARDS

The use of flotation devices (arm bands, bathing suits with flotation panels, rings, etc.) is the worst pre-swim lesson experience your child can have as it allows a child to “swim” in a vertical position through the water.  A vertical swimming posture is not only almost impossible to maintain, it is the fastest way to sink.  Please DO NOT encourage your child to depend on flotation devices.   Enrol them in swim lessons that will teach aquatic survival skills.

Do you allow your children to use flotation devices?  If yes, why?
Can you think of other reasons why flotation devices are hazardous?

 

 

SUN PROTECTION

Let’s face it…. we all need some sun exposure — it's the top source of vitamin D.  Repeated unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer.

It is important for parents to ensure that their kids enjoy fun in the sun safely!  Sunburn can happen within 15 minutes of being in the sun. It is recommended that all kids — regardless of their skin tone — wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

 So Think Prevention...!

DIET

Your child’s DIET is very important during lessons as their output of energy and efficiency will greatly depend on it.  Certain foods and fluids consumed immediately before lessons can create an upset stomach or impede in-water performance by creating gas in the stomach.  Also, some foods are very difficult to digest.

Please remember the following guidelines:-

*Food should NOT be consumed within 2 hours of lessons.  This includes dairy products and foods high in fat contents as fats are not easily broken down. (Breast milk is easier to digest than processed milk).

*Try to avoid the following foods while your child is in swim lessons or swimming on a regular basis:  Apples, Pineapples, Celery, Papayas, Passion Fruit, Honey, Spinach, excess Sugar, and Processed Flour.

For more interesting reading, please visit:  http://tummycalm.com/gas-in-children.html

CRYING DURING SWIM LESSONS

Let’s face it – children that are not yet verbal communicate and engage in their world by making sounds, one of which is CRYING.   The reasons behind this communication may involve:- 

· Stranger Anxiety
· A reaction to too much or too rapid change in the environment
· Tasks that are, at present, too complex for the young child to perform
· Internal Discomforts

Of course, the primary purpose of lessons is to increase the student’s chances of self-survival when faced with an aquatic problem, while at the same time ensuring that your child is comfortable during lessons.  Once the skill has been mastered, the crying will usually decrease, and sometimes stop completely.

Remember - The overly COMPETENT infant in the water is vastly safer than the overly confident one!!

 

What can you recommend to decrease crying during swim lessons?

 

WHAT TO WEAR FOR SWIMMING CLASS…

The correct gear can make all the difference for the most comfort in the water. While each course may vary in its clothing requirements, knowing what is generally acceptable can help you feel prepared and confident. Ask ahead of time to make sure that your gear is acceptable and then take the plunge.

If your child is not potty trained, ensure that they wear a swim diaper and plastic pants in case of an accident.  Older kids can simply wear a swimsuit, so choose one that is comfortable.  For girls I would recommend one-piece suits as it limits excess skin exposure.  If you child tends to get cold easily, you can purchase long-sleeved thermal swimsuits that look more like wet suits.  These also work well for outdoor swimming classes, because they block sunlight.

 

SUGGESTED SWIM ATTIRE FOR KIDS

 

 

ANATOMY OF A FIRST AID KIT

A well-stocked first aid kit is a handy thing to have… Always be prepared for emergencies:

• Keep a First Aid Kit in your home and in your car.
• Carry a First Aid Kit with you or know where you can find one.
• Find out the location of First Aid Kits where you work.

First aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. You can purchase one from your local drug store, or you can make your own.  Make sure that you:-

• Include any personal items such as medications and emergency phone numbers or other items your health-care provider may suggest.
• Check the kit regularly.
• Make sure the flashlight batteries work.
• Check expiration dates and replace any used or out-of-date contents.

 

 

ADVANTAGES OF CPR AND FIRST AID

Do you or anyone in your family know how to perform CPR? Knowing CPR is an invaluable life skill and could save your child's life.  One person taking action at the scene of an accident can make the ultimate distinction. Should your child choke on some food or a toy, or for some reason stops breathing, you will know what to do. You will understand that you need to stay calm, call emergency, and perform the CPR and First Aid techniques you have learned.

It is a good practice to keep Emergency Contact Numbers near your telephone.

 

It doesn’t take much to learn CPR and First Aid. Classes are available at the local Red Cross.  For further information please visit: -https://www.facebook.com/TTRCS

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ttt4mO3cYk&feature=player_detailpage

FACE UP –vs- FACE DOWN

As unfortunate as it is, we know that some children do reach the water alone and can find themselves in a life threatening situation.  The difference between the results ending in tragedy and in miracle, is a matter of inches and seconds...face down or face up.   At The Aquatic Academy, we give children ages 6 months to 6 years the skills they need to save themselves if the need were to arise while giving them a foundation for a lifetime of fun, safe, enjoyment of the water.

For more information on ISR Lessons please visit:- http://www.infantswim.com/lessons/isr-lessons.html
 

You can also visit The Aquatic Academy on FACEBOOK:- https://www.facebook.com/TheAquaticAcademy.ISR?ref=hl

 

HOT TUB & SPAS RISK

While a great way for grown ups to unwind, hot tubs and spas pose a particular threat to little ones. The vigorous jets, and lots of bubbles can seem fun and be attractive to little ones, however, they can hamper even a skilled child's ability to save himself.

Water Temperature

To prevent dehydration, or heat- related illness, keeping the water temperature below 100 degrees Fahrenheit is safer for small children.

Always check the temperature first with your hand before entering.

 

Covers & Locks

When the spa or hot tub is not in use, secure it with a hard top cover with a latch that locks.

 

Hot Tub Controls

Find a way to prevent children from manipulating the controls for the hot tub. Once they find out how to activate the jets, they will, whether you are there or not.

 

Remember, drowning is a silent epidemic.

A child will slip into a pool or spa without

a sound or a splash.