Teaching kids how to swim requires only a few instruments, first and foremost being a swimming pool. Teaching your child how to swim could be more fun in groups. As you make your annual/seasonal swim lesson plans, spread the word to other parents who may like to join in.
For Swim Students:
Swimsuit
Take them shopping for their new swimsuit each year, and instruct them never to go swimming without wearing a swimsuit. Teach that swimming in clothes and shoes is unsafe.
Sunscreen
Protect their skin while they are in the pool or on the pool deck. A tight-fitting swim shirt or large hat can also be used to protect the skin from too much sun.
Kickboard
For use when learning simple strokes and for kicking exercises, a foam kickboard (not inflatable) can be used in multiple ways during a swim lesson.
Swim Diaper
For those not yet potty trained, a swim diaper, worn over a regular diaper.
For Swim Teachers:
Swimming Pool
Learning to swim in lakes, streams, and oceans can be unsafe, due to deep mud, currents, and riptides. A shallow wading pool or ‘baby pool’ is the best place to start, if available.
Otherwise, use the shallow end of a pool, preferably with walk-in steps. Aboveground pools or large spas can also be used for teaching toddlers to acclimate to water and learn basic swim skills.
Enthusiasm
Bring a big smile and a big heart to each swim lesson, with some patience and empathy too!
Swim Lesson Plans
Use a binder that you can stand up, with plastic sheet holders to hold your lesson plan on the edge of the pool. Print our swim lesson plans.