How often can i use swim paddles?

Is it better to use arm bands/swim aid when teaching 4 year old to swim or?

• is it better to use arm bands/swim aid when teaching 4 year old to swim or to just hold her in the water until she is able to float herself? Do swim aids help or hinder? Any good tips on how to help my daughter (aged 4) learn to swim? Thanks

• Answer:

  As a swimming instructor- stay away from waterwings/arm bands, whatever you want to call them. They are an accident waiting to happen. When your child puts their arms up, they will go underwater- basic bouyancy principles- which means their face will submerge... and if she isn't ready for it, she'll be scared. Your best bets are noodles and lifejackets. Lifejackets get her used to the water, and show her that things float, and will float her. Let her get used to moving herself around in the water in a lifejacket by herself. Plus, it's a great time to teach her that lifejackets are important, and lifejacket safety! Noodles give kids more freedom. They allow different bouyancies, are fun to play with and can be used to learn different types of kicking- flutter kick, whip kick, etc. The ultimate best way to teach a child to swim is to enroll them in swimming lessons- either group or private. That way they are with other kids their age (approximately, and if you choose group), are in a safe and supervised environment, and have the benefit of having an experienced and trained instructor. I highly recommend the Red Cross Swim program- there are a variety of levels for her age, and the instructor will be able to tell you where she fits best. Plus, they get badges when they earn their level- incentive to learn! If you don't want to put her into lessons, here's some things to remember: -don't panic if her face goes underwater. Seeing you upset will make her upset, and she'll start being afraid of putting her face in the water! -work on floating first: show her how it's done, help her into position and hold her there until she's comfortable! Then, you can slowly let go as you see fit. -play games and sing songs! There are lots of fun ways to learn- make sure you keep her attention, educate her as to water safety, but don't make it so that she's bored and therefore associates boredom with swimming! -pay attention to her and what she's comfortable with. Work up to the big stuff, but start small. If you are interested in learning how to teach swimming lessons, and becoming a Red Cross Water Safety Instructor, contact your local Red Cross office! Hope this helps!