Frequently Asked Questions
1) How old should my baby be to take them swimming?
This is a very personal choice and there is no 'right' or 'wrong' age. The Department of Health advises that you can take your baby swimming at any age, both before and after they have been vaccinated. Diphtheria, tetanus, polio and whooping cough cannot be contracted from Chlorinated water and current medical research and advice states that there is no reason to wait to go swimming until the full immunisation course is completed. However we do leave it up to the discretion of you and your family doctor. At present we only take babies from 6 months old due to the temperature of the water we teach in. Ideally babies under 6 months should be swimming in a Hydrotherapy Pool with temperatures of approx 36 degrees.We personally advise taking your child as young as possible due to certain reflexes making learning to swim easier - as long as both child and carer are fit and well. You can prepare babies for swimming in the bath by splashing and enjoying the entire water experience.
2) My baby doesn't like the water - why?
Don't panic! It is most probably not the water he/she doesn't like. Chances are he/she finds the scale of it all a little daunting. It's important to remember baby swimming is a gradual process and one than cannot be rushed. Go at your baby's pace and make sure you both have fun! Often the external factors are the cause of the baby's 'dislike' such as temperature (too cold), timing (hungry, tired etc) or parental influence (parents gripping babies tightly!). Other issues arise at different developmental times such as Separation Anxiety (approx 13 months), Spacial Awareness (all ages!) and Phases of Defiance (approx 18 months). Your teacher can assist with these issues but they are all perfectly normal. It is important to reassure your baby with praise, encouragement, smiles and lots of cuddles!
3) Will you take my child off me and force them underwater?
A definite 'NO' to this! We will NEVER force you or your child to do anything you are not completely comfortable with. We may encourage you or offer to help you if you are nervous but will never make you do anything and will not handle your baby if you do not want us too.
4) What Qualifications do the teachers have?
The teachers have a Level 2 STA or ASA Baby & Pre-school qualification along with Lifeguard / Teachers Safety in Water Awards (including Full First Aid Training). They hold their own Public Liability Insurance (as well as Corporate Insurance) and they have Enhanced CRB Checks. Miss Sarah has done Level 1 of her Birthlight Diploma in Infant Aquatics. We are happy to show you any of our policies, awards or qualifications.
5) When will my child be able to swim?
This is impossible to answer as children do everything at different stages and ages. It is virtually unheard of for a child under 4 to actually 'swim' with a recognised stroke. This is purely due to the child's mental maturity and motivation as well as the related force-load relationship and the child's motor-coordinative skills. However it is totally natural for a child under this age to 'move' in the water (ie doggy paddle). As with all other new skills - we can not put a time frame or age on this. We aim to build your child's confidence, safety in water and movement.
6) Do I have to be a confident swimmer? Will I have to get my face wet?
If you are not confident in the water, it is advisable to inform the teacher as they can assist you. Often as parents, we pass our fears to our children by tension, gripping or other actions we make. Your teacher will advise you on how best not to pass your fear to your child. You will 'probably' get your face wet through the splashing in a lesson but we will NEVER make you go under the water if you are not comfortable. Do not worry - we are not here to highlight to the rest of the class that you are 'scared' - we will handle the situation tactfully and professionaly.
7) Why are the classes only 30 minutes?
30 minutes may seem like quite a short while to you but to a baby or toddler doing exercise - it is a long time! The children would not benefit from lessons any longer than this as they will become tired, distracted and probably a little cold from being in the water. You may find your little one needs a sleep after swimming.
8) Do you teach with armbands?
We do not use armbands to teach in any of our lessons. This is a personal choice and it does not mean you are 'wrong' for using them with your child. We believe that armbands hinder the childs arm movements and also take the spine out of alignment - giving that treading water feel. We do use flotation aids such as 'noodles', 'floats' and 'shark fins'.
9) Will my little one by 'drown proof' once they've attended swimming lessons?
The answer is NO. There is no way to drown proof your infant. You must be no more than arm's length away from your baby in order for them to be safe around the water. Your child's safety around the water depends on your watchful eyes! There is no evidence that baby swim programs actually prevent drowning, but teaching a baby/child to hold his breath can give the parent 2 minutes or more to discover the child and get him out of the water without suffering brain damage.
10) Is my baby safe underwater?
Underwater swimming is perfectly safe so long as it is introduced and practised in a carefully controlled manner (in line with recommendations from our teaching bodies), but this is never the main activity in any lesson. Younger babies have certain reflexes that assist with the Submersion techniques - as children grow older these reflexes change so alternative exercises are performed rather than just pushing the child under the water. Our teachers are fully qualified and would not put your child at risk. It is important you listen to their advice and do not 'dunk' your baby without clarified instruction.
11) Can Mummy or Daddy attend lessons?
Anyone (over the age of 18) with parents permission can bring the little one in the water. We welcome Mummies, Daddies, Grandparents or other relatives. Unfortunately we can only accomodate one adult in the pool with the child but it does not have to be the same person each week. By changing the carer - you are encouraging the little one to relate the experience to different people and they will be more flexible when you go swimming outside of the lessons. This time is a great bonding experience and it is lovely to share with the whole family.