Getting Ready For Baby's Swimming Lessons

Ah spring! The days are warming up, reminding us that another beautiful Australian summer is just around the corner. However it’s also a good reminder for parents that it’s time to start those all-important first swimming lessons.
Whether you have secret aspirations for your little one to be our next Olympic swimming superstar, or just want a happy, confident water baby, every child and family benefits from water safety and swimming lessons.

Sadly, 56 Australians aged under 17 drowned in Australia in 2009/10. Just over half (59%) were under the age of 5 *, giving us a sobering reminder that it is essential all kids are prepared to be confident and safe around water.

* Figures from the National Drowning Report 2010. Royal Life Saving Society

To make the task a little less daunting, Kate Zarboch, of vibrant Aussie swimwear brand Escargot, gives her top tips for getting ready for your first swim school experience.

It’s recommended that babies start off with classes designed to get them comfortable with and aware of water, rather than diving straight into lessons. If you’re not quite sure your little one is ready for classes, look out for swim schools that offer an introductory session before you commit to a term of classes. They can help you assess your baby’s readiness to participate in their programs.
Make sure the school you go with has the proper accreditations. The two main ones recognised in Australia are Swimming Australia and AUSTSWIM. Both have websites that you can visit to locate your nearest school and classes that best suit your timetable.
While it’s critical to ensure you go with accredited instructors, it’s also a good idea to ensure that the instructors taking classes are qualified first aiders.
Ask other Mums and Dad’s in your area for recommendations and keep an eye out for schools that incorporate pool games into their lesson plans. We all learn best when we’re having fun and enjoying ourselves!
Get in early! Try and book your little one in as soon as possible as classes can fill up fast, especially in the approach to summer. Some schools open enrolments for the coming term on a set date- if this is the case get the date in your diary and call early in the day to avoid disappointment.
Once you’re ready to roll, make sure you outfit your little one in the right gear for their lessons to ensure they keep focused on having fun in the pool and not itchy, ill-fitting or uncomfortable swimmers! A one piece can be tricky with a little one in nappies so look for a two piece (like a sun top and matching bottoms with an inbuilt nappy). Look for good skin coverage, sun protection (50+ sun protection this is the highest you can get), and durability in chlorine.
Aqua nappies are the easiest way to prevent mishaps during lessons. They have a built in plastic liner to prevent little accidents in the pool. Most swim schools make them compulsory for little ones who are not toilet trained. Luckily, you can maintain your style with many brands, including Escargot, producing super cute, great fitting aqua nappies to coordinate with their ranges. They are durable, and easy to wash after using to ensure you get a good season of wear. One thing to remember is they are only for the pool and will not prevent wetness on the way to the pool, so pop them on just before your little one gets into the water.
Remember to pack the other essentials. Most schools will provide you with a list of the equipment needed for your lessons. First and foremost is comfortable swimwear for your baby and you, a waterproof toy to incorporate into the lesson, a hat for outdoor pools (ideally with sun protection featuring in the material) and a nice fluffy towel and warm clothes for post lesson. Don’t forget an extra feed too- all that hard work and excitement can make for a very hungry bub!
As you progress through your training make sure you’re getting the basics covered. This includes ensuring your baby is being taught strategies for survival in the water, safe pool entry and exit, movement through water and confidence with being submerged. Also make sure you continue to involve your baby in supervised water activities involving water outside of class- practice makes perfect! Your instructor should be able to recommend things you can do to extend their learning.
Most importantly, make sure you and your baby have fun! While these classes are a fantastic way for babies to get comfortable around water, along with providing them invaluable safety and swimming skills, they are also a great opportunity for you to bond and learn with your little one.

Have a safe and happy Summer!

This article provided by Kate Zarboch, the director and designer of Escargot a vibrant new Aussie kids swim brand. Kate has designed for other leading Australian brands including Speedo during her career. Escargot’s collection is now available in leading boutiques, swim centers and on their website. You will find an amazing range of swimwear from baby’s up to size 14, including aqua nappies and 50+ Sun tops.