Understanding the impact of returning to swimming lessons from COVID.
Babies and children have had a considerable break from swimming, with little water familiarisation. It is going to be vital for a smooth return to the pool that as parents, we understand and implement a return plan. A couple of things to consider when thinking about your return plan.
- A child’s connection to swimming has been put to the background. The break without practice needs to be taken into account that there could be a regression of swimming skills.
- Some children have been through a traumatic time mentally due to COVID. We need to understand their whole world has changed in the space of a day or two. Mentally allow them time to return.
- Over the break, many children have grown. Growing can throw their balance off in the water as most have not been able to swim through the change. Some will feel awkward, uncomfortable and in some cases, unsafe. Reassure and encourage.
- Expect the unexpected. Your child may have been able to have swum to save themselves before and over the break may have lost this skill and will be nervous. Be patient.
- Children have developmental leaps, and some of these leaps have been missed over the break. Your child may have been confident in the water and now is unsure. Easing them back to being confident swimmers is the best thing to do to instil back their confidence.
At School of Little Swimmers, we are here to help to make this transition a smooth one. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
It is going to be vital for a smooth return to the pool that as parents, we understand and implement a return plan.
Want to find out more?
It’s important to get the facts right. Feel free to contact us to find out more. Our pool is monitored daily to maintain the safe environment for all out swimmers.
