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At what
age should I start my child in lessons?
Guidelines
for involvement in infant aquatics programs have been established to assist
parents, teachers and pool managers. These guidelines advise that formal classes
are not recommended until a child is six months of age. At this stage the
infant's immune system is sufficiently developed to enable them to more
easily ward off infection and cope with pool chemicals. Infants can also be
introduced to the aquatic environment via the family bath. Parents and
their babies will find this experience most enjoyable.
Can
infants learn to swim?
Not in the traditional
manner of performing freestyle, backstroke or breaststroke. Infant aquatic
programs focus on introducing water awareness, confidence and familiarisation activities. Parent education should be
a prime focus of all classes. Parents learn all activities, games and songs
and are the prime educators within the class structure.
What am
I looking for in an infant class?
· The children appear
to be happy and enjoying the experience.
· The adults are
actively involved in the activities and games.
· The teacher is in
control of the activities and the lesson flows
smoothly.
· The children are encouraged
to participate in all activities.
· All activities have a
purpose.
What
does an infant aquatics class consist of?
· Fun, games, songs and
activities that have a learning base to them.
· Toys and equipment
that are bright and stimulating.
· Teachers that are trained,
good communicators and offer genuine care and
concern to both parents and children.
Learning
outcomes
Learning
outcomes for infant aquatics include instruction on correct entries, exits,
holds, steps to floating, steps to rotation from front to back and steps to
submersions. At no time should force be used. Parents and children should
be allowed to progress at their own pace.
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