Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children start learning to swim as young as one year old? While they won’t be able to do much at that age, getting kids comfortable in the water when they’re young will help them be stronger in the water as they’re older and, hopefully, prevent drowning. While it’s always best to have a certified swim instructor teach children swim lessons, you can supplement these swimming lessons in your swim spa. It’s the perfect space to teach your kids how to swim.
Safety In the Swim Spa
Before working on kid-friendly swimming lessons in the swim spa, you need to make sure you have safety precautions in place. For young children and beginners, it is probably best to start with the swim spa jets off. The swim spa jets create resistance that help mimic natural waters, but that should be added once your children get older and stronger.
Give clear instructions for your children to never enter the swim spa without an adult. As you should whenever children are in the swim spa, be sure you are in there with them for the lessons, or nearby if your children are stronger swimmers. You can never be too safe.
Strengthening Swimming Skills
While professional swim lessons can teach your child basic skills, you can help strengthen those skills at home with games. Swimming games are a great way to both bond with your child and help make them stronger swimmers. Think of when you were a kid and of the swimming games you played, such as:
- Stop and go: Sit your child in a high seat of your swim spa or have them hold on to the edge. When you say go, tell them to kick as hard as they can. When you say stop, they stop. It’s super simple, but effective in helping them strengthen their legs.
- Blowing bubbles: Blowing bubbles in the pool might sound silly, but it actually helps children hold their breath underwater longer. Some people teach their kids this method by having them pretend to blow out candles or talk to fish, but you can have them pretend to be making bubbles like the swim spa jets.
- Swim races: A swim spa is the perfect length for children to swim laps! If you have more than one child, have them race each other from one side of the pool to the other. If you only have one child, time them and have them race against themselves.
Start Swimming Today
If you don’t already have a swim spa, now is the perfect time to get one. Pool season is here and you don’t want to miss out. Swim spas are a great fit for any backyard, and combine the best parts of a pool and hot tub for the ultimate backyard addition. If you’re ready to shop for a swim spa or have any questions, come visit The Pool People. Our expert team is here and ready to help you find the perfect fit for your home.
