Parent & Baby Lessons
The SwimWay parent & baby lessons programme has been developed through many years of consistent experience and learning from all over the world
Overview
For our parent & baby lessons, we initially book according to age groups (3-9, 9-18, 18-24 and 24-36 months). However, we certainly do take into consideration previous swimming experience. If after the first lesson our instructors think a different class will be a better fit, then we will contact you to discuss.
SwimWay parent and baby lessons are a great way to introduce your baby or toddler to swimming. Additionally, they are a fun social activity for you both. Through a series of different techniques, the children will learn various skills. These include water confidence and safety, understanding water movement, submersions and breath control, flotations, correct kicking and basic arm movement. There is a controlled, focussed approach in the small classes. Not to mention, lots of opportunity for bonding between adult and baby.
The classes are progressive with a strong emphasis for the children to have fun, while developing several important factors including:
Water safety and awareness
Physical development (muscular, neurological, cardio vascular, coordination, motor skills)
Speech and language skills
Bonding for both baby and adult
Confidence and self-esteem
Adult self-assurance, supporting the baby in and around water
Learning skills (sharing, taking turns, following instructions)
Gentle exercise and social activity for new mums
Conditioning & adjusting to the water environment
Skills to Develop:
- Breath control (1, 2, 3 water poured over head, eyes closed)
- Front floating buoyancy (forward dip)
- Back floating (shoulder/2 handed support)
- Introducing holding techniques
- Submersions (aim for 3 happy submersions)
- Safe pool entry and exit for adult with baby
- Manually assisted kicking
Pass Criteria:
- Water over head (eyes closed, breath control)
- Reaching for the side/steps
- Front floating independently
- Back floating 2 handed support
Submersions & water confidence
Skills to Develop:
- Submersions
- Back floating (2 handed support, 1 handed, independently)
- Holding side of pool (assisted and unassisted)
- Baby forward entry into pool (adult assisted)
- Manually assisted kicking
Pass Criteria:
- Holding side of pool for 5 secs or more
- Submersion (from person to person 3 times in lesson)
- Enter and submerge to person (3 times in lesson)
- Back floating 1 handed support
Turning, resurfacing & safety development
Skills to Develop:
- Submersions
- Manually assisted kicking
- Holding and moving along side of pool (assisted and unassisted)
- Safe entries and exits
Pass Criteria:
- Holding and moving along side of pool
- Enter and turn submersion back to wall (shallow and deep with assistance)
- Independent entry with permission
- Kicking action (not a reflex)
Leg kick development & rotation
Skills to Develop:
- Back floating (very little support or independent)
- Straight leg kick on front (with adult assistance)
- Front floating (star fish, unaided)
- Rotations/flips (front to back and back to front with adult assistance)
- Pulling arm movements
Pass Criteria:
- Unaided swim from sitting on the side of pool to adult
- Unaided swim from steps/pool wall to adult
- Child initiates a roll from front to back and then from back to front (with assistance)
- Diving down to retrieve an object (with or without help)
Independent swimming
Skills to Develop:
- Back floating (independently)
- Straight leg kick on front (without adult assistance)
- Front floating – Star fish (with full breath control)
- Holding a float and kicking
- Rotations/flips (front to back and back to front with adult assistance – full breath control)
- Pulling arm movements
- Kicking and lifting head for breath independently
Pass Criteria:
- Jump in and return to wall to hold on (minimal assistance)
- Full breath control (blowing bubbles with mouth and nose)
- 1m swim from side to adult
- Breaststroke or paddle arm action