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Now that summer is officially here and temperatures are rising, families around the country are packing their cars and getting ready for holidays near the water.
Summer is an exciting time, but at Kingswim we often chat to parents who are nervous about holidays by the water, especially with young children.
Here are some of the ways we can help as parents and teachers to ensure our kids are confident and safe in the water these summer holidays.
Ask us for a skill status update
Our teachers and supervisors are here to help! While we provide regular updates and feedback, it’s always a good idea to check in with us whenever you need.
Even if you aren’t planning a holiday this year, we can provide an update on your child’s current swimming level, what their strengths are and what areas they can work on over the holiday break.
If you are going away, we can provide helpful tips and things to remember specific to your holiday, for example if you’re heading to a beach, river or pool.
Refresh your child’s skills
If your child isn’t currently enrolled in weekly swimming lessons but you’d like them to refresh their skills before summer, our Fast Track lessons are here to help.
Held during the school holidays, the Fast Track program takes place over four days in the same week and assesses your child’s current swimming ability before diving in and teaching them skills to take them to the next level.
While Fast Track is a fantastic way to quickly refresh and develop skills, ongoing lessons are crucial to long term skills retention and a lifetime of being safe in the water.
Ask your child how they feel
After discussing your child’s swim level with their teacher, check in with your child one-on-one to discuss their feelings about their confidence in the water.
Oftentimes children will try to impress their peers and in some cases parents, swimming and playing in water when they may in fact, be out of their depth.
If they don’t feel confident, or are fearful in the water, support and encourage them, providing reassurance that you’ll be there with them in the water having fun together, which is the most important thing.
If you’re holidaying with friends and family, privately let the other parents know your child’s confidence and swimming skill level. This way you can all safely look out for each other, helping to create wonderful holiday memories in the water!
Finally
If you have any questions or concerns about taking your family swimming these holidays, please don’t hesitate to speak with your teacher or supervisor at your centre, or get in touch. It’s the little things we can do to help to ensure big peace of mind and fun these holidays!
Don’t forget to pack the sunscreen and most importantly, have an amazing time.
