the gross motor movements required –
around four to five years.
Karen says:
Actual stroke work is
introduced around four to five years
when children have the necessary
confidence and balance on the front
and back. We work on front crawl
and backstroke at the same time.
Breaststroke is next, and finally,
butterfly.
What do you think about
buoyancy aids?
Andrew says:
Use what works to
create confidence in water. If children
are unhappy without armbands, use
them and slowly wean them off by
progressing to a noodle under their
arms, then to a kickboard held out
front. Find the child’s threshold of
success and aim to
expand that each time they enter the
water.
Katie says:
Armbands have their
place, as they can give children
independence and keep them upright
in water. They do restrict arm
movement however, and for lessons
they are a no-no. Children must
recognise that swimming unassisted is
their goal.
Sharon says:
Attached aids can
hinder the natural development
of aquatic skills and give parents
Children enjoy water more when they
learn at their own pace, experience
success, practise repeatedly and
receive praise for their efforts.
a false sense of security. Around
water, parents should always
have the “Layers of Protection”
recommended by Swim Australia
) in place.
(“Layers of Protection” is a system of
checks which may save a child’s life
– they include supervision, barriers,
swimming and water safety skills and
an emergency action plan.)
Karen says:
If you’re looking after
more than one child, floatation devices
are essential. I prefer buoyancy suits
over armbands as the latter can
restrict arm movement. However, any
buoyancy aid should not take the place
of adult supervision. In our swimming
programme, we work on buoyancy so
children learn to float unassisted on
their fronts and backs. These skills can
save a child’s life.
What should parents do when their
children are nervous around water?
Andrew says:
Create a “play state”
for the child. Help them fish for
floating toys from the top step with
a foam roll. Eliciting playfulness
changes a child’s fearful experience to
one of exploration and growth.
Katie says:
Never force a child to do
something in water. Children enjoy
water more when they learn at their
own pace, experience success, practise
repeatedly and receive praise for their
efforts.
Karen says:
Be gentle and positive
and practise as much as you can in the
bath – swishing through the water and
moving legs/arms in kicking/paddling
actions, keeping it fun.
What should parents do if their child
is
too
confident around water?
Andrew says:
Let them experience
a small amount of fear in the water,
with the parent/coach immediately
on hand. Be calm and confident as the
child will feed off your reaction.
Katie says:
Lessons on water safety
March 2016
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