Wetter is Better!
Tricks to get kids really ready for swim lessons

By Mary Chatfield

Are you dreading summer because you know your child needs swim lessons but he is terrified of the water? Don’t panic! And don’t give up. As parents, we get to play a big role—and a fun role—in helping our kids get ready for swim lessons. Storytime, playtime and everyday conversations offer great opportunities for kids to “test the waters” before they even go poolside. And the more kids get comfy with getting wet, the easier it will be to dive in.

Dip their toes in.
Kids love the security of knowing what to expect. In the weeks leading up to swim lessons, you’ll want to talk to them about what will happen during their lessons. One way to broach the subject is by reading about it. Luca Learns to Swim is a new children’s book written specifically to help water-wary kids feel less anxious about swim lessons. The author, Barry Shrewsbury, has been a professional swim instructor for 16 years, and he specializes in private lessons for children who are afraid of the water. Shrewbury recommends parents start reading the book with their child about a month before lessons. “Just notice your child’s reaction to certain parts of the story,” he says, “and take your cues from her.”

Shrewbury gave the book to a friend whose daughter was feeling anxious about starting swim lessons. “When Luca opened his eyes under water, he noticed his daughter got very quiet and tense.” Shrewsbury’s friend took that opportunity to ask his daughter if she was nervous about being asked to open her eyes under water. She nodded. They talked for a little while then finished the story. As soon as they turned the last page, she asked if they could read it again. With each rereading, his daughter seemed to get more and more comfortable with the idea of opening her eyes underwater. Sure enough, her swim lessons—just like Luca’s—had a very happy ending.

Water play paves the way.
Games are another great way to help kids associate getting wet with having fun. Whether you play in the bathtub or the backyard wading pool, helping your child get comfortable with water will help her transition into lessons more easily. Here are some kid-tested favorites:

• "The wheels on the bus go..." …Splash, splash, splash! Sing the song and splash away as you turn your wheels, open the doors and flip your windshield wipers.

• Sport a spongy hat. Balance wet, drippy sponges on your head. See how tall you can make your hat (while you let the water drip down your face and into your eyes).

• Sing in the rain. “It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring…” Use a plastic strainer to let the water drip down on your child’s head.

• Have a messy tea party. Use little plastic cups and when it’s time to “drink” your tea, make sure you and your child pour it all down your faces.

• Race your rubber duckies! Have a race by blowing little rubber ducks or plastic boats across the tub or pool. You’ll have to get down nice and close to the water and blow really hard.

• Blow bubbles. Pretend you’re a motorboat and blow into the water. (Timid kids can start by blowing through a straw, then into their cupped hands, then into hands held just above the water’s surface, until at last they feel ready to blow bubbles straight into the water.)

May We Recommend:

Luca Learns to Swim: A Family’s Companion to Swim Lessons
The only illustrated children’s book aimed at helping families prepare for swim lessons, Luca Learns to Swim allows parents plenty of chances to encourage and reassure their children, long before that first lesson. Author Barry Shrewsbury has been teaching children how to swim and how to be pool-safe for over 16 years.

Keeping Kids Safe:

Water wings, inner tubes and other inflatables are fun toys to bring to the beach or pool, but they are just that—toys. So, play away, but be careful that your child knows not to rely on his toys for safety and that you aren’t getting a false sense of security from these poolside accessories. The only truly safe water gear is a personal flotation device (PFD) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. (Check for the Coast Guard stamp before you buy.)

Kids—and adults—who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable toys for safety should wear US Coast Guard-approved PFD whenever they are in or around the water. Each person should have the appropriate PFD for his or her weight. You’ll find this clearly marked in the Coast Guard stamp.

If your child doesn't like to wear his PFD, take him on a shopping trip and let him pick out his own PFD. Including kids in the decision will not only help win their cooperation, but it will also allow for a better fit, ensuring that they're happy to wear a PFD at all times in or on the water.

Courtesy of the American Red Cross (click for more safety tips).