Learning To Swim

Learning how to swim is a milestone in every child’s life. It can be fun, exciting, and scary all at the same time. My Pool Pal designed our flotation swimsuits specifically for new and young swimmers to help them learn how to float and balance in the water by enhancing buoyancy and stability. Also, the My Pool Pal flotation swimsuit helps new swimmers develop the muscles, coordination, and endurance needed to become a strong swimmer.

While the My Pool Pal flotation swimsuit is a great tool when learning how to swim, there are many other things to consider to make learning to swim enjoyable and successful.

Tips for teaching younger children how to swim:
Provide a warm water environment – 83° F and above.
Enter the pool slowly, immersing the child to chest high.
Standing still, use a “hug hold” and gently rock child.
Using the “hug hold,” move around the pool slowly.
Gently move child away from you, establish eye contact.
With the water chest high, use a gentle left-to-right “swishing” to move the child.
Smile and encourage the child as you slowly increase the size of the “swish.”
Allow the water to touch the side of the child’s face.

Learning to swim for older children:
Leave it up to the child to set the pace for entering the water.
Stand nearby, in the water, offering aid and encouragement.
Allow water time with My Pool Pal to be directed by the child.
Encourage the child to keep water movements slow and fluid.
Suggest the child maintain a chest-in-the-water position for moving.

A word to parents – Relax. Small children sense the tension of a nervous adult in the water. The calmer you are, the better their learning experience. Be patient, communicate in a reassuring tone, and allow each child to progress at his or her own pace.

The My Pool Pal Flotation Swimsuit is NOT a U.S. Coast Guard approved life preserver and cannot be represented as such. My Pool Pal Flotation Swimsuits must be used with adult supervision at all times. Assistance must be provided for small children learning to balance in the water.