Learning how to swim is just one of the many life lessons
parents need to teach their kids when they are young, but simply having a
neighbor who used to work as a lifeguard provide instruction or signing up for
a class at the local YMCA may not be the best option.
Just as parents interview pediatricians and get references
for preschools and babysitters, research also needs to be done when selecting a
swim class for kids. Not only do swim instructors need to be certified in CPR
and have gone through swim teacher training courses, there is also standard
curriculum that needs to be taught depending on a child¹s age and skill level.
[Read more: How water smart is your child?]
The United States
Swim School Association recommends that parents consider the following when
selecting a swim school or lesson program for their children:
1. Parents are advised to take the time to visit the swim
school or swim program prior to enrolling their child in lessons.
2. Watch to see how the children in those lessons are
responding to their lesson and to the teachers.
3. It is also important for parents to ask if instructors
are trained for the skill level and age of their child.
4. Look for a program where the curriculum builds as that
child’s skill level grows. Classes that place a child in lessons based strictly
on age rather than skill should be avoided.
5. Generally, parents will want to seek out a swim class where
the teacher is in the water interacting with students versus providing
instruction from the pool deck.
6. Create a comparison chart or pro and con list for the
programs being considered.
Decide what will be the most effective learning environment
for your child and make notes right after visiting the school to determine if
that particular program fits your child’s needs while it is still fresh in your
mind.
[Read more: Pool safety for kids under age 5]
To find a USSSA
affiliated swim school near you, or for details on becoming a member of the
nation’s leading swim school organization visit: http://www.usswimschools.org.