Essential Tips For Your First Swim Lessons
Whether for children or adults, swimming lessons can open a whole new world of skills that are both enjoyable and healthy. Swimming builds muscles that are difficult to exercise in other ways; it burns more calories than almost any other cardio exercise, while putting less stress on joints; and it improves your body's use of oxygen by helping you be more conscious of your breathing.
Besides this, it is much easier to enjoy the beach or the pool when you are confident of your ability to swim. Many amazing activities become possible when you have mastered the basics of swimming.
But once you take the plunge and book your first swim lessons, then what? How can you get the most out of your time in the water and start experiencing all the amazing health benefits? There is a lot to consider, from what type of classes you wish to enjoy to what equipment you need. Whether for a child or an adult, the first swim lessons set the tone for future water activities, so you want to be comfortable and stress-free. Use these tips to make sure you are prepared to fully engage in your first swim lessons.
Basic Supplies for Swimming Lessons
When it comes to your first swim lessons, it pays to be prepared. Clearly you will want a swimsuit, but what kind? Does the pool require a bathing cap? What are the locker rooms like--is there somewhere to plug in a hair dryer, and do they have a swimsuit spinner?
Having the right supplies can mean the difference between an enjoyable experience and a chafey, uncomfortable association with the water. Below I have some considerations to make sure you've got all the information you need to have the right stuff for your first swim lessons.
Swimsuits: Not Just a Fashion Statement
For a swimsuit, fit is critical, whether for a man, woman or child. No one wants to struggle to keep their bottom piece from falling off while also learning to master the breaststroke, so make sure that waist is snug, or, for the ladies, get a one piece. On the other hand, any type of women's swimsuit, whether one piece, tankini or bikini, can cause trouble by sliding off the shoulders, particularly if it has a low back; opt for a suit with a high back, or a fashionable halter top.
Especially for kids, fit can be tricky; buying a suit a couple sizes too big could be the right move if your kid is growing a lot and might outgrow their suit by the end of the summer. But on the other hand, even a one piece that is too big can cause problems by hanging down at the bottom and make the child feel uncomfortable. Find the right sized suit so they feel happy and free to move around as much as they need to.
Bathing Caps
Some pools require bathing caps for hair longer than a certain length, so make sure you have the right info before you go to your first lesson. You can find swim caps in various sizes and fits, including ones that are snug at the edges and loose above to accommodate a large bun if you or your child have very long hair.
Even if the pool doesn't require a cap, it might still be a good idea if you are trying to keep your hair healthy, as chlorine can be very harsh. Get a cap that can accommodate your locks and plan to use the showers if available, or else put on some leave in conditioner to mitigate any damage.
Goggles
Goggles may not be strictly necessary in order to enjoy swim lessons, but they sure do help. When you are not confident in the water, you may feel disoriented when you are below the surface, and getting water in your eyes is not fun. Many people have experienced red, itchy eyes after chlorine exposure.
A pair of goggles will protect your eyes from chlorine and also let you keep your eyes open underwater, giving you a boost of confidence and comfort so you can enjoy your swim more.
Drying Off
If you or your child has sensory issues you may find that it pays to choose a location that has good drying facilities. Some places have large hair driers, although you can also bring your own if you wish and there are gfci outlets available in the locker room. If there are showers that is ideal, since letting chlorine dry on your skin is uncomfortable.
Look for a metal box in the locker room; many pools now have a swimsuit spinner. After you change into your clothes you can put your suit in and push the button. The machine quickly spins the water out of the suit, leaving it only damp; that way it won't make water pool in your bag and when you get home it will only need to hang for a little while.
What Classes to Choose: The Right Swim Lessons for Swim Readiness Skills
Whether for adults or kids, choosing the right swim lessons is very important. It's good to choose a swim school with a proven track record of developing water safety skills. And if they have a range of classes for multiple levels of swimmers, you won't find yourself hunting for a different school when you advance beyond the teacher's ability to instruct you.
Kids' Swimming Lessons
When a kid learns to swim he is naturally safer than one who cannot. Weak swimmers are a safety concern any time water is nearby. If a child learns the basics of how to tread water and how to propel themselves toward the edge of the pool, many otherwise fatal situations become no big deal. When kids learn to swim they also learn confidence, with the knowledge that they are developing skills that make them stronger as a person.
Find an instructor for your kids' swimming lessons who will make learning fun, introducing new skills in an exciting and interesting way. While they are at it, they will also impress upon kids a respect for water, making them less likely to injure themselves by running along the side of a pool or engaging in rough play in the water.
Adult Swim Lessons
Some adults who are not strong swimmers are self conscious about wanting to learn to swim better, but don't let that stop you. As many as one in three American adults can't swim the length of a pool, so you are certainly not alone. Water safety classes will benefit you as far as helping you learn to hold your breath and tread water; and a qualified instructor can help you build stroke technique so that moving through the water is a pleasure, not a chore.
Book swim lessons that will help you learn additional water safety skills, and will also help prevent chronic disease.
Swim Lessons for a Fuller, Longer Life
If you're considering learning to swim, or having your kid learn, it is almost certainly an excellent choice for your health, quality of life and confidence. Find your local swim instructor and book some swim lessons today.