Infant swimming: a first look

Through the years, I have noticed an increased interest in infant swimming/survival lessons.  Maybe it's because I've only recently become a parent it's been brought more to my attention.

Secondary drowning: the frenzy and the rarity

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional.  Always consult your doctor or pediatrician if you have medical concerns.

Earlier this summer a very heartfelt and terrifying story went viral about a boy who almost died of secondary drowning , also called dry drowning or delayed drowning.  Most people were frightened not only of the situation, but also that they had no idea it could happen.  "If it could happen to that little boy, it could happen to mine, right?", said the voice in our heads.

The kids you meet at the pool

Bear with me as I attempt some humor....

Inspired by Scary Mommy's The Moms You Meet At The Pool I've racked my brain and looked around to name some of the Kids You Meet At The Pool.  Don't worry if these may apply to your kids.   Growing up around the pool I have specific examples of these kids in mind.  They all turned into very sweet and responsible teenagers and adults.

Categories are not mutually exclusive.  They can also change on a dime, as children often do.

Choosing goggles

Goggles are an invention on the level of Electricity and The Wheel.

Private lessons v. group lessons

As you decide to sign up for swimming lessons, you may have to decide whether to sign up your child in group lessons (3-6 children) or private lessons.  Both are great options.  I'll go over the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

A look back - 18 months old

Unfortunately I don't have any great footage of my little Julia in the pool in 2013.  I must have been too busy chasing her around (and monitoring her safety, of course).  The best one I can find is her playing in the baby pool on our back porch. She's about 19 months old. 

Sunscreen recommendations by moms

This is a post by moms for moms.  I asked my Facebook friends for their recommendations for sunscreen, preferably for at the pool and on the children. Here's what was recommended:

I got a couple references to Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) which has a HUGE list of sunscreens that have been tested for effectiveness and irritating chemicals.  I like that they include a lot of smaller brands.

In no particular order, here are some specific brands called out by some local moms.

Swim diapers for new parents

If your little ones have already moved on from diapers, then this is old news (and congratulations!!). If you don't yet have children, or they're so young that you haven't yet ventured to the pool, then read on....

Swimmer's ear prevention

*DISCLAIMER:I am not a medical professional.  I am writing about personal experiences and from years in the water.  If you suspect that you or your child has swimmers ear, please seek professional care.  

If you've ever had swimmers ear, you know how painful it can be.  You also know that it's something you don't want your child to get this summer.  If you are lucky enough to have escaped getting swimmers ear, read on.

Age ranges of swimming skills

Just as children grow and learn to walk, speak, and read, there is a wide age range of ability to swimming. There is also somewhat of an order to learning to swim.  Learning to swim can be affected by a child's temperament, gross motor skills, and opportunities to be in the water.

I've been compiling a list of skills that are appropriate for certain age ranges.  These skills build upon each other.  Take a look and see what your child can do and what his next steps may be. Remember, this is just a rough range.  I've seen kids move faster and slower through these skills.

My opinion - floatations devices

I read this article from Parenting magazine, and thought that their opinion mirrored my own pretty well.

Parenting article

My least favorite flotation device are the blow-up water wings.  I've seen them pop or slip off, and that can be a safety hazard.  Among other flotation tools are life vests and the extremely popular puddle jumper.

A look back - 6 months old

Even though I've been teaching lessons for years, I had a brand new experience teaching my own child to swim.  She is now two and a half, but here's a little glimpse of my little Julia when she was 6 months old.

We were living in a cool apartment complex in Austin, Texas at the time and the water was already unbelievably warm in May.  My focus for her that first summer was comfort in the water.  We had a lot of access to splash pads in the area, so she got to explore nice and slowly.

Aww, I miss those chubby cheeks. 

Moms of the under-1 crowd.  Expose your kids to the water.  Get in there with them.  Let them get splashed.  The more they are in the water, the less scary it will seem to them as they grow. 

Site under construction

I decided to make this blog as a way to communicate to the non-Facebookers out there.  Most information will be shared on both sites, but I'll add more fun anecdotes here.  In the next couple days I will have much more information here, so bear with me.

Also, my husband promised he'd help me make a way cooler site.  That's what he does.  He even said he can make a scheduler, so you sign up for lessons in seconds!  Until then, I'm just using a standard Blogger template.

For WAY more information, check out my Facebook page.  https://www.facebook.com/SwimElaine

Schedule

Check out my calendar of availability this summer.  I have an appointment where it says "Lesson-filled" and I am available where it just says "Lesson".  For my Mom&Tot class, I will try to keep up with how many slots are available.  Remember, Mom&Tot class is limited to 4 parent-child pairs for the most personal attention.

             Calendar

To schedule a lesson, you can email me (misselaineswimnc@gmail.com) or contact me through Miss Elaine's Swim Lessons Facebook page .  I will need your child's name, age, and a phone number to reach you in case of a last-minute weather emergency.

*Feel free to inquire about other times and dates.