babies diving!
Loud laughter, low music and the coach's calm voice accompany the sound of splashing in the water and babies diving. The swimmers who make up the swimming team have not blown out a candle on their birthday cake. And yet, although their steps on… land are uncertain, they seem to move comfortably in the water. Special life jackets, the so-called "bricks", balls, "macaroni" - a long swimming aid - and boards, are at the side of the little swimmers, teaching them to float. Some seem comfortable and confident. They abandon their board at an unexpected time and try to swim without their main accessory. Sometimes they succeed. Sometimes, the coach's quick hand grabs them before they dive in. It's just a matter of time before they succeed. Margarita Kontzia explains to us:
How long does it take for a child to learn to float without any help?
It depends on the personality and adaptability of each child to the liquid element. Familiarization with water occurs in the first 4-5 lessons and then some skills are learned that develop the abilities of each child. There are babies who dive and infants who, around the age of 12 months, swim for 5 seconds between two adults, while some others can swim from the age of 16 months.
In Greece, there are very few swimming pools that include baby swimming lessons. Why?
Teaching infants and toddlers to swim is a sector that has not been developed at all in Greece, unlike abroad where these programs are very popular and widespread and have been operating for 3 to 4 decades.
Are any special studies required for the coach?
So far, there is no school in Greece with a special Specializing in teaching infants to swim. Coaches must necessarily be graduates of the Gymnastics Academy with a specialization in swimming. Their further training is done through seminars abroad and through personal research through the relevant international scientific bibliography.
Is it safe? baby swimming for the health of such young children? What should we pay attention to?
When the pool and water are properly cleaned and controlled, the risk to children's health is minimal. On the contrary, children who swim from a young age become hardened and therefore get sick less often. It has even been shown that they have fewer ear infections than children who do not swim.
What age is the best for a child to start swimming lessons?
The ideal age for an infant to start is 6 months. Infants at this age perform reflex swimming movements and reflex breath holding when underwater. If these are cultivated properly, voluntary swimming movements can be made by 11 months.the These instinctive movements, along with proper guidance, can allow a child to swim on their own from 16 months of age.
Are the moms in the pool?
Up to the age of 2.5 years, parents also participate in the lessons. It is a fact that baby swimming subconsciously strengthens the relationship between parent and child. In fact, contact with other infants leads to the development of the child's personality, sociability, and intelligence. And something even more important for tired parents. After swimming, children's sleep is usually more pleasant and calmer. Water regulates their muscle tone and creates a sense of relaxation, calmness, and well-being.
Are there babies who haven't learned to walk yet but know how to swim?
Infants who start following the program from the age of 6 months most often first swim and then learn to walk. Children who have attended swimming lessons from this age, due to the positive effect of exercise on their muscular, motor and general development, walk earlier than other children.
What is the best moment of the lesson?
A truly magical moment that I eagerly await during each program is when the children manage to float, to swim in the water without any substantial help from me.
I imagine you'll have some amazing memories.
In one of the classes, a 16-month-old girl came who was afraid of diving. Every time I prepared her to dive, she understood, hugged me very tightly and kissed me constantly so that we wouldn't dive! Another little boy, about 20 months old, when I photographed him underwater, would dive under the surface, come close to the camera and stick his face on the lens… to see what was inside. Recently I met a 4-year-old who had been taking baby swimming lessons when he was 2 years old. As soon as he saw me from afar, he recognized me and ran to hug me. I don't think there is a greater reward than that.
Interview with Margarita Kontzia in THELOJUNIOR magazine
 |
 |
English 
Greek