What is baby swimming?
Swimming for infants and toddlers is a program of learning and developing skills in water, in the form of play. The program is aimed at infants and children aged 40 days to 3 years and their parents.
Is infant swimming appropriate for all babies?
Yes. Swimming is the first form of exercise recommended by all pediatricians in the world, not only to healthy children but also to children with medical problems, such as motor difficulties, asthma, etc. One of the most important advantages of baby swimming is the strengthening of the entire immune system. The only case in which the doctor may not recommend swimming is in infants who have skin diseases, such as an allergy to chlorine.
Is baby swimming suitable for all seasons?
Yes. All weather conditions are suitable for baby swimming, as the lessons take place in indoor pools. Both the pool (heated to 32 degrees Celsius) and the surrounding environment (cicadas chirp in our premises!) are at the ideal temperatures for children of this age. Imagine that in Russia - and not only - children participate in baby swimming programs with outside temperatures of up to -30 degrees Celsius! So, dare to do it too! And remember! We don't get sick from the cold, but from viruses.
Should the baby have walked first and then learned to swim?
No. Children who start baby swimming lessons at 40 days of age usually first learn to swim and then walk. Also, children who attend baby swimming lessons generally walk sooner than children who do not know how to swim, mainly due to their muscular and motor strengthening.
Is it safe to start at a young age?
Yes. The lesson is conducted under the supervision of experienced instructors, in indoor pools with warm water and low water level. The child is also accompanied by the parent, while the teacher who guides is always in the water. This program has been implemented for years abroad with great participation and success and there is no reason for concern. In addition, the lesson also includes some lifesaving exercises for both children and parents.
What is the appropriate age for a child to start baby swimming?
The earlier the baby starts (from 40 days), the better for his familiarization with the water. This is true not only because babies retain their reflex swimming movements outside the womb for a short period of time, but also because guidance from the instructor is easier for a 6-month-old child than for a two-year-old child. Generally, the most appropriate age is before 4-5 months when the baby still "remembers" the swimming movements he made in the womb. But later, of course, the child can benefit from the advantages of baby swimming, up to the age of 4 years.
How is the lesson?
The "Infant and Toddler Swimming" program creates an ideal educational environment with lots of fun and no pressure. The child is the guru, the parent the medium and the teacher the guide. All three compose a single harmonious unit that educates the toddler, protects his health and strengthens the parent-child relationship.
How many years have infant swimming lessons been held abroad?
Baby swimming programs began in the 1960s in the United States and expanded to Australia where they were further developed. In Europe, they are particularly popular in Germany and Finland.
How many years have infant swimming lessons been held in Greece?
In Greece, the first and most specialized club was founded in 2000 under the name “Hydria” in Athens. Nikolas Hadjigiakoumis (founder of the Ichthys swimming team) was the main coach of the Hydria club. Later, he was responsible for the entire program in 3 swimming pools in Athens, since the beginning of the club’s foundation, that is, for 15 years.
What do children learn with baby swimming and in how long?
Initially, it should be taken into account that each child is unique. Under no circumstances could we present a guaranteed and specific formula for performance. Each child has a different receptivity, will and inclination. Therefore, it is difficult to draw a single and overall conclusion about what exactly children learn with infant swimming in each period. However, we present below a table with the indicative results of each age, which is an approximate presentation of the skills they acquire:
Those who have the appropriate conditions and training can learn to hold their breath in the water after the specific signal. As many infants continue the practice, by the first year of their age they will be able to swim for 5 seconds between two adults, swim and be grabbed from the edge of the pool. At the same time, they will be able to make a short dive into the water from a sitting position at the edge of the pool. They will also begin to participate in songs and games and express their joy with smiles.
For families who are unable to attend all the lessons to fully benefit from baby swimming, it is recommended that they help their children become as familiar with the water as possible from an early age. This lays the foundation for good performance in future lessons. The child is guided in learning basic swimming skills, at a pace dictated by age abilities and receptivity. For example, a 6-12 month old infant can learn to hold his breath with his head in the water, as well as to float on his back. Also, the children's companions gain valuable information regarding safety and water education.
Those who have acquired the above skills with the necessary training and the right conditions can now begin to learn to dive from the edge of the pool and return to the edge of the pool. Toddlers who continue practicing until the age of 25 months significantly enhance their endurance, as well as their technique.
They will now be able to learn to surface for breath. Of course, learning this skill at such a young age can be considered excessive. We usually expect our young swimmers to start this effort on their own when they have developed enough of the ability to push themselves through the water to rise to the surface.
They will now begin to swim on their back. As they approach their fourth birthday, more and more children will swim on their back. More experienced toddlers will have the ability to alternate between back and front positions.
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