Summer is just around the corner and we want everyone to have fun AND be safe – our friends at Goldfish Swim School are here to make it easy.
May is National Water Safety Month and to celebrate, Goldfish Swim School is giving away Jumpstart Clinic Sessions to LittleGuide Detroit readers. JumpStart clinics help your kids get 1 month of progress in just 1 week! Jump Start Clinics include four or five consecutive days* of 30-minute swim lessons. These lessons focus on everything from teaching the fundamentals of water safety to fine-tuning stroke technique. Enter to win here and check out the safety tips below.
Practice Makes Progress!
While refreshing water safety knowledge and swim skills in the wake of summer is a finomenal way to give your kiddo an extra boost of confidence, real progress is built through consistent practice all year long! Much like any skill, becoming a master can take time, and studies show children learn best (and build up their instinctive muscle memory!) through repetition! Start early, learn often, and don’t forget to practice!
Ditch The Floaties!
Does your little fish rely on floaties, water wings or puddle jumpers? Believe it or not, there is a better alternative that will keep your child safer – even if they already know how to swim. These common devices tend to give children a false sense of security and confidence while in and around the water, can easily become loose or deflate, and aid children in developing an incorrect (and dangerous!) swimming position. Instead, seek out Coast Guard-Approved life jackets! These regulated and consistent floatation devices, when fitted correctly, allow for proper breathing and swimming for kiddos of all ages. Not sure what size life jacket your little one needs? Stop by your local Goldfish for assistance!
Play It Cool and Follow The Rules!
Sometimes when our little ones are in play-mode, rules fall by the wayside. Review rules together as a family before letting your kids loose to enjoy the water. Pay special attention to pool hours, and always schedule your swims when lifeguards are present, if possible.
- Golden Tip: Make sure your kids know what to do in a water emergency. Their first instinct may be to go toward the person having trouble in the water. Instead, they should throw or reach a life preserver of sorts – and don’t go! That way, they aren’t putting themselves in jeopardy as well and are truly able to help.
Picking Your Essentials!
The best part of vacation season is picking out your new swimsuit! Most of our kiddos choose their suits based on their favorite colors, favorite characters, or a combination of the two. Be sure to play an active role in the suit selection process and find the brightest swimsuits possible for your little fish. The brighter, the better! Lean towards vibrant shades of pink, purple, orange, yellow and green for the clearest view of your child no matter how wavy the water.
Designate a Safer Swimmer Guard!
Make sure to keep your eyes on your kids at all times – even if lifeguards are present. Kids are as curious as they come and are always willing to push the limits without knowing the true hazards. Designate an adult “Safer Swimmer Guard” and be sure to change guardians every 30 minutes so he/she is alert and refreshed. A Safer Swimmer Guard’s sole responsibility needs to be keeping an eye on the swimmers. Vigilance is key – no chatting, no checking your phone, no distractions.
Goldifish Swim School Jump Start Locations:
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