The Reluctant Swimmer: 5 Tips for Success!
We are passionate about swimming and water safety at Steve Wallen Swim School with two outstanding locations in El Dorado Hills and Roseville. This passion inspired us to create our state-of-the-art swim school with top-notch instructors almost 50 years ago. But unfortunately, many children are reluctant to participate in swimming lessons. At Steve Wallen Swim School, we are well-practiced at guiding little ones through their fears and concerns and finding their joy in the water.
Children can be anxious and even fearful of the water for many reasons. Of course, you know your child best, so consider their previous aquatic experiences and water exposure to determine the source of their anxiety. One of the most common reasons for aquatic concern is your response to the water. Your child looks to you for how to respond to the world; if you avoid swimming and make negative comments about swimming and the water, your child will definitely take these impressions on board.
Perhaps you, your child, or someone in your family has had a negative experience in the water. For example, a near drowning or close call may result in fear of the water. Avoidance of all things aquatic will only serve to solidify this negative response. Another reason your child is reluctant to join swimming lessons is a lack of water exposure. The unknown can be intimidating, which is why we encourage children to begin swimming lessons in infancy. No matter the reason for your child’s hesitancy, their fears can be overcome with patience, love, and guidance.
Check out these five top tips to help your child overcome their water worries:
1. Discuss Their Fears
As with all things in life, it’s essential not to assume anything; have an open conversation with your child. Focus on the positive aspects of swimming lessons—fun, games, playing with other kids, and more! In your discussions, try to hone in on one or two fears and address them head-on. For example, they may tell you that they are afraid of drowning. Assure them that their swimming instructor will be right with them, no farther than arm’s reach away, and that they will keep them safe.
Other children may be afraid of failure. Let them know that learning to swim and perfecting and maintaining stroke skills is a lifelong endeavor. Further, encourage them to know that everyone learns at their own pace. It’s not about becoming a perfect swimmer; it’s about being safe in the water and having fun!
2. Be a Positive Role Model
This is definitely one of those times when you must walk your talk! Show your children how fun the water can be. Tell them about when and how you learned to swim (focus on the positive!) and take the family out for water play often. If you are reluctant to get wet, submerge, explore, or swim, your child will notice and take your behaviors as a signal to avoid the water.
3. Draw on the Comfort of Home
Home is the safest and most relaxed place your child knows. This makes it the perfect place to introduce swimming lessons. Read a few preschool, toddler, and children’s books that vividly portray swimming. Many of these books depict a positive experience. Set a date to visit your library with your child and ask your local librarian for suggestions!
4. Turn Your Bathtub into a Pool
Your home tub is perfect for introducing and encouraging water play and discovery. Brightly colored floating and sinking toys will encourage water play. Books specially made for the bathtub encourage positive messaging and role modeling. In the tub, you can gently encourage getting wet, water in the face, blowing bubbles, floating, submersions, and more.
5. Come Visit Us at Steve Wallen Swim School
We love having visitors, so come see us at either of our locations in El Dorado Hills or Roseville! By coming to the place where they will take their swimming lessons before the lessons begin, you can reduce anxiety by reducing the unknown. Tour the facility, meet our exceptional and friendly staff, and observe classes in action. This removes the mystery that might be causing your child’s nervousness. This visit will show them they have nothing to fear and everything to gain by learning to swim!
