Swimming

I'm wondering if there is anything I can do w/ my almost 2 year olds to help them learn to swim...or get used to the water, etc. I don't mean literally swim of course. I have a friend that told that I would be surprised at what they can do by the end of the summer...so I'm just wondering if going in the water w/ them and floating w/ them or whatever is enough.

Thanks!

Lois

 

Yes, get a bubble for them to wear (they sell them at the YMCA, in 4, 3, 2, and 1)... take them in and show them that getting wet in the face and going under is not going to harm them... and let them "swim" a little independently (with a flotation device) next to you. They will get over their fear fast! And fear is half the battle with swimming.

 

QUOTE(imlodog @ Jun 10 2008, 09:07 PM) [snapback]820491[/snapback]
I'm wondering if there is anything I can do w/ my almost 2 year olds to help them learn to swim...or get used to the water, etc. I don't mean literally swim of course. I have a friend that told that I would be surprised at what they can do by the end of the summer...so I'm just wondering if going in the water w/ them and floating w/ them or whatever is enough.

Thanks!

Lois

Hi. Have you done the ISR program? That's what I am thinking to do. Figuring that after that I'll have an idea about what else to do. There's another place around here that has infant/toddler swim classes. I've got a pool fence but I'm honestly frightened by the dangers posed by the pool.

I'm sure the kids will love it though.

Sotto

 

I am working with my twins in the pool with a friend who's older child did ISR. Basically, for the first summer, they learn to:
-kick their legs
-hold on to the "edge" (use the term alot as this is where you would want them to get if they fell in)
-float
-"swim" to the edge (I drop a sinkable toy, they look at it with their head submerged while I propel them to the edge. The idea is that they reach for the edge and kick while their head is submerged, although, mine haven't gotten all of that at once yet. They are under water for about 3 seconds and I am standing about 3 feet from the edge of the pool).
-combo of float for 3 seconds, roll over, kick...repeat...repeat until they have gotten to the steps/edge

I have been amazed at how well they have done. They really are starting to catch on. PM me it you have any questions about what I've written.