Teach your toddler to swim

For a variety of reasons, every parent wants their toddler to learn to swim, the main one being that they want their toddler to be able to get out of trouble if they find themselves in the water. This is why swimming lessons for toddlers are so important to the parent.

When giving swimming lessons, to help the toddler to understand the techniques, it needs a softly, softly approach,  together with play, to give the toddler the understanding that the water will carry them.  It is not always possible to explain a technique to toddlers, so the art of play is important so they get the message and realise what you are trying to get them to achieve.

Teaching toddlers to swim is a challenging task unless the toddler is a 'natural in the water'.   Unfortunately for the parents toddlers are not always at ease in the water from the first time.

This can be done in various ways during the lessons, playing with them in the water or using objects that they find fun so the water will not seem too daunting.

Usually the attention span is small. Half an hour is the maximum and the whole time should be in an upbeat manner, never shouting or making the toddler feel that he/she is a failure.

Swimming with your toddler is many parent’ favourite pastime. There is no set age to start swimming lessons with your toddler, but most lessons in swimming pools start at around 12 weeks. As your toddler develops and becomes more independent, simple buoyancy aids will help further develop their skills.