Learning to swim is a huge achievement. Kids make it look easy, but anyone who learned to swim as an adult can tell you that’s far from the truth. The human brain is remarkable in its capacity to master a complex series of precise movements that need simultaneous attention. Frogglez Goggles give kids what they need to fearlessly explore the wonders of swimming, boating, snorkeling, fishing, and more.
You can't learn to swim without getting your face wet
Swim instructors introduce young children to the water with games that coax them to get their face wet in stages. The first step is blowing bubbles underwater with their nose above water. Next, kids learn to get both the mouth and nose underwater while their eyes are above. Last, instructors encourage kids to fully submerge their face while wearing goggles.
Like a lot of parents, Dr. Chris was excited to watch his then six-year-old daughter, Olivia, learn to swim. Looking around, he recognized the same anticipation on the other parents' faces. He was helping Olivia put on a brand new pair of goggles when he realized the design of the straps was frustrating. The rubber straps pulled on Olivia's hair and were impossible to adjust once on her head. Just when Dr. Chris got the straps in position, they slipped, pulling Olivia's hair and moving just enough to loosen the watertight seal.
Goggles are a game changer during swim lessons
Goggles are a game changer during swim lessons. If the straps fit well and adjust easily, little swimmers can put them on independently, and they stay put. The watertight seal opens up a world of underwater fun, allowing kids to see what they're doing. Being able to see reduces the rise in heart rate caused by holding their breath. Kids whose goggles hurt, fog, slip or leak must close their eyes, which can cause anxiety and resistance.
As Dr. Chris looked around the room, he realized he wasn't the only frustrated parent. He could see the same frustration as the other parents on deck struggled to fit goggles on their little swimmers. The kids, eager to splash and play in the pool, got cranky as the parents struggled to adjust the uncomfortable contraption. The process became a chore for kids and parents alike – where was the fun and joy of swimming they expected?
Frogglez is a story about a dad passionate to remove a barrier
Dr. Chris and his wife advocate for their kids and remove barriers when possible. Certainly, the thought of repeating the goggle debacle with the younger kids motivated Dr. Chris to fix the problem quickly. He spent the next few weeks tackling the problem, creating hundreds of handmade prototypes and testing the fit and comfort on his good-natured kids. After fielding constant requests from other parents for purchase information, he filed for a patent on the design. Frogglez Goggles officially launched in 2013, after winning 2nd place at the Grommet Product Launch competition. Three hundred orders rolled in the next day.
Helping kids conquer water
Children make it look easy, but swimming is a complex skill. Even learning to float requires neuromuscular coordination of arms and legs while maintaining a horizontal body position in a weightless environment with restricted breathing. There is a significant amount of concentration and coordination that goes into each of the four swimming strokes.
Dr. Chris loves telling the story behind his innovative swim goggle design. He’s donated hundreds of Frogglez to swim communities in need. Olympic Athletes Chris Cook and Elvis Burrows endorse Frogglez Goggles and use them in their swim programs. In 2021, Frogglez Goggles were designated a Certified Autism Resource.
