This might not be a traditional summer filled with swim lessons and long days at the public pool. Still, it’s important to keep your kids playing in the water so they’re comfortable when lessons resume. Not only will they burn off excess energy and sleep well, but they’ll keep their swimming muscles strong and be ready to put their faces in when the time comes.
Try on suit and goggles routinely
Even children with previous swimming experience should get into the water early and often. They all benefit from the additional confidence and water-safety skills gained during play.
It’s best to have them gear up in swim goggles and a suit at least once a week, even when it’s not strictly necessary. They’ll stay familiar with the feeling of a snug swimsuit used for swim lessons or swim team. When attending lessons or training, boys typically wear tight-fitting briefs or jammers with a secure string fastener. Girls wear a snug one-piece swimsuit with flat seams and shoulder straps that leave room for movement.
Splash in the bathtub
One of the best ways to help a reluctant swimmer get used to the water is during bathtime. Encourage them to lie on their back in the tub and “listen to the whales talk.” Getting them used to submerging their ears prepares them to swim while they maintain contact with the bottom of the tub. Many kids will complain if you dump water on them, but make a game out of them pouring water over their own heads and they’ll be better prepared to swim. Wearing comfortable swim goggles can minimize discomfort.
Sprinklers and showers
Kids enjoy running through backyard sprinklers because it’s a fun way to cool off that lets them control how the water hits them in the face. Sprinklers help develop breath-holding skills that they need for swimming. If your yard doesn’t have in-ground sprinklers, there’s lots of other ways to make your own sprinkler. For a change with the same kind of fun, let the kids take a shower instead of a bath.
Backyard pool
Swimming is a great way to keep kids strong and healthy. Give pint-sized swimmers a safe splash zone with a kiddie pool. Stock tank pools are trending, but inflatable pools are easy to fit in almost any sized yard. Either one will give your littles enough room to practice swimming and submerging. Create a DIY mushroom fountain with a hollow pool noodle for a bit more fun and challenge them to blow out breath while their face is in the stream of water. Bring plenty of sunscreen for hours of backyard fun and have them wear swim goggles with 100% UV protection like Frogglez Goggles.
Slip n Slide
Take your kids on an adventure in the backyard with a giant DIY Slip n Slide. The kids will squeal with excitement as they splash across the lawn. All you really need is a slippery surface, something to keep the kids on track, and a water source. The small sprinkles and big splashes encourage your child to hold their breath and put their face in the cascading water. Protect their eyes with impact-resistant swim goggles with soft, silicone eye gaskets. The silicone creates a secure, watertight seal that keeps leaks and debris out of sensitive eyes.
Keep your littles in the water all summer
Kids lose confidence and comfort in the water quickly after a break. You don’t want them to struggle to regain their confidence because they’re not used to the feel of water. Give them enough water playtime all summer long by turning on the sprinklers or filling a wading pool once a week. Always supervise children closely around any kind of water and drain any leftover water as soon as you’re done playing.
