Month: June 2021

As any parent who has watched their infant play around in a bathtub or kiddie pool will tell you, babies absolutely love water! So why not take the opportunity to give your child a crucial life skill and have lots of fun in the process by teaching your baby to swim in a safe and pleasant environment?

We have previously touched on the topic of teaching your child to swim and provided some tips on how to make your child’s first swim lessons as comfortable as possible. Now we’ll expand on this topic by telling you what to expect when you enroll your baby in infant swim lessons in San Diego. Read on to learn more. 

How soon can you take a newborn swimming?

Did you know that most newborns will instinctively hold their breath and move their arms and legs in a swimming motion when put in water? This natural ability usually disappears after about six months, but the fact it’s there at all is still remarkable. 

Of course, very young children can’t swim on their own because their bodies still aren’t developed enough to support their own head. However, once they’re about 10 months old, your baby can start getting comfortable around water and having a wonderful time swimming, splashing, and paddling in a pool.

What do I need for baby swimming lessons?

Before you paddle out into the water, make sure your baby has everything they need to enjoy themselves in the water and stay safe while doing so.

Some items to consider include:

• Goggles. Does your toddler enjoy splashing or diving? If so, goggles are a must!
• Life jacket. Having an inflatable vest or arm bands is a great way for your child to learn the basics of moving around in water in a safe and fun manner.
• UV-protective swimsuits are soft and stretchy, and protect your baby’s sensitive skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. 
• Hat. If you’re going to be at the beach or at an open swimming pool, make sure your child wears a hat to protect their head, face, and eyes. 

What should a baby wear when swimming?

Babies who haven’t been potty trained yet should wear special swim diapers while in the pool. While these diapers aren’t 100% effective at keeping poop and germs out of the water, they can still delay it by a few minutes, which is usually enough time for a parent to take the baby out of the pool and change the dirty diaper before it contaminates the water.

As a general rule, you should:

• Keep a close eye on your child and immediately take them out of the water if you suspect they may need a bathroom break. 
• Check your baby’s swim pants or diapers frequently (at least once every 60 minutes), and replace them as needed.
• Carefully wash your hands after changing the babies’ diapers to prevent germ transmission after coming back into the pool.

Where can I book fun and dependable infant swim lessons in San Diego?

Are you looking to enroll in a long-standing swimming school in one of San Diego’s most beautiful neighborhoods? Or perhaps you’re interested in a poolside daycare, fitness programs, or water aerobics classes? Here at The Plunge, we offer all those things and more!

Located just a short walk from the gorgeous Ventura Cove Park, we are a historic swimming pool that offers a comprehensive range of public pool services. Come visit us today, or give us a call if you’d like to learn more about who we are and what we offer!

In the world of physical exercise, swimming is king. In addition to combining an aerobic workout with strength building in your legs, arms, and core, the water makes you buoyant and removes all shock to your joints. Everyone can benefit from being a swimmer regardless of their age or fitness level.

So what’s the best way to become a proficient swimmer? Can you learn to swim on your own, or do you have to look for swim lessons near you in San Diego? How long does it take to learn to swim if you’ve never swam before?

In previous articles, we answered some common questions about how to teach your baby to swim and gave you some pointers on how to prepare your child for their first swim lesson. Now we’ll address some concerns new swimmers often have. Keep reading to learn more. 

Can you teach yourself to swim?

The possibility is there, but we don’t recommend it. In addition to making the learning process significantly more difficult and stressful, attempting to do it on your own can result in various unnecessary problems down the road.

Problems such as:

Developing bad habits

To become a strong swimmer, you need to know how to properly move and breathe in water. All too often, self-taught swimmers end up learning to “doggy paddle” or some other basic style that, while effective at keeping them afloat, is far from optimal.

An experienced teacher can show you the right techniques and prevent you from forming bad habits. This will go a long way toward helping you become a strong swimmer or a surfer, and make the whole process a lot less stressful.

It can take a long time

For many non-swimmers, getting over the discomfort of being in water can be one of the biggest hurdles when it comes to learning to swim. This can greatly (and unnecessarily) increase how much time it takes for them to become competent swimmers.

It can be dangerous

Learning to swim on your own can be risky. Without someone to guide them and help them out, non-swimmers are more likely to panic, which can result in drowning hazards for themselves and other people who come to their aid.

How many lessons does it take to learn to swim?

It depends on your age. Adults who learn at an average pace and aren’t afraid of water typically take about 20 hours over the course of a few months to master the basics, provided that they take regular swim lessons on at least a weekly basis. Of course, the more often you swim, the faster you’ll master it.

Kids typically take longer, depending on age:

• Babies who start learning to swim when they’re 10-18 months old take up to 2 years to learn to swim on their own.
• Children between 18 months and 3 years normally take about a year to learn to swim without help.
• Small kids 3 years old or older usually become independent swimmers within 6-12 months.

Where can I enlist in tried-and-true swim lessons near me in San Diego?

The safest and most efficient way to learn to swim is to enroll at an established swimming school in San Diego. That’s where The Plunge comes in! Our swimming lessons are available to students of all ages and led by highly experienced and friendly teachers.

Located right next to the Mission Beach Boardwalk, we’re a historic pool that offers a broad range of poolside services, including swim lessons, daycare, water aerobics classes, public pool services, private party rentals, and more. Get in touch with us today!