If you wish to truly master the art of swimming, you shouldn’t skip diving. While it might seem easy when you take a look at professional athletes, it can pose a challenge until it’s properly learned. Practice makes perfect, so the only thing you need is expert guidance to safely adopt this skill. 

If you reside in San Diego, and are looking for infant swim lessons, you shouldn’t rely solely on your own resources. Read on to learn more about opportunities to learn how to dive in a pool. 

Can you dive in a pool?

First off, check if the pool is the proper depth. Keep in mind that it’s not possible to safely dive in pools that are too shallow or that have an irregular bottom contour. Otherwise, if you jump into the pool head first, you risk hitting the bottom of the pool and injuring your head.

Jumping into a pool head-first can be a bit counterintuitive, so kids usually tend to jump on their legs or abdomen. However, this can be dangerous as well, as they can hit their head on the edges, smack the  or lose their swimming goggles. 

Parents should pay special attention to pool safety and this is why public pools demand that all children younger than 10 be supervised by adults. Make sure that you enter the pool by following the official guidelines of your pool.

Practice correct techniques

When you learn how to dive in water correctly you’ll remain protected when entering water and remain protected from injuries. There’s a number of techniques that you can utilize:

• Streamline position. This is the key technique for proper swimming and diving. Once you’re in the water, put one arm on top of the other, fold your top thumb over your bottom one, and squeeze your ears with your upper arms. Take a breath, let yourself sink underneath the surface and push your legs against the wall. 
• Sitting on the edge. Keep your legs in the water and stretch your arms above your head to make an arrow shape. Lean very slightly to the water and slide in, pushing your feet against the wall. Straighten your legs as your upper body descends in the water.
• Kneeling position. With your arms in streamline position, kneel with one leg forward and lean into the water. Push a bit harder as you practice, to achieve increased velocity.
• Standing position. Standing with both knees slightly bent and arms in streamline position you’ll push through your feet and dive into the water. 

Avoid common mistakes

To keep you safe in the pool, avoid the following diving mistakes that could lead to accidents or that could hurt other swimmers: 

• Diving in a shallow pool. Always check the depth first.
• Jumping into a full pool suddenly and without previous warning
• Diving in a pool that has an irregular bottom or side contour.
• Changing your lane. As with swimming, be vigilant and make sure that you stay in the same lane to avoid collision.
• Holding your breath for too long. Although some athletes practice holding breath for extensive amounts of time, in order to increase lung capacity and stamina, most people can’t hold their breath underwater for more than 2 minutes. Don’t try turning this into a competition and leave it up to professional free divers.
• Ignoring the pool etiquette: many public pools prohibit all head-first diving, to prevent potential injuries, so make sure that you follow the official guidelines..

Is there a pool in San Diego, CA and the vicinity that offers infant swim lessons?

Diving and swimming are considered essential and healthy skills that are beneficial for people of all ages. If you’re a parent looking for a well-equipped and secure pool facility in San Diego and the vicinity where you can safely teach your toddler how to swim, an ideal place might be just around the corner.  

The Plunge is located just a couple of blocks away from Mariner’s Point, so you’ll find us easily. We are well known for rendering a number of convenient features and amenities. Apart from swimming courses for various ages, spa treatment and daycare options, our staff can also help you organize birthday events. 

Visit us today to start a new adventure.