As the summer holidays approach, many parents are looking for ways to keep their children healthy, entertained, and active. Swimming lessons are a great way to do just that, and preparing for them at home can be a fun and educational activity for all the family.

Every swimming instructor knows that preparation is essential to obtaining good swimming outcomes for learners. Depending on where the lessons will be held and where the learners live, preparation can be a matter of hours, days, or weeks.

Below are several things to take into consideration when preparing for summer holiday swimming lessons at home.

READ MORE: Reasons Children Are Scared of Swimming

Mentally prepare the children

Ensure that the children are mentally prepared for the summer holiday swimming lessons. Encourage them to think positively about the experience and remind them that it is a great way to stay fit and healthy.

It’s important to have a face-to-face conversation with the children to ensure that they understand what swimming lessons they will be taking, the importance of swimming lessons and what is expected of them during their lessons. Ensure that you explain the benefits of swimming and the importance of safety in the water. Although you are the teacher, allow the children to have some say. Allow them to ask questions and ensure they are comfortable with the plan. It’s also a good idea to give them a timeline of when the lessons will take place and when they should expect to reach certain goals. This will help them stay motivated and also help them to stay focused during their lessons.

Reassure the learners that you are there to support them and that you believe they can do it. Explain that swimming is a skill that they will be able to use for the rest of their life.

Also, remind them that, in the process, they will have fun and make new friends. Help them to feel excited about their lessons and to look forward to the progress they will make. If they want to take pictures and videos and post them on social media, ensure it is done safely.

Prepare your lesson plans

Plan out the activities and lessons in advance. Of course, do this with the parents and children. Taking the time to plan out your lessons will help ensure your students are getting the most out of the swimming lessons and will help you make the most of your time.

Lessons are not a matter of one-size-fits-all. Depending on the age of your students, tailor the swimming lessons to their level of experience and skill.

Additionally, you should consider what topics and activities you would like to cover in the lessons, such as water safety, basic swimming skills, and learning different strokes. By preparing a detailed lesson plan, you will be better equipped to make the most of the summer holiday swimming lessons.

READ MORE: 6 Amazing But Less-known Benefits of Swimming Crash Courses

Get the pool ready

To ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience, it is important to get the pool ready before the swimming lessons begin.

This includes checking the water quality and chemical levels, cleaning the pool, and making sure the pool is well-maintained and safe for swimming. It is also important to make sure the pool is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, such as life jackets, rescue floats, and a first aid kit.

Get the right swimwear

Once you have the pool ready and the right equipment, the next step is to get the right swimwear. Your students need to choose something comfortable to wear that will not interfere with the swimming techniques you are teaching them.

Advise your students on which type of swimwear to purchase. Ideally, they should look for swimwear that is designed for swimming, as this will provide them with more flexibility and range of motion in the water.

Advise them on other aspects of swimwear. Such as ensuring the swimwear they choose is made from a breathable material that will allow their skin to breathe, considering the material’s resistance to chlorine and other pool chemicals –  (as this could affect how their swimsuit ages over time) – and ensuring the fit is comfortable and allows for easy movement in the water.

READ MORE: 10 Benefits of Summer Swimming Lessons at Your Home

Get the right equipment

Having the right equipment is essential when it comes to summer holiday swimming lessons.

In this regard, the size and depth of the pool matter. For small children, a shallow, inflatable pool is ideal, as it can easily be set up and taken down. For older children, a larger pool or a swimming pool is preferable.

Additionally, you should have the necessary safety equipment ready such as life jackets, arm bands, and a step ladder. Investing in quality swimming equipment such as kickboards, fins, and floats can also help to improve the swimming technique and increase the fun of the lessons.

Here’s the kicker. These little things will make you look like a real pro and will make the learners have confidence in you.

Familiarise yourself with local laws and regulations

Always make sure that you’re on the right side of the law and that you’re following all the regulations to the letter. Depending on where you live, you may be required to obtain a permit to conduct swimming lessons at home.

Don’t live anything to chance. Dot all your Is and cross all your Ts. You may need to register with your local authority or water authority to ensure the home pool complies with all safety regulations and standards.

Be aware that some local authorities may also have additional restrictions on the number of people allowed to swim at any one time, as well as other rules about the use of home pools. Make sure you are aware of these regulations and follow them to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Your guiding principle should be; better you and your students are safe – even if it means incurring an extra cost – than being sorry.

Factor in rest

Rest is a weapon. Rest is an important factor in preparing for summer holiday swimming lessons. Planning the practice sessions so the children have enough time to rest between each will help maximize their progress.

Teach the children to listen to their bodies and not overexert themselves. This will help to avoid any long-term injuries that may prevent them from participating in the lessons.

Ensure that the learners are getting enough sleep. Swimming is an exhausting activity, and children need to be well-rested to get the most out of their lessons.

Make sure they are creating a regular sleep schedule during the summer holidays. This will help them to perform better in the pool and be better prepared for their classes.

They say all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. But all play and no rest – which heals the mind and muscles – will make Jack prone to injuries.

READ MORE: Benefits of Swimming Crash Courses with 1:1 Lessons for Kids

Factor in follow-up lessons after the summer

What do your learners do after the summer swimming lessons? Practice makes perfect, right?

That’s why it’s important to factor in follow-up lessons after the summer break to ensure that your students don’t get rusty. Follow-up lessons can help develop their technique and practice their skills.

They can also help reinforce the skills they learnt in the summer holidays and build confidence in the water. Having regular follow-up lessons will keep your students motivated and on track to achieve their swimming goals.

What’s Next?

Connect with us on Instagram or book your swimming lessons with us here. We look forward to swimming with you. Learn about our personal information and security here.