Swimming lessons are here to stay! Summer is the season of the year to kick off our shoes and relax our feet … well, even dip our feet in the pool while our children are happily splashing about in the kiddy pool. Summer is the time to get our swimming gear out of the back of the closet where they have been gathering mold, air them, and then rock them.

And summer is the time to call your swimming instructor to come and offer lessons or refresher courses. Well, we all get rusty sometimes.

That said, though, some several dos and don’ts should be taken into consideration while offering swimming lessons at home.

Do your due diligence

Preparing for summer holiday swimming lessons at home is essential for a successful and safe experience. Before getting into the water, make sure that the pool is in good condition and that all safety measures are in place.

Check the chlorine and pH levels of the pool and clean or adjust it if necessary. Test the water temperature to ensure it is comfortable and safe for swimmers. If you must err, let it be on the side of caution.

Make sure the area around the pool is clear of debris and other obstacles, and inspect the pool for any visible damage. By taking the time to do your due diligence, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.

READ MORE: Swimming Lessons and Water Safety

Do a safety check

It’s important to ensure that you are providing a safe environment for your child when teaching them to swim at home. Make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment such as life jackets, buoyancy aids, and floatation toys.

Also, make sure the area you are swimming in is free from any dangerous objects or debris that could potentially cause harm to your child. Ensure there are no steep drops in the water and that the depth is suitable for your child’s swimming level. Finally, when offering the lessons, make sure you are always within arm’s reach of the child, so you can provide immediate assistance if needed.

Do a timetable

Liaise with parents concerning the timetable because summer is always full of different activities. Are there other activities the children are involved in which can go hand-in-hand with the swimming lessons? Slot this in. But do this in cooperation with the parents and children.

It is important to ensure that the lesson time suits both the child and the instructor and that there is enough time to cover all the necessary topics. It is also important to make sure that the time is realistic and that the child can stick to the schedule.

Do a pool availability check

The availability of the pool is also an important thing to consider when it comes to summer holiday swimming lessons. If the learner has a pool in their home, it is important to ensure it is in good condition and has all the necessary safety equipment.

However, if they do not have a pool, find a local pool nearby where you can offer holiday swimming lessons.

Do your best at all times

As an instructor, your good attitude is your selling point. You should approach each lesson with a positive attitude and a commitment to putting in the effort necessary to input the skills to the learner.

By doing your best at all times, even when the learners do not have the right attitude or are giving you a hard time, you will leave a lasting impression. This will work in your favour, as your clients will refer you to others.

READ MORE: Swim Teachers for School Swimming

Do consider the learner’s skill level

When deciding on the level of swimming lessons at home to undertake, it is important to consider the skill level of each learner. If you are instructing multiple learners at one time, and they all have different skill levels, tailor each lesson according to each individual’s skill level.

Beginners should start with basic swimming techniques such as floating, kicking and arm strokes, while more advanced swimmers can focus on improving their technique and building endurance.

Do listen to the learner

Listening to the learner is an important part of making sure that the swimming lessons at home are a success. Ask them how they feel about the swimming lessons and make sure that you take their views into account when you are planning the activities. Give them a chance to express their thoughts and opinions, and make sure they feel comfortable with the lessons.

Encourage the learners to ask questions and be patient with their answers. Remember that children learn best when they feel supported and that they have an understanding of the material they are learning. It is also important to give them the space to talk about their experiences, both positive and negative.

Do a rewards system

When setting up swimming lessons at home as part of a summer holiday activity, incentivise your learners to keep up with the lessons. A rewards system can be a great way to keep your children motivated and on track.

A rewards system could involve setting goals such as learning a new swimming stroke, and then offering a reward such as a special treat or activity when they reach that goal. This could also include rewards for completing a certain number of swimming lessons over the summer.

Encouragement and positive reinforcement are key when it comes to keeping your children engaged and enthusiastic about the swimming lessons.

Do have fun

Having fun is an important part of summer holiday swimming lessons, as it can help to keep children engaged and motivated.

Swimming lessons should be a time to enjoy the water and have fun, but it’s important to remember to stay safe as well. Make sure that all safety rules are followed and a first-aid kit is on hand.

READ MORE: Summer, Swimming And Being Safe in Water

Do a diet plan

Are there learners who are learning swimming as part of a weight-loss plan? If that’s the case, ensure that the learners are not over-exerting themselves. It is important to make sure that the learner is taking regular breaks and is hydrating properly.

Swimming can be a great way to lose weight, but it should not be done at the expense of the learner’s health.

If a learner is having difficulty, it might be helpful to consult a professional who can offer advice on the best way to achieve their goals.

Don’t hide the risks

Don’t gloss over issues like risks, thinking that they will make the parents and learners less enthusiastic, and may cause you to lose clients. Be honest with the parents, but also reassure them that their children are in safe hands.

Parents should also ensure that their children are aware of the risks associated with swimming, such as exhaustion, dehydration and sunburn. With the right guidance and support, children can learn to have fun and stay safe at the same time.

Don’t force the child

It is important to make sure the child is enthusiastic about taking lessons. If the child is resistant to attending the lessons, this could mean they are not taking the necessary safety precautions, which could lead to an accident in the pool.

To ensure the child is keen and alert to the safety guidelines, it is important to have a positive attitude and talk to them about the importance of the lessons. Be sure to explain the dangers of swimming without instruction and the importance of gaining the necessary skills.

Don’t rush the process

Always take the time to properly prepare for swimming lessons at home. Don’t rush the process. Take the time to learn about the safety measures you should be taking as well as the best methods for teaching children to swim.

If you have overly competitive learners, teach them the value of patience and taking things one step at a time. Be honest with the learners about the number of lessons it  takes to acquire a certain skill.

Don’t be a lone ranger

As much as you are the one with the knowledge, getting other instructors’ opinions – and even the parents’ – can enhance the experience. Try as much as you can to make the lessons collaborative.

Talk to parents and experienced swimming teachers to get advice and tips that can help you make the most of your swimming lessons. Doing so will ensure that your learners can enjoy a safe, fun, and educational summer holiday swimming experience.

Don’t overlook swimming gear

Ensure that the learners wear the correct swimming gear, such as a swimming costume or trunks, goggles, and a swimming cap.

It’s summer, and learners need to protect their skin. Advise them to apply sunscreen too before each lesson starts.

READ MORE: How To Prepare For Summer Holiday Swimming Lessons At Home

Don’t overdo the lessons

It is summer. There are too many fun things to do, and too little time. That’s why it’s important to ensure that the lessons do not take up too much of the child’s free time so they can enjoy other activities.

The last thing you need when offering lessons is a child who’s bored to death.

What to do next?

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