Bonding time in the pool (2)

Last week, I wrote about the experience of my six-year-old as she learns to swim under Coach Angelo Lozada. My one-year-old is also taking swim classes under the Baby & Me program.

Dear parents, do you have other concerns about babies or kids learning to swim? Read on.

What is the best age to start?

Coach Angelo: “The best age to start is between six and 12 months old when baby is able to hold up his head and the level of alertness has increased. However, it is never too late when utilizing a creative and interactive program. The group class structure works miracles and motivates children to participate with their peers, at any age.”

How safe is the swim program of the Bert Lozada Swim school?

“Safety is our most important concern. During the lessons, we will teach you how to watch your child’s face constantly so there is no accidental dunking. We will also show you how to lift them up for air and how many seconds a child can safely be underwater.

“We always remind parents to keep one hand on the child at all times. Children are very quick and can be running down the pool deck before parent or teacher can get out of the water to catch them.

“Parents should stay with the child, both in and out of the water. Remember, after taking lessons a child loves the memories of this fun time and wants to experience it again.Be prepared for your child to jump into the water, fully clothed, expecting you to help him as you do in the swimming lessons.”

Is chlorinated water safe for my baby?

“We are not in the water long enough for the chlorine to be a problem unless you or your child has chlorine sensitivity. For sensitive skin, apply Jojoba Oil and Vitamin E before and after swimming to provide protection. Best to ask your pedia derma to be sure.”

Should my baby be vaccinated before swimming?

“Just as you would do for any other physical activity, your child should be cleared by your doctor before enrolling in swim classes. By age of six months, most babies have received preliminary vaccinations. Make sure also that you and your child are free of contagious virus (cough, colds, etc.) and that neither of you has open cuts or sores.”

How much will my baby learn?

“Babies are highly intelligent and will learn not just about swimming but about every aspect of their association with water and the people involved in their learning experiences. They increase their listening, language and communication skills. They will know how it feels to float, glide, turn upside down. As they progress, they will learn to hold their breath on the cue words ‘(name), ready, go,’ maneuver a short distance through the water and get air. They will learn water safety skills...all with the security of a hug, encouragement and praise from the parent or caregiver afterwards.”

When will they really learn how to swim?

“This will all depend on the number of times you take your child to swim class. It would also help if you practice at home or even during baths. With continuous pool exposure, the child will learn to be comfortable, relaxed and happy in the water. The child learns the preparatory skills needed for learning to swim. We, parents, must remember that each child has special abilities. Some learn faster…others don’t. Our role as parents is to be patient and go along the child’s pace.”

How often should we take our baby to swimming?

“We recommend that children do one or two lessons per week. The more frequently you take your child to swim, the more natural the learning will be. For frightened children or those who have had bad water experiences will require longer time to overcome apprehension and slowly build trust and comfort.”

Why is the class (for babies) only 30 minutes?

A child’s attention span is very short. We would like to maximize the first 30 minutes. Beyond that, the kids tend to get bored or tired. We discourage having the kids stay in the pool before and after class. Leisure play can be done some other time.”

Will my child be drown-proof after taking swim lessons?

“No one is ever drown-proof. Adult supervision and barriers between your child and the pool are your best defense for reducing the risk against an aquatic accident. However, as your child reaches new levels in their swimming skills, they will eventually be able to perform maneuvers which can increase their chances of getting to safety .These achievements should never give parents or caregivers a false sense of security. Swim programs must make it their top priority to educate parents on all aspects of water safety (i.e.. supervision, barriers, pool safety fencing, CPR).”

How can we practice at home?

“When practicing in a pool or during bath time, follow the skills you both have learned in class. Babies learn through routine. Repeat the terms from the lessons and sing the songs so your child knows exactly what is expected from every cue word. This is especially important if the child is fearful, uncertain or very shy in class. Note that if practicing in the home pool, for those babies comfortable being underwater, limit submersion to a maximum of three times.”

My child cries in the pool during class. What could be the cause?

“Crying is the only way a child can express surprise, disappointment, hunger, or any number of other things. They may be cold or tired. It does not necessarily mean the child doesn’t like the swimming lessons. Choking and swallowing water don’t happen very often and if the directions of the teacher are followed. We will give you the instructions to know the timing of skills. If a child does cough, we do not raise the arm or slap the back or give very much attention to it (except to allow him/her to cough). Sneezing is also a natural process. It ejects water out of the nose.”

Celebrity couple Christopher and Gladys Reyes enroled their kids Christophe and Aquisha under the swim programme. They give it a thumbs up. I give it a thumbs up, too. Gladys is even considering taking adult swim classes, too. Go, go, go! The Bert Lozada swim school gives one-on-one special adult swim classes also. For details, call 563-5532 or 800-1357 or visit www.bertlozadaswimschool.com.

We are accepting bookings for my annual Charity & Celebrity Bazaar on Nov. 11 to 20 at Hall A, World Trade Center. For details, call 931-0852 and 861-0006 or e-mail [email protected].