If your little one takes to the water with bursts of joy, considering enrolling them in swim classes might be a good idea. However, it's crucial to recognize that these classes for babies and toddlers don't aim to teach them to swim independently. Instead, they allow both kids and parents to enjoy the water together safely.
While the primary focus is on fun and water safety, some studies have suggested potential benefits for toddlers participating in swim classes, particularly when accompanied by a parent. These studies even propose that such classes might lower the risk of drowning accidents for young children. This makes a compelling case for considering swim classes for your child sooner rather than later.
When can babies and toddlers learn to swim?
Picking up swimming at the age of 1 and older is recommended by experts today, however, it is not a must-have for babies and young toddlers. In no case, should they be forced into it unless they're displaying signs of pool readiness and are exposed to lots of water time.
If your little one seems ready for splashy time in something bigger than the bath, then a visit to your pediatrician is ideal to discuss your motives for teaching them swimming. They can give you a better idea of where your child stands in terms of physical and emotional development, and accordingly recommend a suitable program.
What do I need to ensure before putting my child in swimming classes?
Keep in mind that age isn't the only deciding factor to teach them swimming; every child naturally picks up their own pace. Observe keenly, if they are coordinating their arm and leg movements to paddle and kick at the same time, these are signs that they are ready for further development.
Make sure you check these points off when you begin their swimming journey:
- Look for swimming-readiness programs that will teach them swimming essentials like staying afloat and doggie paddles.
- Their instructors should be certified in CPR, first aid, and water safety, and ideally fewer students per class so the instructors can offer extensive attention to each child.
- Instructors should be highly experienced and if the instructor happens to be inexperienced then they should be under the supervision of highly experienced and trained instructors at all times.
- The pool size should be small enough for your baby and toddler, and the water temperature maintained at 30 to 34 degrees Celsius for babies.
- Ensure lots of skin-to-skin contact with your child as this relaxes them and gives them comfort when they're in a new environment. It also helps in creating a fulfilling bonding experience with your child.
- Always hold your baby; be within arm's distance at all times.
- Don't push your child to meet any condition, listen to the cues they give off and adapt accordingly. You don't want to make this a traumatizing experience, your child should learn to love and enjoy swimming at their own pace.
Now that we've listed out a few key pointers, we can dive straight in and explore the best swimming classes and schools for your little ones:
BabySplash Dubai
For over 14 years, BabySplash has successfully conducted swim classes in Dubai, originating in 2003 at the Lakes Club under the guidance of Helen Bone-Knell. Recognizing the absence of swim schools specifically catering to young children in Dubai, Helen, drawing on her UK teaching background, established a dedicated program for babies and toddlers. With a passionate team of fully qualified female swimming instructors trained through BabySplash, over 4000 young ones have enjoyed these unique, fun-filled lessons.
BabySplash classes provide a distinctive and enjoyable introduction to water for children, emphasizing a creative and safe approach. The child-centered sessions, guided by a philosophy of progression through positive encouragement, allow each child to develop confidence in the water at their own pace. These early experiences, focusing on basics like kicking, floating, and submersion, create a foundation for a smooth transition to formal swimming lessons from the age of 3.5
Contact:
- Phone: 050 354 9142 - (9 am-5 pm)
- Email: info@babysplashdubai.com
- Term Starts - The BabySplash ‘Spring’ term will begin on 17th February 2024 |Monday to Friday
Urban Swim Academy
Urban Swim Academy offers baby swim group sessions tailored for ages 3 months to 3 years. These parent-accompanied classes prioritize safety and foster water confidence through bonding, songs, exercises, play, and socializing. The sessions focus on teaching key skills like submersions and safety reflexes through repetitive exercises.
Parents or guardians actively participate in the water with their child, aiming to instill breath control, swimming underwater, and the ability to return to the pool edge and self-extricate. The Little Penguins program is designed to develop the necessary skills, strength, and stamina for children to become independent swimmers. Typically, children transition to the Learn to Swim program between ages 3 to 4, marking a progression in their aquatic journey with Urban Swim Academy.
Contact:
- Phone / WhatsApp: +971 58 554 8130
- Email: info@urbanswimacademy.com
Speedo SwimSquads
Speedo Swimsquads presents the Baby Ducks program, offering engaging water activities for children aged 6 months to 3 years. These Adult & Child lessons, guided by instructors, provide a safe and enjoyable environment for parent-accompanied sessions. The curriculum includes fun water activities designed to familiarize young children with aquatic experiences.
Contact:
- Phone: +971 4 354 9525
- Email: info@speedoswimsquads.com
- Timings: Monday - Friday between 9:00 AM and 05:00 PM
Hamilton Aquatics
Hamilton Aquatics introduces "Hammy’s Little Swimmer," an Adult & Baby swimming program meticulously crafted for infants. The program, open to babies from 3 months onward, focuses on creating a developmental journey filled with joy and smiles after each lesson. Parents, confident in the water, accompany their little ones during these sessions.
"Hammy’s Little Swimmer" is a dynamic and enjoyable activity designed for infants and toddlers, encompassing both unstructured and structured free play to enhance basic movement skills. The primary goal is to nurture water confidence and core aquatic skills in young participants.
Throughout the lessons, Hamilton Aquatics exposes both parents and children to various stages and types of play. This includes physical, social, creative, and imaginative play, providing a diverse and fun learning environment tailored to meet the developmental needs of each child.
Contact:
- Phone: (+971) 4 450 8832
- Email: enquiry@hamiltonaquatics.ae
- Timings: Monday – Friday: 08:00 AM - 06:00 PM |
Saturday: Closed | Sunday: 09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Swimming Wonders
Swimming Wonders specializes in teaching parents how to guide their babies through swimming lessons. Utilizing voice commands, the program instructs infants on responding to directions, preparing them for underwater activities such as breath-holding, holding on, turning around, kicking, and ensuring an enjoyable experience.
Drawing from extensive experience, and having taught over 500 babies weekly, Swimming Wonders has developed a comprehensive program. This structured approach enables little ones to skillfully progress with the support and affection of their parents.
Swimming Wonders offers an ideal platform for both socialization and learning for babies. With a maximum of 10 babies per class, each child receives individual attention while benefiting from the social group setting, allowing them to observe and interact with peers, fostering a fun and educational environment.
Contact:
- Phone: +971 585 95 1474
- Email: info@swimmingwonders.com, aqua@swimmingwonders.com
Swimming classes for babies and toddlers serve as more than just a recreational activity; they play a pivotal role in fostering early water confidence, safety awareness, infusing social skills, and essential motor skills development. These classes, often conducted in a playful and interactive environment, not only create a strong foundation for future swimming abilities but also strengthen the parent-child bond. Choosing to enroll babies and toddlers in swimming classes is a proactive step toward instilling a love for water, promoting safety, and nurturing a foundation for a lifetime of aquatic enjoyment and skill.
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