Swimming Teaching Equipment
Although we regard water as the main stimulant, it is important that you are equipped with other items to make your child’s swimming lesson stimulating and fun. Keep in mind we want to continue educating your baby via their senses- specifically sight, sound and touch.
You need a
• T-shirt
• Coloured cup
• Large, colourful, appropriate toys
• Rings
• Floating rubber mat
Why wear a T-Shirt?
Wearing a loose t-shirt in the water will give your baby something to grip and hold on to. This is very important for encouraging independence in the child. It is important to
maintain baby’s natural grasp reflex, and build their independence and self confidence. Independence may one day save your baby’s life.
Why a coloured plastic cup?
Cups are important as they allow us to continue the conditioning process in the swimming pool. It is important we use a plastic cup to avoid breakages. Cups can also be used as a sound stimulus to distract baby or get their attention by tapping the cup on the side of the pool.
Coloured Cups
– used for conditioning
– won’t break in pool
– great for stimulation of sight
– great for distraction – can be used to tap and make noise
Why Do I Need Coloured Toys?
Toys are used in the swimming lessons for stimulation, distraction and education. It is important to remember that toys should have a swimming related purpose.
Balls
Large colourful balls are perfect for stimulation and great for babies to chase when doing assisted and unassisted kicking. Balls of different textures hard, soft or rippled will
increase stimulation.
Rattle
Rattles are ideal to shake and distract baby if they ingest water or get upset in the pool
Watering cans
By pouring water we can excite and stimulate baby’s senses. This should be done at home in the bath tub and during the swimming lesson. The sensation that warm water provides is great for baby’s touch sense and helps to relax and calm baby. Being relaxed and calm in the water is important. Once baby is relaxed they feel confident, secure and become at home in the water.
Rings
Coloured rings or fish are great to maintain baby’s natural grasp reflex. By getting baby to hold on we can build baby’s physical strength and increase their muscle tone.
Floating Mats
Up until five or six months babies love to lie on their back in the water. However once babies can sit up they seem to want to discard this skill. A floating mat gives baby the opportunity to lie and relax on their backs. Once physically capable babies also love to crawl along the mat, this fosters adventure and independence as well as improving mobility.