Will my child be able to swim in 6 months?
We are certain that this will be one of the most common questions from parents when they decide to register for kids' swimming lessons. Every parent hopes that their child will be able to pick up basic swimming skills at the shortest time so that their child can be safe.
In this article, we hope to share our observations and findings as an established swimming school in Singapore which have helped at least over 3000 children learn how to swim and achieve various swimming awards and certifications.
Similar to our sharing on how long it takes for an adult to learn how to swim. It will be impossible for us to forecast or estimate the number of sessions for a child to learn how to swim.
Some children can learn how to swim breaststroke for 10 metres in 1 month (4 lessons). However, some children take over 9 months (36 lessons) to finally be able to achieve the same milestone.
Different from adults, there is a vast difference in the goals and motivation of different parents when they sign up their child for swimming lessons in Singapore. Also, more factors and traits affect how fast a child learns how to swim.
Top 5 reasons why parents register for kids' swimming lessons in Singapore
What are the common goals of parents when they enroll their child for swimming lessons? While there are various goals in enrolling children for lessons, we have outlined the 5 most common goals.
Goal 1: I want my child to overcome aquaphobia.
It is common for parents to observe that their child is showing signs of being uncomfortable and anxiety when they are around water, even during a shower.
Hence, parents enroll their child for swimming lessons to overcome this fear and anxiety.
Goal 2: I want my child to be competent in various swimming strokes
Having their child be competent in swimming strokes is one of the common goals for all parents when they sign up for swimming lessons.
This is different from our findings during our adult swimming lessons, where the majority of the learners are only keen on being able to swim one or two swimming strokes.
Goal 3: I want my child to have the necessary survival skills to be safe in the swimming pool
Regarding this goal, during our engagement with parents, we concluded that expectations of safety are broadly different.
Parent A's opinion on what is considered safe can be simply swimming a short distance without any assistance. On the other hand, parent B might consider safety as their child's ability to perform treading water in a deeper pool with a depth of over 1.8m. Or, parent C might consider their child to be ready and safe when their child achieves certain SwimSafer certifications.
Goal 4: I want my child to swim as a form of exercise or recreational activity
It is proven that early age swimming delivers many benefits for children that help with their mental and physical health.
This is a common motivation for parents to let their child continue their weekly swim routine for the long term (more than 2 years).
Goal 5: I want my child to attain the SwimSafer awards
Swimming is one of the key focal areas in the Ministry of Education's Physical Education syllabus. It is accessible to all primary school students (usually during primary 3).
However, many parents will realise that the 8 to 10 weeks of swimming lessons arranged by schools are insufficient for students to become competent swimmers or achieve SwimSafer awards.
Hence, many parents will opt to register for swimming lessons with swimming schools or coaches to obtain the higher-level SwimSafer awards.
Goal 6: I want my child to attain goals 1 to 4.
Parents might realise the long-term benefits of swimming lessons for their children as the lessons progress. Swimming lessons are not only an exercise that provides long-term benefits, but they are also an essential life-saving skill.
As the child progresses from SwimSafer stage 1 - 6, they will become a more competent swimmer.
What are the factors that affect or determine how fast a child learns how to swim?
Factor 1: Age affects a child's ability to learn different skills
For younger children, they are better able to build their water confidence and adapt better to the aquatic environment with less fear.
Older age children have more refined motor skills. This allows them to be able to better focus, comprehend and execute swimming drills that are vital in learning the swimming strokes.
Hence, in Isplash, we segment our toddler swimming lessons for children below 5 years old. On the other hand, we segment our older age swimming lessons for children above 5 years old.
Our coaches deliver our lesson plans based on the developmental milestones that are suitable for each group of students.
Factor 2: The Child has amazing water confidence
Water confidence refers to being comfortable in and around the pool. While some children display the ability to be extremely comfortable in the water even before they start the first lessons, some children take a longer time to be comfortable in the water.
For children who are not comfortable in the water, we understand that it is vital for your child to build his/her water confidence. In Isplash, our coaches are here to create a fun and positive experience for your child in our gradual introduction to water confidence activities.
Factor 3: Having extra practice beyond the lesson
Swimming lessons for kids in Singapore are commonly conducted weekly. Practicing beyond the 45 minutes is important for the development of skills and fitness for a child to improve at a faster pace.
In Isplash, we make our lessons simple so that parents can even practice certain drills at home!
However, when practicing in the swimming pool, safety is paramount and we need to emphasise that it is of the highest level of importance for parents to accompany or keep a close eye on their child. This includes when they are in a shallow pool. In conclusion, we are unable to provide the exact number of lessons required for a child to be a competent swimmer due to various factors and also every child learns differently and at a varied pace. Isplash Swim School is confident and will assist every child regardless of their pace of learning in fulfilling their goals to be a safe and competent swimmer.