Introductions to parents/carers

 

Water temperature is maintained at 30.5- 31 degrees.  Babies are required to wear secure fitting swim nappies.  For warmth, comfort and hygiene a wet suit or happy nappy is recommended.

 

Parents/carers should:

• Relax

• Use calm communication

• Be Confident

• Use facial expressions

• Respect baby’s needs

• Read signs

• Don’t force or hurry

• Use lots of toys and floats

• Have fun

• Give praise

 

Advice: Do not exit the pool if baby cries.  Calm them down and use distractions.

 

Development milestones 4-8 months old.

• 4-8 months is the perfect age to introduce babies to water.

• Babies have no real awareness of danger, which makes teaching a delightful experience as they unwittingly participate in anything presented to them.

• Between 4-8 months babies will have/nearly have:

  • Head control

  • Be able to sit

  • Be able to crawl

  • Pick up objects

  • Passing objects from hand to hand

  • Kicking, reaching, pulling

  • Smiling/laughing

  • Intimidate sounds

  • Recognise voices

• Introduction to water early prevents fear of water, and to understand and respect the dangers.

• They gain orientation in water.

• Bonding experience

• Lifelong memories

 

 

GOALS

• Develop a love of water

• Understand commands i.e. kick, kick, kick

• Stimulating senses

• Building independence

• Floating

• Holding breath

• Submerging