How to Teach a Child to Swim

David Penland: Hi! I'm David with the Northern Virginia Swim League and this morning we're going to help you teach your child how to swim. In this video clip we're going to teach you how to get in and out of the pool safely and how to get your child acclimated with the water and to teach your child how to breathe and blow bubbles and become comfortable, and teach them how to float on their back and be safe, teach them how to propel through the water by kicking and by using their arms. We're also going to teach you how to get used to deeper water. When teaching your child how to swim you only need a few essentials to make sure that you have a good depth. So always make sure that you have a good swimsuit and a pair of goggles. Goggles are important, because they keep the water out of their eyes and they help your child be more comfortable. Good sunblock is also essential. Make sure that you have water proof sunblock, because in the water the water magnifies the sun. So you can get a much worse burn while you're in water.

Some safety things that you should be aware of. Make sure you know the pool that you're going to be swimming. Make sure that you know the depths around the edges. All the depths are marked next to each part of the pool and make sure that you ask a life guard just in case it gets a little deeper in center of the pool. Look for ropes that mark any steep drop-offs in the water and make sure that you've been in the pool first so that you understand the lay of the land. Make sure to be aware of all signs, as in No Running, or No Diving. No Diving is an important one, because you don't want to dive in water that is not deep enough.

Before we get started, let me tell you a few things about myself. I've been swimming for over 25 years and I've been coaching for the past 12 years in the Northern Virginia Swim League, The Virgina High School League and USA Swimming. I'm also Red Cross and ASCA certified. From my many years of experience I've taught many kids how to swim and this morning I'd like to help you teach your child how to swim.