Top Tips for Keeping Kids Swimming This Winter

Winter can be a challenging time to keep kids engaged in swimming lessons, especially when they resist going. But with a few simple tips, you can make the experience comfortable and enjoyable for both you and your child. For kids swimming lessons in Perth, especially at HPC Mount Claremont, here are our top tips to get the most out of your winter swimming classes:

1. Dress Warmly on Cold Days

Arrive at the venue dressed in warm clothing with bathers on underneath. This helps minimize the time spent changing in cold environments and keeps your child warm before they hit the water. It also makes the transition smoother, reducing the chances of a pre-swim meltdown.

2. Wear Thermal Gear in the Water

If your child feels the cold particularly, consider having them wear a thermal rashie. Swim caps are also great for keeping their heads warm, which can make a big difference in their overall comfort. This extra layer can help ease their reluctance to get into the pool.

3. Post-Lesson Warm-Up

After lessons, wrap your child in a dry towel immediately. A warm shower right after swimming can help raise their body temperature. Make sure they dress in warm clothing before leaving the venue to avoid catching a chill. This routine can make the post-swim transition more pleasant and less stressful.

Why Swim All Year Round?

Swimming year-round is crucial for maintaining and improving swimming skills. Here’s why it’s important to keep up with lessons even during the colder months:

Consistent Skill Improvement

Continuing lessons all year round ensures that swimming skills are consistently reinforced and improved. Unlike the Australian summer, where kids often spend leisure time in water, winter activities tend to be more land-based, leading to less incidental swimming practice. This can make it harder to keep kids motivated, but the benefits are worth it.

Establishing a Routine

Maintaining a routine of weekly swim lessons is essential. It helps children stay in the habit of swimming regularly, which is vital for skill retention and improvement. Even if it feels like a struggle some days, keeping this routine can make a big difference in the long run.

Safety Around Water

Learning to swim well is a non-negotiable life skill, especially when considering safety around water. Regular practice ensures that children are confident and capable swimmers, reducing the risk of water-related accidents. This peace of mind can be a strong motivator for parents to keep pushing through the winter months.

Cross-Training Benefits

For older children and adults, swimming can be an excellent recovery exercise after playing other sports. It offers cross-training benefits that can enhance performance in land sports. Additionally, the positive effects of exercise on mental health, general health, and wellbeing are well documented. Reminding kids of these benefits can help them see the value in sticking with their lessons.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your child remains comfortable and continues to enjoy their swimming lessons throughout the winter. Not enrolled in our continuous swim school program? Join us today!

Stay Strong, Swim On - Keep their skills sharp & health strong all winter.