We all want our children to be strong swimmers, but how can you teach your kid to swim if they're scared of the water? YMCA swim instructor and lifeguard Khamil Alhade has lots of experience dealing with unwilling swimmers. Here are his top five tips to help your child overcome their fear of water:
1. Start out in the shallow end - Kids are often scared not by the water, but by the fact that they can't see the bottom of the pool floor.
2. Use flotation devices - Fearful swimmers want 100% reassurance that they won't sink, so strap them into a life jacket, even if you're in the shallows end, to increase their comfort level. I suggest a life jacket because kids can easily lose their grip on noodles or flutter boards, especially if they're already a little skittish in the water.
3. Be very, very, very patient - Kids often don't understand that pushing their boundaries can and most likely will impact them positively. They will be stubborn and make up every excuse under the sun to avoid doing something they don't want to do. Helping them get over their fear will take lots of time.
4. Positive reinforcement works - Praise your kids as much as you can every time they accomplish something new. Even if it doesn't seem like a big deal, make it a big deal. Any step in the process of overcoming a fear of water is a big step! Swimming is an essential life skill, so make sure you emphasize that every step towards learning to swim is a hugely positive step forward.
5. Have fun! - Kids respond better to things when they enjoy what they're doing. Make sure the activities you are asking them to participate in seem more like fun games as opposed to forced lessons.
Learn more about swimming lessons at the YMCA.
