What to Bring to Your Child's First Swimming Lesson

The good news about lessons at your own condominium pool is that you are never far from home if something is forgotten. Still, a little preparation makes the first lesson smoother.

The checklist

• Swimwear that fits snugly. Loose costumes drag and distract.
• Goggles, ideally tried on beforehand. A leaky pair ruins a lesson; the coach can advise on fit.
• Swim cap for long hair. Optional, but hair in the eyes is a constant irritation.
• Swim nappy for children under about three, worn under the costume.
• Towel and a dry T-shirt for immediately after, since children cool quickly in a breeze.
• Sunscreen applied 20 minutes before an outdoor lesson, and a rash vest for very fair skin.
• Water bottle. Swimming is thirsty work even in a pool.

What the coach brings

Kickboards, floats, pull buoys and small toys for young children. You do not need to buy any equipment for the first lesson. Arm bands are not used in lessons because they teach a vertical body position.

Preparing your child

• Tell them what will happen in plain terms: "A coach is coming to play in our pool and teach you to blow bubbles."
• Avoid promising they will "swim" after one lesson. The first lesson is about comfort.
• If your child is nervous, practise pouring water over their head in the bath for a few days beforehand.
• Do not feed a large meal within an hour of the lesson.
• Arrive at the pool a few minutes early so the lesson does not start in a rush.

During the lesson

Stay poolside and visible, but let the coach lead. A child who keeps checking with a parent for permission learns more slowly. Save the questions for the end, when the coach will give you a short summary and one or two things to practise.

After the lesson

A warm shower, a snack and praise for effort rather than achievement. If the lesson ended in tears, that is not a failure; it is common on day one and usually gone by lesson three. Read about how children build water confidence for what to expect next.