Swimming is a classic summer past time and something that everyone should feel safe doing this season. With these helpful tips, children of all abilities will be ready to hit the pool or the beach this year!
Swimming Tip 1: Get the Right Gear
Having the right swimming gear is an important first step, especially if you are in need of specialized swim gear to make sure everyone is safe and comfortable in the water. Verywell Family has a great article with all of the gear you could need here! This includes special swimsuits, floating devices, swim diapers and ear tube protection!
Swimming Tip 2: Get in the Water
The next step is finding a pool or beach to get in the water! Some of our favorite local spots include the Kenosha YMCA (where our friends at Tri My Best – Kenosha hold their annual event!), Washington Park Pool in Kenosha, Sheridan Pool in Cudahy, Grant Park Beach in South Milwaukee and North Beach in Racine!
Swimming Tip 3: Practice, practice, practice!
Teaching your child to swim can be a daunting task. Practicing will take time but it is very important!
- Start small! Introduce your little ones to water in other ways including in the bathtub. Introduce goggles and floating devices into bathtime first.
- Make the pool fun! Small games like blowing bubbles in the water is a great starting point to get them comfortable.
- Safety first! Make sure your kiddo has a life jacket on and don’t forget the sunscreen!
- Always stay close by! No matter if you are only playing games in the shallow water, it’s important to stay super close by your young kids in the water.
- Swim with them! Help your kid float while they practice kicking and paddling. Encourage them to get more comfortable before you let them go and try it on their own. Once they get the hang of it, try backing up a step and help them get to you.
Pool Alternatives
If your kiddos aren’t ready to take a dip yet, there are plenty of other ways they can play in water this summer that takes out any danger of a pool or beach.
- A garden hose – another summer classic! Get a game of limbo started with the hose or draw a circle in the driveway with sidewalk chalk and do some target practice!
- Water balloons – Let the battle begin! Water balloons are a fun, easy outdoor activity for hot summer days. This activity can be adapted to make sure everyone can play!
- Car wash – Make a toy car wash! Get big buckets of water, soap, and big sponges and bring their bikes, trikes, and outdoor toys through!
- Splash pads – Southeast Wisconsin has many splash pads for your kiddos who aren’t quite ready for the pool! A few of our favorites are the Drexel Town Square Splash Pad in Oak Creek, Kenosha Splash Pad near Harbor Park, and Pritchard Park in Racine!
Aquatic Therapy
Feel like your kiddo would benefit from incorporating a pool into their therapy? That is an option we have at our Kenosha clinic and it is helpful for a wide range of things! Aquatic therapy has benefits like decreased pain, reduced stress on the joints, gained strength and independence, sensory stimulation, and it’s fun! Contact us today to learn more about this option and if it is a good fit for your child.