Swim Lesson Safety Tips to Consider for Today’s Environment
It’s summertime in Kansas City!
There will be lazy days, sunshine and time around the water, and after weeks at home, many families are ready to get “back to normal”—whatever that looks like—and that includes swimming!
But what are the important questions to ask when heading back? Check out these safety tips & things to consider in today’s environment brought to you by Aqua-Tots Olathe.
What to Consider When Heading Back to Swim Lessons
The world has changed in recent months, but water safety remains as important as ever, quite possibly MORE important than ever. In fact, drowning remains the #1 cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1-4 years old, according to the CDC.
Now, under the new guidelines, private swim classes can resume in small groups. As families prepare to return to swim lessons or enroll for the first time, here are four things to keep in mind.
Pools Are Safe
It’s important to note that a properly maintained and sanitized pool is still considered a safe environment for children and families.
According to the CDC, “There is no evidence that the virus can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine and bromine) of these facilities should inactivate the virus in the water.”
Consistency is Important, But Ask About Rescheduling
Participation in formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children 1-4 years old, according to the National Institutes of Health. It’s important to have consistency with your swim lessons in order to maximize the skills your children learn.
While consistency is important, The CDC recommends to stay home if you feel sick. Most providers allow you to reschedule your lessons for a later date, but be sure to ask about their rescheduling policy when initially signing up for lessons. Questions to ask include:
- Do you allow rescheduling?
- How much notice do you need to reschedule lessons?
- How many lessons can I reschedule?
This way, you can ensure you’ll have easy rescheduling and be aware of the policies you must follow.
How Are They Modifying the Swim School Environment
We know that going back to life as normal—whether to the grocery store, a birthday party or swim lessons— isn’t as simple as walking through the door. We want to make sure we’re as safe as possible while returning to normal life.
Ask potential swim lesson providers how they have changed their routine to account for today’s challenges.
- Are they offering private lessons for single families?
- What are their limits on children per class?
- Are there extra cleaning steps being taken?
- How are swim instructors being tested?
You can never be too careful with your kiddos, so learning exactly how each location is modifying their procedure will bring you comfort in knowing your little ones are as safe as can be.
Ask What You’re Allowed to Bring In & Who Can Come In
Because of the nature of our current reality, you may want to check who and what you’re allowed to bring into the facility before you head to lessons. Be sure to ask if parents and siblings will be allowed in the building during lessons or if you’ll have to wait in the car.
You want to be prepared, especially if you have other little ones you might be bringing along. Some questions to consider are:
- Will your child have a sanitized locker to keep their things in?
- Are parents allowed to sit inside and watch lessons?
- Are you allowed to bring siblings to the lessons?
Think Through Any Additional Questions Before Heading Back
Be sure to take a few minutes to think of any personal questions you may have. Knowing as much information as possible can only help put you at ease.
Nearly every KC business is doing their best to stay up to date and exceed the guidelines, but it’s always great to make sure all bases are covered.
Other questions you may want to ask include:
- How are you continuing to monitor the situation?
- How will they handle if a child doesn’t feel well during lessons?
- Are instructors getting extra training during this time?
- Do parents need to be aware of any additional restrictions of limitations?
Why Choose Aqua-Tots Swim Lessons?
Save $25 on lessons in June!
Aqua-Tots Olathe offers lessons year-round for children of all abilities as early as 4 months old, everyone can (and should) learn to swim.
We’ve all lived through an unsettling season in our world. That’s why we have developed the Aqua-Tots Full Circle of Safety which focuses on a modified swim school environment for the health of our families and staff, safety of our swim lessons and cleanliness of our facility. We remain committed to doing our part while continuing to teach children to become safe and confident swimmers.
Additionally, the Aqua-Tots pools have always contained commercial sanitation and filtration systems which maintain the proper chlorinated levels.
Ready to enroll your little ones at Aqua-Tots Swim Schools Olathe?
Jump into swim lessons in June and receive $25 off your first month. We’re excited to welcome your family to the pool!
AT-WSI certified instructors are ready to welcome little ones into the indoor, 90° pool. Parent & Tot classes are available for babies and toddlers, while small group classes are perfect for older tots to alongside friends.
It’s Never Too Late
Think it’s too late to start swim lessons with summer already upon us? Think again!
Water is everywhere, in every season, and learning to be safe in and around it is a life lesson worth learning as early as possible. Whether its the bathtub, a pool or pond in your neighborhood, swim skills are important to develop in your children.
Be sure your little ones are confident with their swim abilities with swim lessons this summer.
From our family to yours, iFamilyKC
