Winter Tips: Keep Those Swim Skills Sharp

Winter can be a tricky time to keep kids excited about swimming lessons, especially when they’d rather stay cozy indoors. But with a few fun tips, you can make the experience enjoyable for both you and your child. For kids swimming lessons in Perth, especially at Arena Joondalup Swim School, 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. Plus, it 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. Enjoy the Heated Pool

Our family pool is heated to a comfortable 30°C, making it much easier for kids to enjoy their lessons even on the coldest days. The warm water helps keep them comfortable and focused on learning rather than shivering.

4. 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. PLUS when you attend lessons in May, June, and July for a chance to win monthly prizes. Stay Strong, Swim On! 

Not enrolled in our Continuous Swim School? Join us today!