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FAQ         

'Why should babies learn to swim?' download PDF

When should I start?
Baby swimming starts at home in the bathtub. This can start as soon you are at home. Gently get into the bathtub with your child and float your baby in the warm water. Young babies have memory of the fluid environment in the womb and the water feels natural. From 6 - 12 months, gentle submersions are much easier and breath control can be taught relatively easily. Once a child is 18 months and is asserting his/her independence, it is more of a challenge to teach mini-torpedoes underwater, let alone starting with water on the face. It is highly recommended that the earlier you start the easier it is... try to stick at it.

When will my child learn to swim?
Each of our programs is designed to teach children swimming at different stages of their mental and physical development.

Initially a child (under 1 year old) may be able to move through the water at a short distance or for up to about 2 seconds. As the child gets older and stronger the distance may be increased, as the kick gets stronger. By 2 years old the child may be able to jump in, swim 5 metres or jump in and turn around to the side unaided. By the time a child is 3 years old, they may be doing "big arms" and can swim 20 metres with several breaths. The important point is to take it step-by-step, realizing that there is always tomorrow and that it is not a race.

index | swimming for babies | FAQ

FAQ         

'Why should babies learn to swim?' download PDF

What about private classes?
Bangkok Dolphins encourage group lessons, purely because it is not only a swim lesson but also a time to socialize and learn from others. Swim class is about fun, laughter and massive portions of praise. All of this works better in a class format.

How often should I come to lessons?
Swimming progress is clearly linked to the amount you practice. We recommend that if you can make 2 lessons a week, especially if your child is a little more cautious or fearful, it pays off. Over and above lessons we recommend that you go swimming a further 2 times per week. This helps the child practice what he/she has learnt at lessons.

If a child is extremely reluctant to even have water poured on the face, we would recommend that each bath time, is a mini swim lesson. Start by gently pouring water over the back of the head, then moving slowly to water pouring over the face through a special watering can or sponge. You can take teddy or doll in the bath too and use it as an example. Slowly but surely increase the amount of water on the face, however don't wipe off the water - let it drain off naturally.

Once a child is 2 years plus and can swim 5 metres, then you can cut down to once a week, but still go swimming at home as it's probably the best form of exercise in Bangkok's heat!

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