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Here are the top tips from Libby Trickett, Olympian and SwimFin brand ambassador

I started to learn to swim at the age of one and joined my first club when I was four. As soon as I had my first club race, I was absolutely hooked! I’ve always been really passionate about getting Australian kids more comfortable and confident around water, and since retiring from competitive swimming, I’ve made it my mission to do everything I can to make this happen. Being in the water is such a huge part of Australian culture, and I think it’s really important to encourage children to learn to swim sooner and enjoy the experience while they are learning.

Here are my top tips for teaching children to swim, getting them excited about it and general swim safety:

  • Ensure constant supervision when children are around water – whether it’s a bathtub, wading pool, spa or swimming pool.
  • Use a proven buoyancy aid like SwimFin, to help them gain confidence in the water and learn to swim. SwimFin is a unique, self-adjusting, learn to swim aid for kids which can be purchased online for $39.95 at www.swimfin.com.au
  • Teach young children to swim as soon as possible – with SwimFin, children can start learning as early as 2 years old.
  • Get children comfortable in the water first – sitting on a stair in the pool or being in the bathtub from a young age is a good way to get kids feeling at ease in and around water.
  • Use a buoyancy aid with a bright colour, so it is easier to keep an eye on your children at busy pools or beaches.
  • The first four things to learn include floating, blowing bubbles, treading water and doggy paddle – these foundations are important for breathing, movement and control.
  • Once these skills are mastered, it is time to develop the four competitive swimming strokes (all of which can be learnt whilst wearing the SwimFin): freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly.
  • Don’t forget the sunscreen (reapply frequently), UV sunglasses, hats, and protective clothing.
  • Kids should drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, to prevent dehydration.
  • If a child is shivering or experiencing muscle cramps, get them out of the water immediately.

Libby Trickett is the brand ambassador for SwimFin in Australia and New Zealand. SwimFin straps on high up around the back, allowing complete freedom of movement for the arms and legs, unlike other flotation devices such as arm bands and noodles. It has been proven to help children have more confidence in the water and learn to swim faster (by up to 30%). SwimFin is suitable for all ages from two years and up and all abilities and comes with a lifetime guarantee.  It can be used to assist learning all four strokes, including backstroke.

It is available for purchase at www.swimfin.com.au with an RRP of $39.95.

See the SwimFin in action here:

 

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  • My daughter enthusiastically entered her first swimming carnival in kindy, only to learn she couldn’t swim (bad mum right here! :() From there,name was on a mission,made made sure she learnt to swim. By the time her next swim carnival rolled around, she was winning her races!!!

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  • I have never seen those fins before but they look super cool. My boys would love them AND it would encourage them to swim more.

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  • Just after high school I did a swim safe course & used to assist with swimming lessons at my local pool, I loved it. It was a challenge sometimes to find a balance between making the lessons fun & instilling the seriousness of the importance of safety.

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  • If our toddller was taken out of the pool as soon he starts to shiver he would never be in it for more than 5 – 10 min. He wears a one piece suit over his swimmers for extra warmth which helps a lot.

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  • I can’t wait for my kids to be swimming.. I used to love swimming so much

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  • this one is on the list for Christmas gifts

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  • Good ideas an interesting read

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  • Never got a chance to learning swimming myself… Will definitely make sure future bub gets the chance!

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  • Learning to swim is a gift for life.

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  • Learning to swim is of utmost importance in Australia.

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  • Knowing how to swim and get out of difficulties is a big part of childrens lives, my boys have swimming lessons and it helps them learn and build experience and be confident

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  • Good read thanks for the information

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  • what an interesting read and will remember this

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  • our kids go swimming lessons, it is imperative they learn

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  • so very important that our kids learn how to swim and be safe in and around water

    Reply

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