The rate at which a child learns is dependent on the child and the skill level he/she begins with. It is definitely possible that he/she may become comfortable enough in the water to be safe during an emergency but it is recommended to complete at least two sessions in order to make sure they fully comprehend the skills. Plus, more repetition ensures a longer muscle memory of the skills learned.

If your child has a fear of the water you have come to the right place. We at Splish Splash care for our swimmers. We desire to see them succeed and love the water like we do. Having a fear of the water is no joke, and we understand how scary it can be. We play games and sing songs to help teach them that the water is a fun.

We do want to warn you that in order to break through some fears we have to perform the skill. Two major fears that most children face are: submerging under water and floating on their back. By practicing this skill with positive association, like singing songs and affirmative feedback, children learn that it is not scary but enjoyable. It is important for your child to trust the instructor. To help facilitate this trust the instructor may ask you to leave to an area which you can still see but the child can not see you. This will help your child to stop focusing on you, possibly giving in and rescuing him/her, but instead learn to trust the instructor. But please stick around to see the lesson so that you can praise your child for any positive choices that he/she may have made.

On the first day, your instructor is going to work on building trust with your child and assessing his/her skill level. After the instructor determines the level that your child is at, he/she will begin instruction from the American Red Cross lesson criteria. Please take a look at the levels to possibly help inform your instructor of your child’s level.