BENEFITS OF EARLY SWIMMING
Little Gem Swimmers recommends teaching your young child as much free movement as possible; not in a formal way, but through play and encouragement. This will lead to swimming when your little one is physically and emotionally ready.
The focus should always be on having fun in the water, without any pressure for achievement. We limit each class to a maximum of seven participants, and until the children are able to be safe in the water without swimming aids, an adult is required to be in the water with them at all times. Indeed the adult is a core part of the teaching process. However, the primary aim is for the children to learn whilst having fun, and the process includes water based games and songs etc.
Each lesson lasts for 30 minutes, and we recommend that you have a drink and snack available for afterwards, as they will often build up an appetite during the lessons. Be advised that the pool providers insist that anyone entering the pool (adults and babies) wear swimming hats, and anyone entering the pool area (i.e. non participating parents who wish to watch) wear swimwear (or sportswear as a minimum). Essentially, for hygiene reasons, they do not allow normal clothes and shoes (Flip-flops etc. are fine) to be worn in the pool area.