FAQ - Teaching Program
1. What age should my child start swimming lessons?
Research indicates babies who have early swimming experience show improved physical and psychological development; building strength, mobility, concentration, self esteem, social skills and independence, as well as an affinity with the water. Fear of the water generally only develops as children grow older, so an early introduction to swimming can help to overcome this fear. Baby swimming class activities are designed to aid in water awareness, familiarisation, safety and water confidence.
Learn to swim programs at McKeon’s Swim School start from 5 months of age.
2. Do you use floatation devices when teaching learn to swim?
We do not use floatation aids such as bubbles or armbands in our lessons. While these devices may provide increased independence for the wearer in the short term, they are not conducive to teaching swimming in the longer term. Floatation aids tend to place the wearer in a vertical body position which makes it difficult to teach the fundamental skills required when learning to swim; submersion, a streamlined body position, and propulsion.
However, a small selection of kickboards, noodles and toys may be used.
Remember that in all cases, floatation aids are not a substitute for proper and careful supervision.
3. Does my baby or toddler need to wear a swimming nappy?
All children under the age of 3 years must be double layered in a disposable swimmers nappy and a “happy nappy” which is fitted around the waist and the legs. This policy is mandatory and ensures that our pool water quality remains at the high standard our customers are used to.
4. How far will my child swim in each lesson?
Our program focuses on teaching good technique to allow for more efficient swimming. Therefore, we aim to provide a class environment that allows for optimum correction and learning opportunities. Each class is designed to provide the best conditions possible to learn the skills we teach in that level. We will not sacrifice good technique to introduce longer distances.
5. Should I continue swimming lessons all year round?
Swimming lessons are often seen as a seasonal activity, however there are many good reasons to make swimming a priority and continue with lessons all year. Many parents initially enrol their children in lessons out of concern for water safety. Swimming lessons are a crucial link in the “Layers of Protection” against drowning. The risk of accidents doesn’t go away in the cooler parts of the year, so neither should the lessons!
Another reason to continue with lessons is to learn to new skills and reinforce existing ones. This is particularly important with younger children whose long term skill development and muscle memory is just beginning to develop. Physical activities like swimming are also an important part of a child’s development across a range of areas including fine and gross motor skills, self confidence and coordination. Swimming lessons offer a unique combination of social and physical interactions with the teacher, their classmates and the aquatic environment.
Keep in mind that the all pools at McKeon’s Swim School are maintained at consistent temperatures, ensuring that swimming can be a comfortable and beneficial activity throughout the year.
6. When will my child be assessed?
The assessment process at McKeon’s Swim School is continuous. This allows your child to be promoted as soon as they meet the skills based criteria in each level. Our experienced On Deck Supervisors monitor lessons on an ongoing basis and receive regular updates from teachers and coaches. You are welcome to approach our Supervisors for feedback at any time.
