During hotter seasons and warmer weather, people usually think of swimming as an excellent way to de-stress, exercise, or have fun with friends and family; some people even go as far as organizing pool parties for birthdays, get-togethers, anniversaries, and so on. While there are many people who want to learn how to swim for fun, some others have a dream of becoming professional swimmers someday. Learn more!
However, regardless of the reason you need swimming skills, you have to start by learning them from professionals, letting your kids learn at an early age, and learning the basics of swimming. In this guide, you will discover the best way to learn to swim in Ottawa and basic tips to help you and your kids stay safe while learning to swim.
Tips to Ensure Safety When Swimming
Although swimming is enjoyable and a great sport for fitness, it is still one of the common causes of fatality and injuries among people of all ages. This is because as people enjoy swimming, they quickly forget safety and sometimes act recklessly. So here are ten essential tips you should keep in mind whether you are learning to swim or are a pro; your safety is important.
Look Before you Dive
The pool might be free from rocks and stones, but it is still proper to look before diving to ensure safety. Also, aside from stones being present in the water, some parts of the pool might be too shallow for diving and can cause serious head injuries because people usually dive heads first. So when the pool seems shallow, you can gently go in instead of diving.
Walk, Don't Run
Falling due to slippery floors shouldn't be a new occurrence to you; the same thing applies to running around the pool. The tiles around the pool area are very smooth and always wet due to water splashing from the pool, so it is no surprise that they will be extremely slippery.
Aside from falling and sustaining injuries, you could also fall into the pool when you have no intentions of swimming or don't know how to swim without help. Hence, you should be careful around the pool and walk carefully instead of running.
No Roughhousing
When people go swimming with friends, they intend to have all the fun they can get, so they plan different activities and games to make the moment memorable. While this is not wrong, it is vital to be careful of the type of things you do in the pool.
For example, as a parent, you must ensure your kids do not jump on each other or play rough in the pool. Likewise, do not force or push people into the pool and play pranks with others in the pool.
Know How to Respond in Emergencies
This might sound absurd, but you must know that it is not your responsibility to save people when an accident occurs in the pool, especially when you cannot swim. Always call for help first, even if you decide to render help first. Also, if you are the one in need of help, you should try and relax and let the person help you, don't drag them down with you. It is important to know panic will only make things worse for you, so try to stay calm and think clearly.
In addition, caregivers, parents, and coaches should learn basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid and always have their mobile phones available. Swimmers, especially children, should be taught to call for help immediately if they notice someone having a difficult time in the water.
Use Pool Safety Equipment
Safety equipment in pools are not toys, so you should learn to use them properly and maintain th
em. Also, parents and pool guides should ensure the equipment are readily available for use at any time.
Don't Swim Alone
Unless you are very sure of your swimming skills, you should avoid swimming alone. Children should never be left to swim alone in the pool without supervision.
Even when you feel you can swim very well, you should try to have someone around, a friend, parent, pool guide, etc., to reduce the possibility of pool incidents. Many drowning accidents occurred because no one was around to help the victims.
Don't Play Around the Pool Drains and Covers
This is an essential tip that many people tend to ignore. Pool drains and covers are unsafe, so you should avoid them even when you are adequately equipped. Don't ever play around drains and suctions in pools because multiple entrapments have occurred in these areas where people get stuck and can't even call for help.
Children who are too small or weak to break free end up losing their lives due to the engorgement of water in their bodies. Also, as a pool owner, you should ensure your covers and drains are functioning properly at all times.
Obey Pool Rules and Listen to Instructions
Every pool has a set of rules and instructions, like wearing the perfect swimsuit and other rules on what to do and what not to do in the pool, and these pools also have coaches and pool guides who ensure people do what they are supposed to do and those who can't swim well are safe.
So your duty is to obey the rules and instructions given at the pool because they are for your safety. Some of these rules may include dress codes and usage of specific kits and pool equipment so ensure to listen, read and obey.
Sun Safety is also Important
The use of sunscreen when swimming outdoors is very vital. Please do not ignore it. Ensure you wear sunscreen and appropriate swimwear, especially for kids, to protect your skin against the harsh effects of the sun.
Do not Stay in the Pool When a Storm Threatens
When a storm threatens, or you notice signs of heavy downpours, you shouldn't stay in the pool because lightning can strike at any time, and it is usually unexpected and sudden.
Take cover when you notice an encroaching storm and stay out of the pool till at least 30 minutes after the storm or lightning calms down.
Can I Learn to Swim Online?
One common question people ask today is whether or not it is possible to learn to swim online because swimming classes require a lot of practicals.
Thousands of people have tried it and succeeded. You can learn to swim from scratch and progress as fast as those learning with in-person classes, and if you already know basic swimming techniques, you can also learn and improve your skills online without stress.
When learning to swim online, you can watch online videos, hire a good instructor or coach and ensure to practice what you learn in a pool under supervision. There are many swimming lessons in Ottawa, but a good place to find a reliable coach for online or private swimming lessons is Superprof.
How Long Will it Take me to Learn to Swim?
The time it takes to learn swimming cannot be definitive as it depends on the individual, age, and other factors, but let's see the time frame according to age.
For Children
- Infants (12 - 18 months old)
With 30 minutes of private lessons per week, this group of people can swim confidently in about a year and a half. However, they will still need additional time to develop their formal strokes.
- Young kids (2 - 3 years old)
With 30 minutes of private weekly lessons, these kids can swim confidently within a year.
- Children (3+ years)
Children of this age who take private lessons for 30 minutes per week would be able to swim well in 6 to 8 months.
For Adults
- Adults who learn at the regular rate of 30 minutes per week would be confident and fearless in water after about 20 to 25 hours of private lessons. This time frame is usually enough to gain basic swimming skills and knowledge, and it translates to 30 minutes lessons per week for one year.
- Adults who are particularly overweight, unfit, or have a phobia of water will need a long time before they can confidently swim without fear.
All adult learners have unique learning experiences because of their various personalities; some find it scary to be water, while for others, it is a natural process. So a set time for learning to swim is not always applicable to all learners; however, with enough positive thinking, practice, and dedication, every adult can learn to swim at their own pace.
Where Can I Take Swimming Lessons in Ottawa?
Learning how to swim from various online sources is usually not satisfactory enough. Since people have different learning needs, it's better to find new ways to suit your needs and preferences right here in Ottawa. If you need such a one-stop platform for your swimming lessons in Ottawa, Superprof has your back.
See if you can learn to swim on your own in Toronto.
On the platform, you will find professional coaches for online, in-person, group, and private lessons. So if you have decided to learn swimming, let Superprof help you achieve your goals faster and more efficiently.
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