Helping your child learn to swim is a gift that lasts a lifetime, and swimming lessons for children in Dubai are a great way to start. The earlier they begin, the more comfortable and safe they’ll feel in the water.
In Dubai, there are plenty of options for children’s swimming lessons, from private sessions with a personal trainer to group classes. Knowing when to start and what to look for in a good program can make all the difference.
Here’s what you should know to choose the best time to start lessons and find the right swimming program for your child.
THE LARGEST SELECTION OF PERSONAL TRAINERS IN DUBAI
Choose the coach you want, when and where you want to train, and the price that suits you best.
When is the Right Time for Your Child’s First Swim Lesson?
Deciding when your child should start swimming lessons is an exciting milestone. Every child is different, so it’s important to consider their emotional readiness, physical abilities, and comfort in the water.
Early Introduction: Swimming Lessons for Toddlers
Starting swimming lessons as early as age one can be a wonderful way to introduce your child to water safety. Research shows that learning water survival skills early on can be beneficial for children between one and four years old. Parent-child classes offer a fun and supportive environment in which to start building essential swim skills together. If your little one seems eager, it’s a great time to dive in.
Formal Swim Lessons: Ages Four and Up
Most children are ready to take on more formal swim lessons by age four. They’re usually able to grasp basic survival skills like floating, treading water, and finding an exit point. By age five or six, many kids can confidently master the front crawl. If your child hasn’t started, now is the perfect opportunity to get them involved.
Infants and Water Play: Building Comfort from a Young Age
While formal swim classes aren’t necessary for infants under one, parent-child water play classes can be a delightful way to help your baby get comfortable in the water. These classes are all about having fun and enjoying the experience together.
Choosing the Right Swim Lessons for Your Child
When picking swim lessons for your child, aim for programs that go beyond teaching strokes and focus on overall water safety and survival.
Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Ensure they can get back to the surface from underwater.
- Check if they can swim at least 20 meters.
- Confirm they know how to get out of the water by themselves.
Instructors should track how each child is doing and offer regular updates on their progress.
For any age group, find programs that:
- Have skilled, certified instructors. Look for teachers who are trained and recognized by a national swimming organization. Swimming instructors in Dubai who want to teach swimming must undergo a specialized training program and get certified by the Dubai Sports Council.
- Teach essential water safety. Kids should learn never to swim alone and always have an adult around. They should also be taught to ask for permission before getting into any pool or natural water source.
- Let you watch a class first. Check if you can observe a session to see if it feels right for your child. Look for a program where kids spend most of their time swimming, get personal attention, and have a friendly, knowledgeable instructor.
- Offer multiple sessions. To see steady progress, lessons should be ongoing until your child feels confident with basic water skills.
When looking for swimming lessons for kids under four, keep these in mind:
- Comfortable setting: Make sure the environment feels safe and inviting for your child. The activities should help their social, mental, physical, and emotional growth, but they must also learn to respect water.
- Close supervision: Always have an adult within arm’s reach of babies and toddlers around water, including during swim lessons. This ensures they’re safe at all times. It’s great if parents can join in, as it helps practice skills at home.
If you can’t be in the water, consider private lessons that offer one-on-one attention. Best children’s swimming lessons with a personal trainer at home in Dubai offer personalized guidance, ensuring your child develops strong swimming skills in a safe and supportive environment.
THE LARGEST SELECTION OF PERSONAL TRAINERS IN DUBAI
Choose the coach you want, when and where you want to train, and the price that suits you best.
How Long Does It Take for a Child to Learn to Swim?
If you’re looking forward to your child learning how to swim and are curious about how long it typically takes, here’s a general overview:
- For infants aged 12 to 18 months, private swimming lessons of 30 minutes each week usually result in confident swimming abilities within approximately 18 months. However, due to their still-developing motor skills, they might not yet master formal strokes.
- For toddlers aged two to three, private lessons of 30 minutes each week can help them become confident swimmers within about a year.
- Three-year-old kids and older who take 30-minute private lessons each week can typically learn to swim in around six months or about 20-30 hours of instruction.
These estimates assume that your child is able to swim 25 meters without stopping by the end of the specified period. To reach a higher level of swimming, like being able to swim 100 meters non-stop, it may take two to three years of consistent lessons.
It’s also worth noting that group lessons can extend the time needed to achieve these milestones compared to private lessons.
How Can You Support Your Child’s Progress Outside of Swimming Lessons?
Helping your child improve their swimming skills doesn’t have to stop when the lesson ends. There are fun and simple ways to practice and build their confidence using what’s available.
Blow Bubbles in the Bathtub
Bath time is a great place to start. Encourage your child to blow bubbles in the water. Once they’re comfortable, challenge them to submerge their whole head. This is a fun way to get them used to water and develop an essential swimming skill.
Move On to Rotational Breathing
As they get the hang of that, try rotational breathing. In the bathtub, have them hold their breath underwater and pop up for air when you give a signal, like a tap on the head. This mimics the breathing pattern they’ll use in the pool.
Perform Arm Rotations in the Air
You can also work on arm movements out of the water. Watch how their instructor shows them the strokes and then practice those motions together at home. It’s a great way to build muscle memory and coordination.
Practice Kicking on the Floor
For kicking, have them lie on the floor and practice straight-legged kicks. This helps with the flutter kick, which is crucial for many strokes. Watching swimming videos together can also be helpful. It introduces them to the techniques and terms they’ll hear in their lessons, making it easier for them to understand and improve.
Practicing these activities at home will make your child feel more confident and prepared for their next swim session.
Key Takeaways
Swimming lessons for kids in Dubai are a great way to build their confidence and ensure they’re safe around water. Starting early can make all the difference, as younger children often take to water naturally.
Whether you’re leaning toward private lessons or group classes, finding the right fit for your child is crucial. To help them progress even faster, try practicing simple activities at home, like blowing bubbles during bath time or working on arm strokes. These small steps can go a long way in building their skills.
To ensure your child becomes a confident swimmer, it’s important to choose the right program and back it up with some fun practice at home. This combination will set them up for a lifetime of safe and enjoyable swimming.
