Bermuda Parent Bermuda Parent Spring 2016 | Page 51

fingers next to nose, and wipe towards his ears. You can also use a wet or damp face cloth, but never use a dry towel unless bath time is over. You can also get him to blow raspberries when his mouth gets anywhere near the water. This will help against swallowing water. A final note… Whilst we encourage improved confidence in the water there is a chance that some children may become over confident around water. Therefore it is imperative that whenever a child has access to ANY aquatic environment (ocean, pool, pond, lake, river, bucket of water, bath tub and toilet, just to name a few) they are supervised by an adult. No method of baby / toddler swimming can prevent drowning, but with exposure to baby / toddler swimming lessons, children have a better chance of survival by being familiar with water – they will be more relaxed if they fall in accidently. Article provided by Aquamania Swimming Limited. “To swim or not to swim; there is no question!” FAQ’s 1. How long will it take my child to learn how to swim? Every child is unique and certain factors will have an effect on the time it takes to learn. The age of the child, their physique, how much time they get in the water, their parents’ experience in and around water to name a few. Negative experiences in water can also influence how long it takes them to swim. SWIMMING LESSONS from 12 months to adults, offered MAY through OCTOBER, Weekdays & Saturdays! We also offer various lifesaving courses as well as CPR/FIRST AID (through partnership with the Bermuda Red Cross). 2. How do you define a swimmer? Aquamania considers a child has learned to swim safely when he can cover 5 metres with his face in, and is able to take at least one breath over that distance. 3. My child hates water in his face and when at the beach he always has to wipe his face on a dry towel when ANY water gets on his face. How can I help? Start at bath time. Whenever water gets in his face teach them to wipe it away with his hands. Flat hands, palms on face, pinky For more information, please visit the website www.aquamania.bm, or email LESLEY WHITE at [email protected] www.bermudaparent.bm 49