General Information
At what age can my Baby join O'Tooles Swimming School classes?
Babies are welcome at O'Tooles Swimming School lessons from birth. From birth to nine months, babies adjust easily to a water environment. The later a baby is introduced to water the more likely they are to object to the unfamiliar environment. However do not feel pressured to go to the pool, it is important that you feel ready to enjoy the water bonding process with your baby.
When will my baby be able to swim?
Many parents expect to see their baby swimming with or without the use of aids as soon as they take them to the pool. It really depends on what is meant by swimming, as some babies move freely in the water after only a few lessons. It is however extremely rare for a baby to be able to swim unaided.. No baby progresses through the early swimming process totally smoothly and patience is required. At O'Tooles Swimming School we aim to allow each baby to discover for themselves the pleasures of the water and we never look for quick results. The most important factor in babies learning to swim is a feeling of relaxation and fun and this may take a very long time to establish.
Is my baby's health at risk from swimming?
All pools used by O'Tooles Swimming School are well maintained and cared for. Bacteria that thrives in warm water is a very low hazard as chlorine is effective in dealing with this. Please be cautious when taking babies into the sea, lakes or rivers as obviously the same protection is not afforded. We recommend that you do not bring your baby swimming if he has any unpleasant illness i.e. heavy cold, fever, ear or eye infections or has had any sort tummy upset. If you have any concerns about swimming and your baby's general health or fitness we would recommend you seek advice from your GP or health visitor. Generally though, whether or not to bring your baby swimming is a matter of common sense. We would ask that you always bring a spare warm towel to wrap your baby in after leaving the pool and make sure even in warm weather you have warm clothing to dress him/her in. Drying your baby properly is essential, paying particular attention to your baby's ears. We recommend that you drain any excess water from their ears when leaving the pool.
When should I feed my Baby prior to swimming?
Please make sure you finish feeding your baby at least one hour prior to coming to the pool. This is for their own comfort and to prevent any regurgitation in the water. Older children who are eating solids should complete their meal at least one and half hours before coming to the pool. Bring a healthy snack for after pool time and make sure there is time for a lovely long nap.
Can I still bring my baby to O'Tooles Swimming School lessons if I cannot swim?
Yes most definitely. Pools used are shallow so you can happily stand in the water with your baby. We will do everything we can to support both you and your baby's water confidence. Come with an open mind and you will learn to love the water with your baby.
What if my baby does not like the water?
Babies are all different. Some babies take to water much quicker than others. Just because your baby cries in the pool, don't assume that he does not like the water. He may just be experiencing an 'off day', feel a little tired, hungry or cold etc. As a parent it is vital that you positively reinforce all associations with water so you will need to be patient. It may take some time for your baby to settle but in general most babies learn to enjoy the freedom and fun the water offers.
What does my baby need to wear to come swimming?
To join in with a O'Tooles Swimming School lesson your baby must wear a double nappy system. This means they wear a disposable swim nappy underneath a nappy wrap or cover. We cannot allow you to swim unless your baby is appropriately dressed, as this is a requirement made by most of the pools we use. The nappy wrap needs to be a good snug fit around baby's tummy and legs. Please ensure that you bring spare disposable swim nappies as you will need to change your baby if the nappy is soiled.
How can I keep my baby warm in the water?
It is very important that your baby does not get cold in the water. Please be vigilant and remember that babies do not shiver. Coldness is best indicated by a blue rim around your baby's mouth. We use pools that are warmer than normal but recommend that any baby under six months wears a baby wetsuit or body warmer. Low weight babies should use these for longer. If at any time we suspect your baby is getting cold we will ask you to leave the pool and wrap him in a towel to warm him up. It may be sensible to keep your sessions short in cooler water.
Baby warmers are available for purchase from us at competitive rates.
What should I bring swimming?
- Swim nappies (2 at least)
- Swimming suit
- Towels x 2
- Changing mat. We recommend that you always change your baby on the floor.
- Warm clothes for leaving the pool, even in warmer weather. We recommend a hat is always worn after a swim.
- Drinks, milk feed, snacks for after your swim.
Must my baby have had all his immunisations before starting swimming?
Your baby does not have to have had all it's injections prior to coming swimming. Should you have any specific queries about your baby's health before you bring him swimming please consult your medical professional. For the latest advice on swimming and injections please go to the NHS immunisations website and search under swimming.www.immunisation.nhs.uk
Will swimming help with my baby's physical development?
Yes we believe very strongly that it will help their stamina and physical fitness. Water offers young children freedom that they cannot experience on dry land. Water offers them the opportunity to respond to the unexpected very early, which reinforces self esteem.
Will early swimming improve my baby's safety around water?
Drowning is the second greatest cause of accidental death in children in industrialised countries. More than 50% of cases of drowning occur near to the water's edge. At O'Tooles Swimming School we do not adhere to many swim schools drown proofing methods, but strongly believe that teaching early water confidence and respect for the water will increase your child's chances of survival should an accident occur. Our toddlers programme is all about fun and respect for water. We do however caution all parents to be constantly vigilant around water as it is a source of much fascination to children. This does not only mean while you are at the beach on holiday, but around your paddling pool, pond and bathtub at home. Remember, water does not have to be deep for a child to drown.
Is it safe for my baby to be submerged underwater?
Babies are born with natural reflexes which make underwater swimming safe provided it is kept within certain sensible boundaries. During our lessons we include an element of submersion. Our approach is more that a baby learns about submersion as part of being in the water and that it is not a big deal. Indeed most toddlers learn to love going under and enjoy all the games and frolics that go with underwater fun.
To read more about your baby's early swimming reflexes read information below.
All of our lessons stick firmly within the submersion guidelines laid down by the STA, Swimming Teachers Association. These guidelines are deemed to be sensible safe limits for babies to experience the wonderful freedom that underwater swimming offers a child. For more information please go to www.sta.co.uk
Baby's Natural Reflexes
Babies are born with many natural reflexes which are evoked by being in water. Most of these reflexes start to phase out around six to nine months. These reflexes are a wonderful gift to a baby and can be sustained by regular active stimulation. Using different positions in the water a baby can be encouraged to develop them into conscious movements.
Diving Response
When your baby's face is in the water the circulating blood starts to conserve oxygen and utilise it most effectively to sustain heart and brain function. Babies do not have to be fully submerged in water to trigger the driving response, simple immersion of the baby's face elicits the same response.
Laryngeal Reflex (Gag Reflex)
When water gets into your baby's mouth, the gag reflex causes an involuntary spasm of the glottis and the epiglottis, keeping water from entering the windpipe. This seal prevents the inhalation of water into the baby's lungs. This reflex does not however close off the esophagus and water can still enter into the baby's stomach. Parents should be vigilant when swimming with their babies in the prone (on the front) position to ensure that they do not swallow too much water.
The Amphibian Reflex
This is the newborn baby's most basic reflex in the water. It causes the legs, arms and torso to move in spurts that can propel a baby through the water for a short distance. Reinforcing this reflex particularly between four and eight months helps your baby make the transition to voluntary movement. This reflex is extremely strong in some babies and not so strong in others.
The Righting Reflex
Once a baby reaches around four or five months they will try and lift her head when placed on her back in the water. They will also start to lift their heads upright when placed on her front. These movements are all part of the righting reflex and are part of the baby's natural development cycle, babies on dry land start to role on to their tummies at this time. It may be noticed that some babies no longer enjoy floating on their backs. Exercises which support the babies head may improve this. At no time should a baby be forced onto her back, most babies learn to swim on their fronts in any case. It may be that a complete break from back floating is the best course of action.
Our Courses
O'Tooles Swimming School specialises in teaching all ages to swim.
Our Baby swim programme follows babies and toddlers natural development, with the ultimate aim of once physically able your child will swim unaided over a short distance.
Courses are between 10 - 14 weeks in length and loosely follow the school terms with a half term break in the middle. Sessions last for 30 mins and you will attend once a week at the same time and venue each week. For all of our sessions you or a trusted guardian will be in the water with your child joining in the fun. Groups are kept small with no more than 7 infant and parent pairs in the water at a time.
All sessions include group instruction and demonstrations, singing, nursery rhymes and play that is appropriate to the age group. Importantly we always allow time for individual practise with your child where you can get some specialist advice from your instructor.
We hope that you will make lots of great friends with similar aged children at our sessions and progress together through our swim programme.
