You've always wanted a backyard swimming pool but have been hestitant because you worry about your children's safety -- and with good reason. It will be great to have a pool but it will be even better if your children know basic pool safety and know how to swim.Take some time before your children are let loose in the pool and sign them up for swim lessons. Remember though even if your children have taken lessons and can swim, they should never be left in the pool unsupervised.
You can either take your children to a local pool and sign up for lessons or you can look into hiring a swim teacher to come to your home and teach your children; as a money saving measure, you could even invite some of the children of your friends and they can help cover the cost of the lessons.
Here are some things to keep in mind when you're looking for a swim teacher for your children:
The best way to find a good teacher is to ask friends and family if they know of anyone, or anywhere, to take your children for lessons. Referrals are the best way to find a teacher.
Check the internet for local or community pools that might offer lessons.
Before you sign your children up for lessons visit the pool and see the instructor in action. Does he or she relate well to the children and do they seem to be enjoying themselves while they learn.
What is the ratio of teacher to students in the swim class. A rule of thumb is that one adult swim teacher can handle a maximum of five students. If there are more students than that, there should be additional adult supervision.
Have your child meet the teacher before the first lesson, just to make sure they're a good fit.
If you have specific concerns about the swim lessons and what your children need to learn, discuss it with the teacher before the lessons begin.
Once you've done your homework, then you can consider registering your child for lessons.
Even with lessons, your children should have a healthy respect for the water and should be supervised at all times.