“This post was sponsored by SwimWays as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.”
Summer may not be here just yet, but the temperatures here in south Alabama sure do feel like it! People have been getting their pools cleaned up and ready for the first splash of summer, and my little one is itching for some fun in the sun and to make some waves in the water! But before we break out the sunscreen and dip our toes in the pool this year, there are a few things that have been on my mind when it comes to introducing my (almost) 2 year old to the swimming pool.
Pool safety is so incredibly important. One thing I learned very quickly once my little baby turned into a vivacious toddler is that she can get into things she’s not supposed to in a matter of seconds. Things can turn south very quickly, so it’s imperative to keep both eyes on children at all times – especially in the water, and especially when that child cannot swim on their own.
I do not want my child to fear the swimming pool, but I do want her to be very aware that she cannot play around the pool without an adult being directly by her side. (This will of course change as she’s older, but for now – Mommy or Daddy must be present!) I also want her to understand that because she cannot yet swim, she must have a device to assist her when playing in the water. That’s where the SwimWays Baby Spring Float is going to come in handy! (Look for my review coming up very soon!)
Some small children respond very well to being in a routine. If you’ll be introducing pool safety and procedures to a little one this summer, creating a routine for them to follow when approaching a pool or a body of water may make the process more fun and less scary for them! For instance, laying out a fun beach towel for them to rest on and applying “super swimmer potion” (aka: sunscreen) as soon as you arrive at the pool could be a fun activity for them to do before getting in the water. Having them know what swimming float is theirs and getting them familiar with how to use it can also be fun.
When picking out a swimming float for a small child, look for one with quality safety features and one that offers a little protection from the sun. (By the way, the SwimWays Baby Spring Float pictured below can be found at your local Target in stores or online!)
Another approach to introducing your toddler to the pool is to incorporate swimming lessons with a professional trained to handle and teach small children. Check your local recreation departments to see if they offer these services! You can also find some amazing swimming resources here. While you’re at it, check out the video above to see some other spectacular offerings from SwimWays to help children adjust to water and make a big splash!
As we gear up to have a fun time swimming in the pool this summer, talking with my toddler about visiting the pool and what to do around the water is a top priority. Having the Swimways Baby Spring Float on hand to help us introduce our kiddo to the water is such an incredible asset, and we’re really looking forward to hopping in the water and making memories!
SwimWays is an amazingly innovative company that strives to educate parents and children about water safety and the importance of learning to swim. That’s why SwimWays started National Learn to Swim Day in 2012. Each year this day falls on the 3rd Saturday of May, and this year we’ll be celebrating on May 20th, 2017!
As pools begin opening all across the nation this summer, I encourage you to educate yourself on child safety around the pool and to invest in products that will help keep your children safe and will allow them to have a great time in the water. National Learn How to Swim Day is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness of water safety and to encourage and teach your sweet little ones how to swim and follow water safety rules and practices!
How will you be celebrating National Learn How to Swim Day this year? Don’t forget to mark your calendars – May 20th, 2017! For more ideas on how to celebrate, visit SwimWays here!
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