Goggles are an excellent tool for learning to swim. However, a child with a goggle dependence can be dangerous for their safety around water.
We have had countless students join our program who have only swam with goggles. If a child falls in the water unexpectedly, they will not have the crutch of the goggles to help them to safety. For children who are dependent on the security of clear vision, this can be a panic inducing and disorienting experience, even for the most adept swimmers.
While you are swimming at home, there are some things you can do to ensure your child’s safety and decrease their dependence on goggles while having fun.
- Allow your child to swim with goggles after 15 minutes of playtime without goggles. Encourage your child to open their eyes under water. Balanced chemicals will not cause damage to their eyes and your child will be safer knowing not to panic in case they are in a situation where they are not wearing goggles, or their goggles leak or fall off.
- Always perform safety skills without goggles. Floaties kids know their safety circles, crabwalks to safety, and backfloats.
- Use goggles as a reward system. Encourage your child to switch back and forth between wearing goggles and playing without them.
We know that everyone, especially parents, are under a inordinate amount of stress. Homeschooling, balancing working with family needs, and a new reality at home can make the pool a wonderful saving grace during these warm spring days. Follow along with us on Instagram and share your child’s skills using #FloatiesInTheWild and tag us @floatiesswimschool.
If you are having trouble breaking the goggle dependence, don’t worry! Swimming is supposed to be fun, and these skills take time to learn. Feel free to reach out to us for more tips and tricks to ensure your child’s safety in and around pools.
#safetyskills #floatiesswimschool #NDPA #drowningprevention #safeswimming #NotONEmoredrowning #swimlessonssavelives
