How To Teach Infant Swimming Lessons

By keeping some basic guidelines in mind, you can learn about how to teach infant swimming lessons. While teaching infant swimming lessons can, at times, be quite challenging, it is crucial when trying to get infants comfortable with water. Swimming is not only a great form of exercise, but can actually help the infant develop musclular strength.

1. Learn infant CPR. Learning and understand how to respond in case of an emergency situation is essential when it comes to teaching infant swimming lessons. Consult with medical organizations in your community. Chances are that one of these facilities will offer infant first aid and CPR courses at a low or reduced rate.
2. Learn how to hold an infant in the water. Start by holding the infant on its back in the water, with on hand supporting the back, and the other supporting the head and neck. Move the infant around slowly in the water, allowing him or her to get familiar with the surrounding. After a period of time, start to slowly remove the support that you provide the infant. Ideally, at some point, he or she should be able to float on their backs, at least for a short period of time.
3. Stay close to the infant. Infants who are brand new to swimming may be very frightened at first. It is important that you, or at least another trusted professional, is within reach of the infant at all times.
4. Start slowly. Don't put pressure on the infant to swim on the first attempt. Go slowly, and gradually provide less and less assistance at each practice.