From fear to fun: Coach shares tips to make summer swimming a splash!

TDT | Manama     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Report by Zahra Ayaz

Summer is here, and children across the nation are eagerly anticipating the joy of swimming and playing games in the water. However, for some children, the thought of learning to swim can be intimidating.

Renowned coach Norhan Tarek, from Nano swimming academy, shares valuable insights to The Daily Tribune on how to help children overcome their fear of water while making swimming lessons enjoyable.

“Children love summer because it’s the time where they swim and play games like diving for treasure, sharks and numbers, and shapes,” says Coach Tarek, highlighting the excitement children associate with swimming during the summer months.

Acknowledging children’s fears is the first step in helping them conquer their anxieties, according to Tarek.

“Try not to dismiss your child’s fear as irrational and thus unimportant,” she advises. “Some children are intimidated by starting right away with full submersion. Instead, ease them into the water with fun, confidence-boosting games.”

To ease children into the water, Tarek suggests starting with confidence-boosting games. Overcoming a fear of water takes time.

It’s better to slowly increase their exposure to water and make it enjoyable with games and fun lessons.

Fear to fun

“If the child encounters difficulties during a lesson, singing songs can be a great distraction.

Kids love music and songs, and singing together can be very soothing and diverting for a child.

Choose tunes that they love, anything from ‘Row Your Boat’ to ‘ABCs.’ It can help shift the focus from fear to fun. “A great starting point is to teach kids how to blow bubbles.

Not only is it enjoyable, but it also teaches them that blowing bubbles prevents water from going up their nose,” she added. Tarek emphasises the importance of patience when overcoming a fear of water.

“It’s never a good idea to rush your child, or worse, force them to do something they are truly frightened of,” she cautions. “If your child has a meltdown or gets disinterested, allow them to take a break.

Get out, have a snack, or play a game on dry land.”

While swimming is a funfilled summer activity, safety should never be overlooked.

Safety measures

Tarek shares essential safety measures for children swimming in pools or at the beach. “Never go to the pool or swim in the ocean without telling an adult,” she advises.

“Don’t run next to the pool, wear safety equipment or flotation devices, and alert an adult immediately if you see a friend fall into the pool or swim in a deeper side of the ocean. “Don’t try to save them yourself. lastly, friends do pranks with each other, but never push a friend into the water.”

As summer approaches, let us embrace the joy of swimming while ensuring a safe and empowering experience for children. Remember, a little splash of encouragement can go a long way in transforming fear into triumph!