Baby Safety:
Parents of our babies are encouraged "not to use" inflatable arm bands! Inflatables are responsible for many infant and toddler deaths. Children are oral beings and can puncture an inflatable band. These also encourage a vertical swim position adding frustration to the swimmer when we begin establishing a horizontal body position. As we begin our teaching methods, we want to make our parents aware of the "independent nature" we encourage and it will require a diligent watch as we develop a swimming babe. "Always keep within an arms length of your child."
Toddler Safety:
From the very first day of swimming, your toddler will begin our methods of face down swimming. As they become confident of their skills, they will try to do it all themselves, pushing you away or going the opposite direction from you. At this level, you need to "assist them" rather than "rescue them." Help them learn how to fix the problem rather than avoiding it happening. Example: They get water in their nose. Tell them-"blow your nose, you are fine." Rather than: "Oh, I'm sorry...we'll stop. We're finished today!"
Child Safety:
As a child learns they can stand on the bottom, they will want to walk away from you. They feel as long as they are on tippy toes, they are safe. They like to test fate! We recommend you establish an area they are safe to venture around in and you be within an arm's length of them until they are strong swimmers.
Teen Safety:
The most important safety rule with teens is to understand the danger in their desire to wrestle, splash or push each other in or under the water. The reason most of our adults non-swimmers give is this experience. Avoidance and fear, result of rough play long ago. They rob the innocent spirit when they force one another to the feeling of drowning. (Boys, you violate a girl's trust when you dunk her. The outcome may be the opposite of your intentions. And they never forget who did this to them.)
Adult Safety:
Learning adults need to keep their practice distance short and to a stationary base (wall or steps). Learn how to stand up before venturing on a solo float. When floating to the wall, allow your finger tips and hand to calmly grasp hold, making full contact with the wall, before attempting to stand or lift your head.