My daughter is now 3.5 years old and is showing signs that she is ready to get rid of her armbands and start swimming on her own. For example she jumps into the deep end all the way (head underwater) and I have started putting very little air in her armbands but she still kicks away. I have tried getting rid of them but she prefers to use them for security.
I was wondering if I should get a swim instructor to help her to be less dependant on her armbands and teach her to swim properly?
When is a good age to start?
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I would say now MdmButterfly - all of my children were swimming by two - it is just a case of her building her confidence - it maybe better to get a swim instructor for her rather than you teach her yourself as she may get on better having someone other than Mum teach her.
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At 3.5 your daughter should be able to independently propel herself and have some basic water safety skills. Letting air out the wings is a good procedure - just let her keep wearing them even if there is nothing in them - then challenge her to remove one, then the other over 2-3 days.
I do suggest you enrol her in swimming classes asap (also becasue it is summer now and you will have to wait another 12 months if you leave until next year)so she develops good habits regarding kicking, and self propulsion - I have done loads of swimming instruction and it is really hard to reteach an older child correct propulsion and breathing techniques after their parents- being well meaning have instructed them the wrong way for a long time.
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They have baby swimming classes at the Hong Kong Football Club, on a Friday I think. You can join the classes even if you are not a member I believe. Why not call them for details.
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Recently contacted the Hong Kong Football Club and in order to do swimming lessons as a non member you have to be with a member and absolutely no domestic helpers. The Cricket Club does them and you do not have to be with a member again no domestic helpers.
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