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Swimming lessons for toddlers and children are perfect during the winter months.

Winter is a great season to swim!

Sure it’s cold! And yes it is a pain to get everyone bundled up to go outside. But it is warm in the gym and especially in the pool area. And the water is at least 85 degrees at Gold’s Gym in Newburgh. Here are some great reasons to keep swimming over the winter at Hudson Valley Swim.:

Safety First

Core skills that children will learn to prepare themselves for a safe swim this Summer include:

  • Pool Entry/Exit – Cannonballs and Jackknives are definitely a fun way to enter the water but they are not always the safest. More so, exiting the water, especially when they are tired using an elbow-elbow-knee-knee technique is critical.
  • Floating on their Backs – One of the most critical skills to learn for times they are tired and can’t summon the strength to continue swimming.
  • Treading Water – Sometimes they will have to wait their turn for the ladder and may not be able to touch bottom.
  • Moving in the Water – Whether it is doggy paddle or freestyle, children need to learn how to move from their current location to one of the walls.
  • Going Under Water – It is important that a child feel comfortable with their face in the water. It reduces the chances of swallowing water and with their head in the water, in line with their body, it helps to keep the legs from lowering into the water.

Burn Energy and Exercise Instead of TV

Your kids say there is nothing to do so they turn on the TV or their XBOX. They have so much energy and nothing to do but be a couch potato because it is cold outside. Swimming is a great winter activity to help with the cabin fever.

Summer Preparation

Winter is the perfect time for swim lessons because it will get your kids prepped and ready for a Summer of pool activity. Learning to swim does not happen overnight. Do you want them to learn over the summer, or do you want them to KNOW over the summer? Common sense says the latter so this means you need to use the fall, winter and spring to train them.

Consistency

If they have been making great strides over the spring and summer, what happens when they take 6 months off? Swimming is a year-round activity. It keeps them healthy and safe but also will advance their skills. Doggy Paddle today and Butterfly stroke tomorrow.

Swim lessons can help prevent drowning.

Drowning is one of the major causes of death among all ages people especially kids and teens. Not to speak of swimming pools, infants or toddlers may drown even in bathtubs or buckets. Approx 1,500 kids and teens die every year in US due to drowning. Most of those departed soul were either having fun of swimming, boating or just playing in or around the water.

However, we all can prevent or diminish the risk of drowning if we be a bit conscious about water safety measures and follow the rules of drowning prevention.

So, what are those safety measures and drowning prevention tips – just have a look:

Adult Supervision:
Adults are strictly advised to be always within the sight and reach of the children when they are in or around the water. It includes, bathtubs, pools, buckets, rivers, lakes, oceans, beaches everything. Besides being in the reach of children, adults are forbidden to use their cell phones also or do any of such activity that may divert their attention while supervising their kids.

Water Safety Training For Adults:
Adults are advised to get themselves trained under water safety training classes. May it not be but if any time your kids get into water hazard while you were supervising them; water safety training may serve as a life saving skill that time.

Four-Sided Pool Fencing:
Researchers have shown that four sided pool fencing can minimize the risk of kids drowning up to 70%. It is so because kids’ drowning is a silent demise. A parent inside the house may not be aware of every single activity of their kids that when they went out the backdoor of the house, slipped into the water and drown quietly. Four-sided pool fencing is designed to avoid such lethal accidents of water due to which children can’t climb over it.

Swimming Lessons:
Last but not the least; make your kids a master of swimming by getting them enrolled under a reputed swimming class. An appropriate swimming lesson will not only perk up their skill and boost up confidence, but also be a great way to protect them from drowning.

These are just a few but the best tips for drowning prevention. A bit of alertness, a pinch of safety measures, a perfect swimming lesson – and you are all done to enjoy the fun of swimming without the fear of drowning.

Private swimming lessons for special needs children.

Swimming for children with special needs is beneficial not only for their physical health, but also to improve their behavioral and mental health. It helps them to obtain good stamina, muscle strength, better behavioral conditioning, body flexibility, better self control and coordination, etc. Moreover, spending time in the water keeps the children relaxed and calm, hence they are motivated to spend more time in the water, which further expands on these benefits. Let’s discuss some points on swimming for children with special needs:

Equipment

Using adaptive equipment can make water activities more beneficial for the kids with special needs. For example, floating mats or life jackets are helpful for kids with motor disorders to help them enjoy the water easily and safely. Some swim caps and swim plugs are available for the kids with tubes in their ears.

Understanding

Not all special needs children need similar activities and training as it depends on the type of disability the child has. Training for some children may include visual cues, some may need verbal instructions, while other children understand better via an instructor demonstration. Often these children are more comfortable and able to learn in pools when there are no environmental disturbances. It is important to provide the environment and lessons according to each child’s requirements.

Attention

Swimming can be a new activity for special needs children and they may be uncomfortable or afraid of it to start off. It is important that their instructor pays attention to the kids and helps them acclimate to the water initially and sometimes even longer. Sometimes, each class should start with a re-acclimation exercise.

Consistency

The activities and training should be done in a constant manner in order to get ever improving results. Irregular routine and frequent changes in teaching methods can affect the motivation and learning process of any child, especially with certain classifications of special needs children.

Safety

As we all know, safety is the first priority in any swimming program and when it comes to special needs children, it is even more important as they may need more care and attention. The most common safety measures include- clean environment and water, small class sizes, experienced instructors and lifeguards, and an emergency plan.

Special needs swim classes are helpful to unlock the potential capabilities in the kids. However, it is essential that a child should be trained by highly skilled and experienced trainer. There are some excellent swimming schools available for children with special needs all over the world, such as Hudson Valley Swim in Orange County, NY and Dutchess County, NY.

Swimming lessons have many benefits to mental and physical health.

Who doesn’t want to look incredibly intriguing and become the center of attraction with a great figure while on the beach?Flaunt your fit frames and great beach body which you have worked hard to get!What is so bad about desiring to look great? And besides looking great, how about feeling great too? Swimming is a great way to work your body and mind and the results give you a sense of self-confidence. What if you are not an accomplished swimmer? Is it too late to learn? Not at all, but you will need to start by learning how to work properly in the water.

Swim Lessons

Swimming a great low impact exercise which provides all the benefits of a good cardiovascular workout.It also works all of your muscles; especially when your form is perfected. Ever wonder why Olympic swimmers look the way they do? Swim lessons will help you streamline your ability to propel through the water. When done right, it takes unnecessary movement out of your stroke making it easier and faster to swim. And guess what? The easier it is, the more you will swim and the greater the benefit to your body structure and your health will be.

Let’s discuss some advantages of joining a swim lesson program:

Drowning Prevention:
This is the obvious one.The swim instructors teach important safety and water survival skills in addition to teaching you how to swim. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among kids which is why both parents and kids need to learn. Being aware of the drowning risk makes swimmers feel more attentive to issues they encounter while in the water and how to survive should they arise.

A Healthy Life:
Swimming can be at the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Whether beginning with youth swimming lessons or adult swimming lessons, by adopting swimming as part of your normal exercise routine, it can benefit you for a lifetime.

Self Confidence:
When you hit the pool several times each week, you start feeling more confident about yourself. Just like any exercise program, you feel refreshed, optimistic and full of energy all the time.

Enhanced Academic Performance:
According to studies, the youth or adult who swims, often sees a boost in academic achievement mental health compared to non-swimmers. There’s a commonality of skills associated with swimming and excelling in school and life. These skills include focused attention, improved stamina, greater perseverance etc.

Beach Bod:
As we all know, safety is the first priority in any When you add swimming to your daily exercise routine, you can’t help but developing great muscle tone and to burn calories. And that amounts to the ever-elusive “beach bod”. And we are not talking about those size 0 models. We are talking about a well toned, low body-fat and healthy body that you feel great about at home and at the beach. And when you look great and feel great, your confidence and happiness improves. The list obviously doesn’t end here. If you or your children join the Youth and Adult Swim Program at Hudson Valley Swim in NY they are likely to get all the physical, mental and health benefits that come along with swimming. So, don’t delay, enroll yourself now!

Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm’s reach to provide active supervision. We know it’s hard to get everything done without a little multitasking, but this is the time to avoid distractions of any kind. If children are near water, then they should be the only thing on your mind. Small children can drown in as little as one inch of water.

When there are several adults present and children are swimming, use a schedule strategy to allot each adult a certain amount of time (such as 30-minute periods) to prevent lapses in supervision. At Hudson Valley Swim, we find this swimming technique to work very well.

For an additional resource on sun and water safety, Love Holidays has published a study on Keeping Your Kids Safe on a Family Holiday. You may find the full guide here.

Start Slow with Babies

You can start introducing your baby to water during bath time. Never leave your baby unattended. But before you add soap and shampoo, put some toys in the water and let them play. Be careful to not get soap or shampoo in the eyes as that can sometimes lead to children that don’t like the water. You can start parent and child lessons at 5-6 months at Hudson Valley Swim.

Educate Your Kids About Swimming Safely

Every child is different, so enroll children in swimming lessons when you feel they are ready. Swimming lessons are a layer of protection but are not a substitute for adult supervision.

Make sure kids swim only in areas designated for swimming. Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. Teach them they should never enter the water unless an adult is present and supervising them. If they are swimming in uncontrolled environments, they need to be aware of uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather. Older, more experienced swimmers should still swim with a partner each time.

Don’t Rely on Swimming Aids

Remember that swimming aids (such as water wings or noodles) are fun toys for kids, but they should never be used in place of a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device. Swimming can also encourage bad body position in the water and provide a false sense of security. Water wings or floaties are easy for children to remove and they may not understand that the floaties are the reason they can float. If you need to have flotation for your children by all means use a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device that is sized properly for your child. At Hudson Valley Swim, we do not use flotation devices except as instructional tools. We do not want the child to depend on aids while they learn to swim as we feel these are crutches that may not be available when they are swimming on their own.

Take the Time to Learn CPR

We know you have a million things to do, but learning CPR should be on the top of the list. It will give you tremendous peace of mind – and the more peace of mind you have as a parent, the better. You can even have your children learn CPR. It’s a skill that will serve them for a lifetime.

Local hospitals, fire departments and town recreation departments offer CPR training.

Take Extra Steps Around Pools

A swimming pool is a ton of fun for you and your kids. Make sure backyard pools have four-sided fencing that’s at least 4 feet high and a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent a child from wandering into the pool area unsupervised. Do NOT prop the gate open!

When using inflatable or portable pools, remember to empty them immediately after use and store them upside down and out of children’s reach.

Install a door alarm, a window alarm or both to alert you if a child wanders into the pool area unsupervised. A dead bolt lock leading to the pool also creates another barrier to a child getting into the pool unnoticed.

Swimming lessons for infants, toddlers, teenagers, and adults.

Know The Signs of Dry Drowning

The terms “dry drowning” and “secondary drowning” (also called submersion injuries) are often used interchangeably — even by some experts — but they’re actually different conditions, says Mark R. Zonfrillo, M.D., MSCE, attending physician in the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

In dry drowning, someone takes in a small amount of water through his or her nose and/or mouth, and it causes a spasm in the airway, causing it to close up. In secondary drowning, the little bit of water gets into the lungs and causes inflammation or swelling that makes it difficult or impossible for the body to transfer oxygen to carbon dioxide and vice versa. Dry drowning usually happens soon after exiting the water, but with secondary drowning, there can be a delay of up to 24 hours before the person shows signs of distress. Both can cause trouble breathing and, in worst-case scenarios, death.

How to spot it?

The good news is, dry drowning or secondary drowning (submersion injury) doesn’t happen out of nowhere. “You’re going to see warning signs,” says Sarah Denny, M.D. a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Injury, Violence & Poison Prevention, and an attending physician in the Section of Emergency Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

No matter your child’s age, be on the lookout for:

  • Water rescue. “Any child pulled from the pool needs medical attention,” says Dr. Berchelmann. “At the very least, call the pediatrician.”
  • Coughing. Persistent coughing or coughing associated with increased work of breathing needs to be evaluated.
  • Increased “work of breathing.” Rapid shallow breathing, nostril flaring, or where you can see between the child’s ribs or the gap above their collarbone when they breathe, means they’re working harder to breathe than normal, says Dr. Denny. This is a sign that you should seek medical help immediately.
  • Sleepiness. Your kid was just excitedly playing in the pool, and now she’s fatigued? It could mean not enough oxygen is getting into to her blood. Don’t put her to bed until her doctor gives you the go-ahead.
  • Forgetfulness or change in behavior. Similarly, a dip in oxygen level could cause your child to feel sick or woozy.
  • Throwing up. “Vomiting is a sign of stress from the body as a result of the inflammation and sometimes a lack of oxygen, also from persistent coughing and gagging,” explains Dr. Berchelmann.

What to do?

Any time you’re concerned about your child and think he could have symptoms of dry or secondary drowning, whether you’re in your backyard pool or on a beach vacation, call the pediatrician right away for advice. Your child’s doctor should be able to talk you through it, says Dr. Berchelmann, and might advise you to go to the ER, a primary care doctor, or a national urgent care center.

But if your child is really struggling to breathe, call 911 and/or head to the emergency room right away. “Necessary treatment may not be available in settings other than the ER,” says Dr. Zonfrillo.

How it’s treated ?

Treatment for submersion injury depends on the severity of the patient’s symptoms, says Dr. Denny. The doctor will check the child’s vital signs, oxygen level, and work of breathing. Patients with more mild symptoms just need careful observation, in more serious cases, the doctor may also do a chest x-ray or give him oxygen. In cases of respiratory failure, or when a child can no longer breath on their own, extra support is needed — such as intubating or putting the child on a ventilator — but that’s very rare. The goal will be to increase blood flow in the lungs and get the child breathing well again.

How to prevent it?

Prevention is the same for dry drowning and secondary drowning as it is for any other kind of drowning:

  • Swim lessons. Kids who are comfortable and skilled at moving around in the water are less likely to go under and take in water. Around ages 3-4 is an age where they are less likely to take on water in normal activity.
  • Supervision. Monitor kids closely in and around the water, and enforce pool safety rules.
  • Water safety measures. Children should wear flotation devices on boats; pools should have four-sided fencing around them; and you should never leave standing water where a child could get into it.

As long as you practice water safety, pay close attention to your kids after swimming, and get them checked out if you notice any signs of trouble breathing, you shouldn’t have to constantly stress about dry drowning or secondary drowning. “I can’t emphasize enough how rare they are,” says Dr. Zonfrillo. Heading into vacation season, that’s welcome news.

Swimmies, also known as arm floaties, are a popular choice for parents who want to ensure their children's safety in the water. These inflatable bands are worn around a child's arms, providing buoyancy and helping them stay afloat. However, while they may seem like a good idea, there are several reasons why using floaties isn't a good idea.

  1. Floaties can create a false sense of security. Parents may assume that their child is safe with floaties on and become less vigilant. However, they are not a substitute for adult supervision. Accidents can still happen, and a child can quickly become overwhelmed in the water, even with floaties on.
  2. Floaties can create bad habits. Children may become reliant on them and not learn how to properly swim. They may also develop a habit of relying solely on their arms for buoyancy, which can hinder their ability to properly kick and develop proper swimming techniques.
  3. A child can forget they are not wearing their floaties and jump in the water. Without survival or swimming skills, a child may be vulnerable.
  4. They can be uncomfortable and restrict movement. They can rub against a child's skin and cause irritation, and they can also make it difficult for a child to move their arms freely.

Floaties may seem like a good idea for children who are learning to swim, but they can create a false sense of security, promote bad habits, be dangerous in certain situations, and be uncomfortable and restrict movement. Instead of relying solely on floaties, parents should ensure that their children receive proper swimming instruction and always supervise their children in the water. With the proper precautions and guidance, children can develop proper swimming skills and stay safe in the water.

We teach lessons for all ages and abilities and help students become confident and safe in the water. Swim Lessons Save Lives! Find a location near you: https://hvswim.com/

Swimming pools are a great way to cool off and have fun during the summer months, but it's important to remember that they can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Water safety in pools is an essential aspect of pool ownership and operation, and it's critical to ensure that everyone who owns a pool is aware of the potential hazards and how to avoid them.

Here are some essential tips for maintaining water safety in pools:

Water safety in pools is a critical aspect of pool ownership and operation. By following these essential tips, you can help to ensure that everyone who uses the pool stays safe and has a fun, enjoyable experience. Remember, always prioritize safety first and foremost, and never let anyone swim in the pool without proper supervision and precautionary measures in place.

We teach lessons for all ages and abilities and help students become confident and safe in the water. Swim Lessons Save Lives! Find a location near you: https://hvswim.com/

Swimming is a wonderful activity that many enjoy, especially in the warmer months. Whether you're taking a dip in the pool, swimming in the ocean, or enjoying a serene lake, it's essential to prioritize safety while in the water. By following a few important tips, you can ensure that your swimming experience remains safe and enjoyable.

By learning to swim, swimming in designated areas, being aware of water conditions, practicing sun safety, and staying hydrated, you can make your swimming experience both enjoyable and safe. Remember to swim with a buddy, be cautious of diving, know your limits, and stay alert while in the water.

Find a swimming location near you.

Swimming is not only a fun and refreshing activity but also an excellent way to stay fit and healthy. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced swimmer, mastering essential swimming techniques is crucial to improve your efficiency, speed, and overall performance in the water. By incorporating techniques into your swimming routine, you can enhance your skills and enjoy the water to the fullest during the summer months.

  1. Freestyle (Front Crawl): Freestyle, also known as the front crawl, is the most commonly used swimming stroke. It is a dynamic stroke that involves rhythmic arm movements, a continuous flutter kick, and controlled breathing. Mastering the freestyle technique will not only help you swim efficiently but also increase endurance.
  2. Backstroke: The backstroke is swum on the back, with the arms moving alternatingly and the legs kicking in a flutter kick style. This technique requires coordination and balance, as well as the ability to navigate without seeing where you're going. Backstroke is an excellent stroke for relaxation and recovery during longer swims.
  3. Breaststroke: Breaststroke is a slower-paced stroke that involves a simultaneous arm movement followed by a powerful leg kick. It requires coordination between the arms, legs, and breathing. Mastering the breaststroke technique can help you build strength and endurance while maintaining an efficient swimming posture.
  4. Butterfly: The butterfly stroke is a challenging yet powerful swimming technique. It involves simultaneous arm movements, an undulating body motion, and a dolphin kick. Butterfly requires strength, flexibility, and coordination. While it may take time to perfect, mastering the butterfly stroke can significantly improve your overall swimming performance.
  5. Streamline Position: The streamline position is a fundamental technique used in all swimming strokes. It involves aligning your body in a straight line, stretching your arms overhead, and squeezing your ears with your biceps. Maintaining a streamlined position reduces drag in the water, allowing you to swim faster and more efficiently.
  6. Bilateral Breathing: Bilateral breathing refers to breathing on both sides during freestyle swimming. It helps balance the muscles used for breathing and promotes a symmetrical stroke technique. Mastering bilateral breathing improves your awareness in the water, enhances your endurance, and enables better navigation while swimming in open water.
  7. Flip Turns: Flip turns are essential for efficient swimming in the pool. A well-executed flip turn allows you to maintain your speed and momentum during lap swimming. The key is to approach the wall with a strong push, perform a quick somersault, and push off the wall with explosive power. Practice flip turns to optimize your lap swimming experience.
  8. Open Water Techniques: If you enjoy swimming in open water, it's crucial to master a few specific techniques. These include sighting (lifting your head to navigate and spot landmarks), drafting (swimming closely behind another swimmer to reduce resistance), and adapting to unpredictable water conditions. Open water techniques will improve your confidence and safety during outdoor swimming adventures.
  9. Treading Water: Treading water is an essential skill for swimmers of all levels. It involves staying afloat in an upright position by using a combination of arm and leg movements. Mastering this technique is vital for resting, regaining energy, or waiting for assistance in the water. Practice treading water to build endurance and enhance your water safety skills.
  10. Underwater Dolphin Kicking: Underwater dolphin kicking is a powerful technique used in competitive swimming. It involves a wave-like motion generated from the hips, which propels the swimmer forward underwater. Mastering this technique allows you to maintain speed and momentum after each turn.

Summer is the perfect time to dive into the water and embrace the refreshing world of swimming.

We teach swimming lessons to students of all ages and abilities from 6 mo. to adults in group or private classes.

Find a swimming location near you

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Fall Swim Session is Underway!

Now is the perfect time to build confidence and water safety skills.

August 16 – October 24
Weekly 30-minute lessons
Ages 4 months through adults
Beginner to Advanced

Limited spots remain. Enroll today and reserve your swimmer's place!

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