Teach Your Child to Swim Successfully in a Doughboy Pool

When summer arrives, will your little ones be ready to swim in your Doughboy® Pool? Learning to swim is not only a fun activity for kids but, also, a valuable life skill that can keep them safe in and around the water. In this blog, we’ll discuss the best practices for when you teach your child to swim.

Pool Safety Is Key

Before we delve into practices for teaching your child to swim, let’s first address the importance of pool safety. It’s crucial that parents take steps to ensure their child’s safety around water. Therefore, we advise you to follow and enforce these rules in your pool environment:

• Always supervise your child when they’re in or around the water. This means being within arm’s reach of your child at all times.
• Teach your child never to enter the pool without adult supervision.
• Make sure your child wears appropriate swim gear (e.g., float vest, life jacket, etc.).
• For recessed pools, install a fence around your pool to prevent unsupervised access. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate.

For more tips on pool safety, refer to our Safety Manual and our 6 Tips for Above-Ground Pool Safety, as well as check with your local municipality for rules and guidelines to follow in your area.

Teach Your Child to Swim

Now that we’ve addressed the importance of pool safety, let’s discuss some key tips for when you teach your child to swim.

Start Early

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children start learning to swim at a young age. In fact, they suggest that children as young as one year old can benefit from swimming lessons. 

Enroll in Swim Lessons

While you can teach your child to swim on your own, enrolling them in swim lessons is a great way to ensure they’re learning proper technique and safety skills. Look for a swim class that’s certified by the American Red Cross or another reputable organization. These classes will have instructors who are trained to teach children of all ages and abilities.

Start with the Basics

When teaching anyone to swim, it’s important to start with the basics. Begin by getting your child comfortable in the water. Encourage them to splash and play while you hold them. Once your child is comfortable, you can start teaching them basic strokes, such as the doggy paddle or freestyle. As your child becomes more confident, you can introduce more advanced strokes.

Use Swim Aids

Swim aids, such as kickboards or floaties, can be great tools for teaching your child to swim. They provide extra buoyancy and support, allowing your child to focus on their movement without worrying about sinking. However, it’s important to note that swim aids should never be used as a substitute for adult supervision. Your child should always be within arm’s reach when they’re in the water, regardless of whether they’re using swim aids.

Stay Consistent

Consistency is key when teaching your child to swim. Make sure to practice regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. This will help your child build confidence and develop their skills more quickly. Additionally, consistency will help your child stay comfortable and familiar with the water.

Learning to Swim in Your Doughboy Pool

With the right approach and a focus on safety, you can teach your child to swim in a way that is rewarding and enjoyable for both you and your little one. So, take the time to make sure your child is comfortable in the water, enroll them in swim lessons, and practice regularly to help them develop their skills. By doing so, provide your child with a valuable life skill that they can use for years to come.

Be sure to ask your local Doughboy dealer about our industry-leading above-ground swimming pool safety program. To get a Doughboy Pool Safety Kit, which includes all safety stickers and decals, the “Read Me First” safety manual, and a safety DVD, email your request to csparts@dbpoolsftlog.mysites.io, and we will send you the kit at no cost to you.