Swimming for children: All information about swimming courses
Swimming is suitable for children from infancy. But without mom and dad, the little ones only come into contact with the cool water from the age of four at the earliest. Find out here how your offspring can make their seahorse, what the little ones learn from swimming in a club and what equipment children need for swimming.
Why do your children go swimming?
We asked our MomaSquad what sport their child plays and why they would recommend it:
“Our daughter is 5, has riding lessons and is in the swimming club. She loves the swimming club, when she can’t tears flow.”
“Our daughter is now 5 years old (…) and goes swimming once a week (DLRG). She always meets her KiGa friend there and she has a lot of fun.”
“My children swim in a club because they enjoy it.”
“My two children go to the swimming club (DLRG) twice a week, they enjoy it.”
When can children learn to swim?
- Even infants can be taken to baby swimming . Although the little ones don’t learn to swim yet, they do familiarize themselves with the cool water.
- Children learn to swim properly from the age of four at the earliest.
What do children learn while swimming?
Children usually come to club sports through a swimming course. After the little ones have earned the “seahorse badge”, there is the option of staying in the club for swimming training.
In order for your child to learn to swim properly, they need the early swimmer badge, also known as the “seahorse”. In most clubs you can register your offspring from the age of four. In the “seahorse course”, your child will be introduced to the basic movement sequences of swimming bit by bit. In the test, your offspring must then jump off the edge of the pool, swim 25 meters and retrieve an object from shoulder-deep water with their hands. After that, your child can also do the advanced youth swimming badges in bronze, silver and gold.
When swimming in a club, children learn the basic techniques of breaststroke, crawl and backstroke. But also swimming styles like butterfly, also known as dolphin style, are taught to the little ones. To make the most of their strength while swimming, they also have dry-land training and strength and conditioning training.
Costs for swimming training in the swimming course?
The cost of the “Seahorse Badge” varies and ranges from 30 to 65 euros. However, you should inquire in advance whether you will have to pay the entrance fee for the swimming pool or other costs. For later swimming in a club, you should count on a monthly contribution of 60 to 130 euros.
How long do swimming lessons last?
For six to eight-year-old swimmers, you should expect two to three course units of 60 minutes each per week. For eight to eleven year olds, the training sessions increase to around 75 minutes plus one 90 minute dry run per week.
Where are swimming courses offered?
In addition to swimming pools and clubs, the German Life Saving Society (DLRG) also offers beginner courses for children. Maybe someone in your circle of friends can give you a recommendation for a swimming club. Many clubs also have their own website where you can get an overview of current offers and prices. Just ask if you can come to a trial lesson with your offspring. This is how you get a first impression of the swimming pool and the trainers together.
What does my child need to swim?
In principle, your offspring only need the same utensils for swimming that they need for a family trip to the swimming pool, swimming trunks or a bathing suit. In the course of the training, your offspring may need swimming goggles or a bathing cap.
How are children encouraged by swimming?
- Health: Swimming strengthens the arm and back muscles. Among other things, this prevents postural damage in your child.
- Motor skills: Coordinative skills are promoted when swimming through the interplay of arm, leg and breathing movements.
- Cognitive Skills: Swimming teaches children more about their bodies and their capabilities.
- Social skills: By swimming in a club, your offspring makes contact with other children and therefore gains important experience in their communication. In addition, his self-esteem and self-confidence are strengthened.