The Social Benefits of Swim Lessons

While swimming is a very important life-saving skill, it's also a fantastic way to foster social interaction and build meaningful connections. In this blog, we'll dive into the social benefits of swim lessons and explore how they contribute to personal development, confidence building, and social bonding.

1. Enhancing Social Skills: Swim lessons provide an excellent environment for individuals of all ages to develop and enhance their social skills. Participants interact with instructors, peers, and fellow swimmers, learning how to communicate effectively, collaborate, and work as a team. These social interactions contribute to improved confidence and a sense of belonging in a group setting.

2. Building Confidence and Self-Esteem: Learning to swim and mastering new swimming techniques can significantly boost confidence and self-esteem. As individuals progress in their swim lessons and achieve milestones, they gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. This newfound confidence often extends beyond the pool, positively impacting other areas of their lives.

3. Promoting Social Bonding and Friendships: Swim lessons provide a social platform for individuals to connect with others who share a common interest in swimming and water activities. Participants often form friendships and social bonds with fellow swimmers, creating a supportive and encouraging community. These social connections contribute to a sense of belonging and can lead to lifelong friendships.

4. Developing Safety Awareness and Responsibility: In addition to social and physical benefits, swim lessons also emphasize water safety awareness and responsible behavior around water. Participants learn essential safety skills, such as treading water, and recognizing hazards in aquatic environments. This knowledge not only keeps them safe in and around water but also instills a sense of responsibility towards themselves and others.

By embracing the social aspects of swim lessons, participants can not only become proficient swimmers but also develop valuable life skills and enjoy a sense of connection and community in the water. So, dive in, make new friends, and enjoy the journey of social growth and development in swim lessons! We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Why Swimming Lessons Are Good for Kids – Even After They Can Swim a Full Length of the Pool

Swimming lessons offer a multitude of benefits for children that can be enjoyed and used throughout a lifetime. We believe that swimming lessons’ benefits go further than simply learning to swim. While it’s great that your child can swim a full length of the pool, continuing with their classes is the best way to ensure they truly master the skill and get all the benefits that come with it. Here's why continuing lessons is a great idea:

1. Water Safety Skills: While being able to swim a length is an important milestone, ongoing lessons reinforce crucial water safety skills. Children learn how to tread water effectively, swim in various conditions (such as rough water or currents), and how to react calmly and appropriately in emergencies. These skills are essential for keeping safe in and around water throughout their lives.

2. Stroke Refinement: After mastering the basics, ongoing lessons help children refine their swimming strokes. This not only improves their efficiency in the water but also enhances their technique. Better technique can lead to improved performance in competitive swimming or other water-related activities.

3. Building Endurance: Regular swimming lessons help build endurance and stamina. Swimming is a full-body workout that engages all the major muscle groups, making it an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise. Building endurance not only improves swimming abilities but also contributes to overall health and fitness.

4. Confidence Building: Consistent practice and improvement in swimming can greatly boost a child's confidence and self-esteem. Overcoming challenges and setting and achieving goals in swimming can translate to increased confidence in other areas of life as well.

5. Social Skills: Swimming lessons provide a structured environment for children to interact with peers and instructors. This helps them develop social skills such as communication, teamwork, and cooperation. It also provides opportunities to make new friends who share similar interests.

6. Lifelong Skill: Swimming is a skill that can be enjoyed throughout life. Continuing lessons allows children to maintain and improve their swimming abilities as they grow older. It's a valuable life skill that can be used for recreation, fitness, and potentially even lifesaving situations.

In conclusion, swimming lessons offer a wide range of benefits that extend far beyond just learning to swim a length of the pool. They provide important life skills, improve physical fitness, boost confidence and social skills. Continuing lessons is a valuable investment in a child's development and safety. We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

How Swimming Can Help Your Child Have a Great School Year

As parents, we are always looking for ways to support our children's overall well-being and academic success. While traditional activities like studying and homework are crucial, incorporating extracurricular activities can play a significant role in enhancing your child's school experience. One such activity that often goes underestimated is swimming. In this blog, we'll explore the various ways in which swimming can contribute to your child's success during the school year.

1. Physical Fitness and Mental Health: Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that not only improves cardiovascular health but also enhances overall physical fitness. Engaging in regular physical activity has been linked to improved cognitive function and mental well-being. By incorporating swimming into your child's routine, you can help them maintain a healthy balance between academics and physical fitness, ensuring they have the energy and stamina needed to excel in their studies.

2. Stress Reduction: The school year can be a stressful time for children, with the pressure of assignments, exams, and social interactions. Swimming is known to be a great stress reliever. The rhythmic movements and buoyancy of water create a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. A child who swims regularly is likely to approach academic challenges with a more focused and positive mindset.

3. Time Management Skills: Swimming lessons and practice sessions require commitment and time management. By scheduling regular swimming sessions, your child learns the importance of balancing their time effectively. This skill is transferable to their academic responsibilities, helping them prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain a well-rounded schedule.

4. Social Skills and Teamwork: Participating in swimming lessons provides children with the opportunity to interact with their peers outside the classroom. Socializing in a different setting helps improve communication skills and fosters teamwork. These social skills are invaluable for building friendships, navigating group projects, and collaborating with classmates during the school year.

5. Improved Concentration: Swimming demands focus and concentration to perfect techniques and achieve goals. This ability to concentrate transfers to the classroom, enhancing your child's attention span and study habits. Improved concentration leads to better understanding and retention of academic material, ultimately contributing to academic success.

While academic achievement is undoubtedly crucial, a holistic approach to your child's development involves considering their physical and mental well-being. Swimming is a versatile activity that not only promotes physical fitness but also nurtures valuable life skills. By incorporating swimming into your child's routine, you're not just encouraging a healthy lifestyle – you're providing them with the tools they need to have a great school year and beyond. So, grab those swim goggles and dive into a year of academic success and well-being for your child!

We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Benefits Of Small Group Lessons

Small group lessons can have many benefits on students. At Swim Fins, we have a maximum of 5 kids per class to ensure our students get the most from their lessons! Small group swimming lessons offer several benefits compared to larger group or individual sessions:

1. Personalized Attention: In a small group, the instructor can focus more on each swimmer, offering personalized feedback and guidance, which might not be as feasible in a larger group.

2. Increased Interaction: Participants can interact more closely, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. This interaction can sometimes lead to faster skill development as swimmers motivate and learn from one another.

3. Improved Confidence: With a smaller, more intimate setting, swimmers might feel less intimidated and more comfortable practicing and trying new techniques. This increased confidence can accelerate their learning curve.

4. Tailored Instruction: Instructors can tailor their teaching methods to suit the group's collective skill level, ensuring that each participant receives appropriate guidance while progressing at their own pace.

5. Safety and Supervision: In a smaller group, instructors can more easily monitor all participants, ensuring their safety in the water and providing immediate assistance if needed.

6. Cost-Effective: While still benefiting from more personalized attention than in larger groups, small group lessons can often be more cost-effective than one-on-one sessions.

7. Motivation and Fun: The camaraderie in a small group setting can make swimming lessons more enjoyable and motivating. It can create a sense of teamwork and fun, encouraging participants to attend regularly and stay committed to learning.

Overall, small group swimming lessons can provide a balance between individual attention and social interaction, making the learning experience more engaging and effective for many swimmers.

We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

How to Keep your Child Motivated to Stay in Swim Lessons

With drowning still being the leading cause of death for children under 14 in Canada, it’s vital that parents find a way to encourage their swimmers to stick through classes. 

While our coaches are well equipped to adapt to your child’s learning style where some children require more structure when learning, whereas others require learning to feel like a game (even though they’re still learning), parents play a vital role in keeping that motivation going. Here at Swim Fins, we often get parents asking how they can get their children excited for their swimming lessons so we’ve compiled some pieces of advice we’ve found helpful to some parents:

1. Find out why. Ask your child why they don’t want to attend lessons anymore. Maybe they miss having their best friend in lessons with them like last session? Maybe they’re unhappy with the way their swimwear fits. Finding out why your child is losing interest is the first step in finding a way to motivate them to attend lessons.

2. Ask positive questions after your child’s lesson. Asking questions like “Wasn’t it fun how your coach had you dive for rings?” instead of “Was your lesson fun today?” can help lead your child to look for the positive sides to their lessons. This can help them develop a positive relationship with the water and swimming.

3. Brainstorm a goal or challenge for them to work towards in their lessons. Children often feel more motivated to complete lessons when they have a goal or outcome they can work towards. Whether it be swimming a certain distance unassisted or learning a specific swimming technique, having a tangible but achievable goal will help your child build motivation to attend their lessons.

4. Let them have fun! Although swimming lessons are a place for learning, there’s always room for a little fun and games during the lesson. 

5. Come up with a fun post swimming activity together! After your child’s lesson, plan a quick but rewarding activity for you and your child like getting hot chocolate on the way home or making a quick stop to pick up a snack. The positive activity can reinforce the positive feelings that come from attending swim lessons.

We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Why Swim All Year?

Do you think swim lessons are reserved only for the warm weather?  Think again!

It’s a common misconception that you should stop swimming in the colder months. But swimming isn’t just reserved for Summer! All of our lessons take place in indoor heated swimming pools (around 84-86 Farenheit) so there’s no reason to quit. Take a break from the cold and come improve your skills! Here are a few benefits of continuing swim lessons year-round:

1. Safety: Teaching children to swim is a crucial life skill that can save lives. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in children, and year-round lessons can help ensure kids are proficient swimmers, reducing the risk of water-related accidents.

2. Skill development: Consistent practice helps kids build and maintain their swimming skills. Continuous exposure to the water can lead to improved technique, stamina, and confidence in the water.

3. All-season preparedness: Enrolling in year-round swimming lessons means that children will be comfortable in the water no matter the season. They won't need to reacquaint themselves with swimming skills after a long break, which is especially valuable in emergency situations.

4. Physical fitness: Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that promotes cardiovascular fitness, strength, and flexibility. Regular swimming can help children maintain a healthy level of physical fitness throughout the year.

5. Social interaction: Swimming lessons often involve group classes, allowing kids to interact with peers and make new friends. This can improve their social skills and provide a sense of community.

6. Water comfort: Consistent exposure to the water can help children become more comfortable in aquatic environments, reducing anxiety around swimming and promoting a sense of ease in various water-related situations.

Learning how to swim not only ensures your child’s basic safety in the water, but also helps them stay healthy and feel more confident about their swimming skills. Our Winter swimming lessons schedule is online for you to start planning. https://www.swimfins.ca/register

We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! www.swimfins.ca. Come swim with Swim Fins!

Sick Children and Swim Lessons: When to Stay Home

When it comes to sick children and swimming lessons, it's important to prioritize their health and the health of others in the swimming facility. As the seasons change and temperatures drop, common colds and flu are at an all time high. Swimming while sick can be risky and potentially can spread illness to others. Here are some guidelines to consider:

1. Fever: If your child has a fever, keep them home from swim lessons. A fever is a sign that the body is fighting off an infection, and swimming can put additional stress on the body. We recommend staying away until the fever has subsided for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.

2. Contagious Illness: If your child has a contagious illness, such as the flu or a stomach virus, it's important to keep them away from swim lessons until they are no longer contagious. This not only helps prevent the spread of illness to others but also allows your child to rest and recover.

3. Respiratory Infections: If your child has a respiratory infection, like a cold or bronchitis, swimming may not be the best idea. Chlorine in pool water can irritate the airways, making it harder to breathe. Additionally, your child may not have the energy to participate fully in the lesson.

4. Skin Infections: If your child has a skin infection, such as impetigo or a fungal infection, it's essential to keep them out of the pool until the infection has cleared. Swimming can exacerbate skin conditions and potentially spread them to others.

5. Diarrhea: If your child has diarrhea, it's crucial to keep them out of the pool to prevent the contamination of the water with fecal matter, which can lead to waterborne illnesses.

6. Ear Infections: If your child has an ear infection, it's generally best to avoid swimming until the infection has cleared. Water in the ear can exacerbate the pain and discomfort associated with ear infections.

7. General Fatigue and Weakness: Even if your child doesn't have a specific illness, if they are feeling very fatigued, weak, or unwell, it's advisable to skip swim lessons. Swimming requires physical exertion, and it's essential that your child has the energy and strength to participate safely.

Always consult with your child's healthcare provider if you are unsure whether they should attend swim lessons while sick. Ultimately, the health and well-being of your child and others should be the top priority.

We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! www.swimfins.ca

How to Become a Swim Fins Coach

Wherever there is an athlete, there is an instructor. 

1. Why Be A Swim Instructor:

Becoming a swim instructor can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice for several reasons:

• Promote Water Safety: As a swim instructor, you have the opportunity to teach individuals of all ages how to swim, which is a crucial life skill. You help prevent drowning incidents by imparting water safety knowledge and skills.

• Make a Positive Impact: Teaching someone to swim can be a life-changing experience. You may help individuals overcome their fears, gain confidence in the water, and improve their physical fitness. Knowing you've played a part in someone's personal growth and safety can be immensely gratifying.

• Flexibility: Many swim instructors have flexible schedules, allowing them to work part-time, full-time, or seasonally. This flexibility can be advantageous for those with other commitments, such as students, parents, or people pursuing other interests.

2. Why work for Swim Fins?

Some of our current coaches shared some reasons why they love working for Swim Fins:

• Competitive wages ($25 -$30 per hour).

• 30+ hours of paid training.

• Small, family business where you feel appreciated.

• Ready-made lesson plans are provided by our Head Coach that have been tried and tested.

• Flexible scheduling of shifts that work around school schedules and volunteering. 

• Multiple locations to work at, across the Lower Mainland: White Rock, Cloverdale, Walnut Grove, Richmond, and Abbotsford.

3. The Certification Process

The process of becoming a certified swim instructor can start as young as 13 years old with only a few prerequisites and some hard work. Let's explore the journey to becoming a certified swim coach! See diagram below.

1. The first step (we recommend) to becoming certified is completing the Canadian Swim Patrol. After you’ve completed the Canadian Swim Patrol to their highest levels (Star Patrol) you can then do your Bronze Star which develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skills and personal fitness. 

2. Completing that moves you through the Bronze exams, which is the next step: completing your Bronze Medallion. This course works your judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness – the four components of water rescue. 

3. Once passing that exam, you can do your Bronze Cross which begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as lifeguards. 

4. After this point, there are many different paths, careers, and opportunities for you! Any future jobs will see these accomplishments as a large amount of skill and responsibility. 

To teach with us at Swim Fins we also need you certified in your NL, SI, and SFA.

• NL - National Lifeguard is your lifeguarding certification. This means that you are able to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.

• SI - Swim for Life Instructor is your certification, so you can effectively teach the Lifesaving Society’s Learn to Swim program properly with the tools given.  

• SFA - Standard First Aid and CPR-C is your most commonly used certification for how to properly respond to emergency situations. 

All these certifications are required to be current and recertified when expired so that you have the most up to date knowledge possible. If you have any questions about certifications, please don’t hesitate to contact us, or the Lifesaving Society. 

https://www.swimfins.ca/instructor-application-form 

The Importance of a Water Watcher!

Water-related activities bring joy, relaxation, and cherished memories to families and friends. However, amidst all the excitement, it's crucial to remember that water can also pose potential dangers, especially for young children and inexperienced swimmers.

1. The Role of a Water Watcher

A Water Watcher is a responsible adult designated to actively supervise and focus solely on the individuals in or near the water. Their primary duty is to keep a close eye on swimmers, especially children, to prevent accidents and respond swiftly in case of emergencies. The Water Watcher's role is critical when children are swimming, playing, or even just splashing around in a pool, lake, or any other body of water.

2. The Importance of Active Supervision

Active supervision is more than just keeping a passive eye on swimmers from a distance. It involves being close enough to reach the individuals in the water, maintaining constant visual contact, and avoiding distractions that could divert attention away from the task at hand. A Water Watcher should refrain from using cell phones, reading, or engaging in any activities that could compromise their focus on the water.

3. Rotating the Water Watcher Responsibility

Water Watcher duties should be rotated among adults to ensure everyone gets an opportunity to enjoy the water without distractions. Rotating the role every 15-20 minutes keeps the Water Watcher attentive and prevents fatigue, ensuring optimal vigilance at all times.

4. Educating Water Watchers

Before assuming the role of a Water Watcher, it's essential to educate them about water safety practices, potential hazards, such as double drowning, and emergency response procedures. They should be familiar with the location of safety equipment such as lifebuoys and rescue equipment and know how to use them if needed.

5. Communication with Swimmers

A Water Watcher should establish clear communication with swimmers, especially children, before entering the water. Set boundaries and rules for water activities, such as hands to yourself, and ensure everyone understands and follows them. Encourage swimmers to ask for permission before going near the water and to report any unsafe behavior or situations.

6. Emergency Preparedness

Despite precautions, emergencies can still happen. A Water Watcher should be prepared to act swiftly and appropriately if an incident occurs. Knowing CPR and basic water rescue techniques is invaluable for a Water Watcher, as they can make a life-saving difference in critical situations.

The role of a Water Watcher is an essential and lifesaving responsibility for ensuring water safety. By actively supervising swimmers and being fully attentive to their surroundings, a Water Watcher plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and providing a rapid response in emergencies. 

We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! www.swimfins.ca. Register here: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

4 Steps To Becoming a Better Swimmer

1. Believe in Yourself
Believing in yourself is the most important part of becoming a better swimmer. Make sure your child is enrolled in a swim school that believes everyone has the ability to learn how to swim or become a better swimmer. A good swim school will make swimming lessons comfortable and fun for your child. 

2. Be Part of A Swimming Family
Swimming can be intimidating at first for children. Being part of a swim family with instructors who love what they teach, and want to help every child to learn how to swim makes a huge difference to your child advancing their swimming abilities. Swim instructors should help your kids to adapt to the water before they ever begin learning swimming strokes.

3. Set Swimming Goals
Like any other sport or activity, setting goals is a good idea for your kids to work towards. Setting goals helps to keep your child motivated during their swim classes. Celebrating every victory will encourage your kids to keep pushing themselves to excel in swimming.

4. Learn to Relax
Learning to relax sounds simple until you’re actually in the water. Teach your kids to never fight the water and to relax while they’re swimming. A good swim instructor should make learning to swim comfortable.

Practice, practice, practice! Becoming a better swimmer takes practice but the time and dedication will pay off when perfecting this skill for life. Our program runs year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! www.swimfins.ca. Register here: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Safety Tips for Drowning Prevention Month

Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children aged 1-14, and children aged 1-4 are at the highest risk in their own backyard pools. While it is not the most comfortable topic to discuss, learning how to keep your children safe around water is a crucial conversation that every parent or caretaker needs to have. Being water safe is a major part of our mission here at Swim Fins and with Summer in full swing, more families will be visiting the local pool or body of water and it is a good time to reevaluate your water safety practices.

1. Always Stay Within An Arm’s Reach

Kids need to stay within arms reach and need constant supervision. Always know where children are. Never leave a child unattended in or near water in a pool, tub, lake, river, canal or ocean, even when lifeguards are present. Be aware of potential dangers in all environments. Instruct babysitters and caregivers about potential pool hazards and emphasize the need for constant supervision of children. Even when your kids are able to swim long distances you should always keep them in sight as kids of all ages can get stuck underwater, grow tired, get held underwater and start panicking. 

2. Stop Looking At Your Phone

Be alert. Take a break from your phone.The same goes for iPads, laptops, and any other electronics you might bring to kill time by the poolside or beach. It only takes a few seconds for your child to become submerged. Making sure that you are not distracted helps prevent any accidents that could be prevented by attentive supervision. 

3. Educate Yourself

Having the ability to do CPR and rescue breathing is an essential life skill for everyone, but it is especially important for those living in homes with pools. Ensure that babysitters have current CPR training and certification. CPR training and certification should be refreshed every one to two years. Pool owners and operators should enroll in a local water safety course that teaches proper rescue techniques. Keep a life-saving ring and shepherd’s hook at the poolside. CPR instructions should be posted poolside. Know how to use the rescue equipment and perform CPR.

4. Teach Them The Basic Water Safety Rules

To keep it simple, stick to these basic water safety rules:

• No running by the pool

• No pushing people in

• Hands to yourself

• No swimming without adult supervision

• No diving in the shallow end

5. Enroll Your Kids In Swimming Lessons 

Swimming is a fundamental life skill that should be taught to children as early as possible in order to prevent accidents in the water. Enrolling your children in swimming lessons while they are young is crucial to developing the necessary water safety habits and swimming skills that could potentially save their lives one day. 

For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

How Swimming Can Help Your Child Thrive

Hey parents, did you know that swimming can be a great way to boost your little one’s confidence and self-esteem? Most parents know that swimming offers physical fitness but at Swim Fins we believe that swim lessons are more than just a fun after-school activity! Here’s some ways swimming lessons work their magic to nurture self-confidence & give your little ones a solid foundation in life.

1. Social Confidence

No matter what path your child takes in life, social skills are key to success. A child who grew up with opportunities to nurture their social skills undoubtedly will have a leg up in every part of their life. The best part is that these opportunities can come in the form of swim lessons - and we’re not just saying this, there’s science to back us up! 

A study by Dr Liselott and her colleagues reported that children who were in swim classes between the ages of 4 months to 4 years not only had better self-confidence & were more independent than non-swimmers, but they were better adapted to new situations as well. Part of this could be due to the way swim classes are generally run. At Swim Fins, our swimmers are encouraged to take turns, practice sharing, and support and encourage their peers in classes. All of these practices have been credited with building a strong sense of belonging which in turn strengthens self-esteem in children. At Swim Fins, we teach our swimmers to set swim goals in their lessons and feel proud when they master a new skill. Feeling pride in their abilities boosts self-confidence and encourages children to seek out new challenges and inspires confidence in themselves which in turn, gives them more opportunities to learn and grow!

2. Cognitive Confidence

Swim lessons have also been linked to boosting the development of your little one’s brain. When children participate in swim lessons, they’re engaging in activities that stimulate their brains and enhance their cognitive abilities. 

In 2012, a study by Griffith University (Australia) found that children under 5 who were in swim lessons achieved developmental milestones earlier than their non-swimming peers. The researchers also found that the ‘swimming children’ also scored better at visual-motor skills (such as drawing lines and shapes & cutting paper) as well as in mathematical & language skills. At Swim Fins, our coaches create a learning environment that combines the use of listening and following directions, body awareness, coordination and rhythm - all of which promote the development of neural connections in the brain. On top of that, by having to follow instructions, learn and combine new techniques and adapt to different water environments, our swimmers stimulate their memory, problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility which is a skill that definitely extends far beyond the pool.

To sum it up, swimming lessons aren’t just beneficial for learning a life-saving skill. By overcoming fears, achieving goals and socializing with peers, children are gaining valuable life skills that can carry over to their academics and in their personal lives. The key, as always, is consistency. At Swim Fins, we believe that practice makes progress which is why we offer swim lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

The Science of Learning Swimming As A New Skill

One of the secrets behind the Swim Fins Program, designed by our owner, is that our coaches are taught how to recognize the different learning styles of each student and how to adapt their swimming program to fit the learning style that works best for their students. By adjusting the method of teaching to each student’s needs, their chances of improving and retaining what they learn increase by leaps and bounds.

At Swim Fins, we categorize swimmers into 3 main learning styles - visual, auditory and kinesthetic. While each person inevitably uses a combination of all three in different situations, in our experience, most children learning how to swim tend to favor one of the three learning styles over the others.

Visual Learners

You know you have a visual learner when they seem to pick up new material after watching someone demonstrate what they need to do. Visual learners tend to have very good observational skills and tend to think in terms of images. 

Here are some ways our coaches can identify visual learners:

• They tend to not want to go first.

• They want to see a demonstration before they try the new skill for themselves.

• They remember what they read instead of what they hear.

• They learn well by looking at visual aids (such as illustrations, pictures, videos, notes, or charts).

• They appear to not understand verbal instructions as well as visual instructions.

• They do better with visual cues and reminders instead of verbal cues and reminders.

Auditory Learners

Auditory learners learn best by engaging their sense of hearing. Explaining concepts clearly to them is the best way to get them to understand and remember what they’re being taught. Auditory learners tend to have good listening skills and learn best by listening and verbally engaging with their peers and instructors. 

Here are some ways our coaches can identify auditory learners:

• They tend to talk to themselves while learning something new.

• They tend to ask a lot of questions.

• They enjoy having discussions.

• They may have trouble with written instructions.

• They may be talkative with peers and instructors.

• They often repeat back new instructions.

Kinesthetic learners

Kinesthetic learners “learn by doing”. They are able to understand and remember new material by trying the activity or skill themselves instead of listening or watching it be done. Kinesthetic learners tend to develop good muscle memory. Kinesthetic learners tend to appear like they aren’t paying attention to verbal or visual instructions and seem antsy to try the new skill themselves before you’re even done explaining how to do it! The saying “practice makes perfect” really applies best to this kind of learner. 

Here are some ways our coaches can identify kinesthetic learners:

• They might “talk with their hands” a lot.

• They appear to not be paying attention to demonstrations or verbal instructions.

• They may be constantly fidgeting or have trouble staying still.

• They like to touch things to learn about them.

• They may like to take apart toys to understand them.

At Swim Fins, we’ve learned that there is no one size fits all approach to teaching children how to swim. Everyone has their own way of learning and understanding HOW your child learns best is half of the journey to setting your child up for success in their swim lessons. 

For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Choosing the Right Swimwear for your Swim Lessons

At Swim Fins, safety is our number one priority when running classes and swim attire is a part of that. In preparation for their child’s first swim lesson, parents often wonder what kind of swimwear to purchase for their child that would both be helpful for their lesson as well as still be useful for recreational swimming, like at the beach. As such, we’ve compiled all our advice for choosing swimwear for your child from throughout the years below!

1. Comfort and Fit

One of the most important factors when choosing swimwear is the overall fit and comfort of the piece. One-piece swimsuits should have a snug fit in general. Suits with straps should be tight enough that they pull up no higher than your child’s earlobes. Ideally, look for suits with wide straps as opposed to string straps, and opt for a racerback or bladeback instead of tie back or u-backs. This is because the racerback or blade-back style of swim wear tends to fit smaller bodies better allowing your child to concentrate more on their swim lessons and less on the way their swimsuit feels and fits. For children who only wear swim bottoms, long and/or baggy swim shorts make swimming much more difficult. We recommend speedo or jammer style swimsuits instead of heavy swim bottoms that may hinder their ability to swim efficiently. 

Another key element, especially with younger swimmers, is how easy the swimwear is to put on and take off. As wet swimwear tends to attach to the skin and make them harder to remove, zippers and snaps make the process much simpler if you or your child needs to remove their swimsuit quickly to use the bathroom. Do not use safety pins to tighten swimwear as this is a safety issue.

2. Go for Bright Colors

Swimwear comes in all sorts or colors, patterns and designs. However, as a general rule, the brighter the color, the better. This is to help with visibility and helps you pick out your child quickly when in crowded spaces such as the beach or a public pool. In a study by Alive Solutions, after being submerged 18 inches in water, the common colors of swimsuits tend to disappear, especially if there’s any type of movement in the water. We recommend avoiding colors such as black, blue, gray and white and instead opt for colors such as neon oranges, yellows, pinks, or greens. Of course, as Alive Solutions reminds us, brightly coloured swimsuits are not a substitute for constant supervision while your child is in the water. So if you’re swimming with your child, put your phone away, designate a Water Watcher and enjoy watching your children splash in the water!

3. Swim Accessories

No outfit is complete without the right accessories and swimwear is no exception! Longer hair should always be pulled back and out of the face during lessons, we suggest a swim cap for swimmers whose hair might be prone to tangling or covering the face when surfacing for a breath. Additionally, at Swim Fins Swim School, we require swimmers in our lessons to have some form of protective eyewear such as swim goggles or masks and can be purchased through our website here. A full list of our recommendations for what to bring to your first swim lesson can be found in this blog post.

We hope that all these tips have made swimwear purchasing much easier and not as overwhelming as it might have been before. See you at swim lessons soon! We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Swimsuit Examples:

Skin and Hair Care Tips For Winter Swimming

Age appropriate skin and hair care should be part of a year-round routine for children of all ages. However, once the Winter rolls around, it becomes even more vital to stick to a routine that works for your skin and hair type. Apart from purchasing protective equipment like rash guards and swim caps, a proper skin and hair care routine can drastically protect and reduce the effects of the chemicals in pools. To help you build a skin and hair care routine with your child, we’ve compiled a quick list of general skin and hair care tips that’ll help maintain your child’s skin and hair and allow them to attend swim lessons year round! Please do keep in mind that our suggestions do not replace medical instruction and if you have persistent concerns regarding your child’s health, please see your family doctor as soon as possible.

Before Swimming:

1. Pre-Swim Rinse

Apart from keeping the pool cleaner for everyone, a pre-swim shower is a great way to protect your hair and skin! When dry and dehydrated skin and hair comes in contact with pool water (and all the chemicals that go in to keep the pool clean and safe), chlorinated water will be absorbed. A pre-swim rinse reduces the amount of pool water absorbed.

2. Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate!

One of the key elements to fighting dry skin is constant hydration. This doesn’t just mean drinking water - your skin also absorbs hydration through moisturizing lotions and creams. Even on days where you don’t plan on swimming, your child should be using a moisturizing lotion, especially after showering. 

For your hair, the same principle applies, using child safe hair repair treatments that focus on hydrating and nourishing the hair is essential once you start to notice your child’s hair starting to become dry and brittle. If possible, avoid shampoo and conditioners that contain sulfates, parabens, phthalates and formaldehyde.

3. Take Your Vitamins and Antioxidants

It’s normal that your child’s body needs a little extra help keeping healthy. If you’re noticing dry and flaky skin, consider adding multivitamin and Omega 3 supplements to your child’s diet. These vitamins and minerals work at a cellular level to enhance the water retention capabilities of the cellular membrane. Increasing the antioxidants consumed is another great way to build healthy skin from the inside out! Foods rich in antioxidants include berries, dark chocolate, green/matcha tea, beans and spinach - some of these can be combined to make a fun and healthy post swim snack for your child after they’ve worked up an appetite after their swim lesson.

After Swimming:

1. Shower and Moisturize

After swimming, it’s very important to take a warm (not hot) shower to wash off all the chlorine and pool water before they can be absorbed into your child’s skin. Allowing the chemicals to dry on their skin may cause irritation and rashes especially for those that have sensitive skin.

If possible, try to limit your child’s shower to once a day just after their swim lesson. For example, on the days your child has a swimming lesson, make the post-swim shower your child’s shower for the day. Showering too often removes the protective oils your skin produces to keep the moisture locked in. Use gentle products in the shower and avoid scrubbing at the skin and hair and the skin can be easily irritated.

After showering, use a soft towel to dry and always remember to use a moisturizing lotion on their skin. We recommend using an oil-based moisturizer but find one that works best for your child’s skin type. If your child’s skin is still feeling dry, re-apply their lotion before they go to bed.

2. Wash The Swimsuit!

After every swim lesson, ensure that your child’s swimsuit is washed and dried appropriately. Besides helping it last longer, washing the swimsuit will help remove the dry chlorine and sweat particles that could cause more irritation to your child’s skin after repeated use without washing. Most swim suits can be washed in the washing machine in a mesh laundry bag with a mild, bleach-free detergent. We recommend adding a few towels to the load to prevent over agitation and running the wash under the delicate cycle with cold water. To dry, lay the swimsuit flat, away from direct heat and sunlight. For quicker drying, roll it gently in a towel before laying it flat.

We hope that these tips will come in handy over the Winter season and make swim classes more accessible to those that may have been worried about the effects swimming in the colder weather can have on young bodies. We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

How to Become A Swim Fins Swim Instructor

Wherever there is an athlete, there is an instructor. With swimming being one of the most valuable life skills children can learn, swim instructors have a life changing impact on their students’ lives. The path to becoming a certified swim instructor can seem overwhelming so we’ve decided to break the whole process down for you in a way that’s clear and easy to understand.

Why Be A Swim Instructor:  

Apart from teaching children skills that can save their lives one day, there are a multitude of benefits to starting a career as a swim instructor. Here are some of the benefits swim instructors can enjoy about their job:

• An amazing starting wage of $25 per hour.

• Great first job.

• Get to interact with children and adults from all walks of life.

• Knowing that you’re making a meaningful difference in your community.

• Learn and develop soft skills that transfer into everyday life and future careers such as effective communication, time management, collaboration and adaptability.

• Certificate credits can be used as credits to graduate high school.

• And many, many more…

Why Choose Swim Fins to Work for: 

At Swim Fins, our instructors shared some of the reasons they love working with Swim Fins Swim School: 

• Competitive wages ($25 -$30 per hour).

• 30+ hours of paid training.

• Job security: Swim Fins tends to have instructors that last for upwards of 10+ years! 

• Small, family business where you feel appreciated.

• Ready-made lesson plans are provided by our Head Coaches that have been tried and tested.

• Flexible scheduling of shifts that work around school schedules and volunteering. 

• Small group classes make it easy to focus on safety and making sure the swimmers are having fun in their lessons.

• Each shift is about 3+ hours with breaks in between so work days don’t feel long.

• Opportunity to support and be supported by a team of like-minded, hard-working individuals.

• Multiple locations to work at across the Lower Mainland: White Rock, Cloverdale, Walnut Grove, Richmond, and Abbotsford.

• Easy, information-filled application process where you fill out the application forms, attend a video interview and a 15 min practical interview at the pool before starting training.

The Certification Process: 

As you can see from the above infographic, the process of becoming a certified swim instructor can start as young as 13 years old with only a few prerequisites and some hard work. Let’s explore that more… 

The first step (we recommend) to becoming certified is completing the Canadian Swim Patrol. After you’ve completed the Canadian Swim Patrol to their highest levels (Star Patrol) you can then do your Bronze Star which develops swimming proficiency, lifesaving skills and personal fitness. Completing that moves you through the Bronze exams, which is the next step: completing your Bronze Medallion. This course works your judgment, knowledge, skill and fitness – the four components of water rescue. Once passing that exam, you can do your Bronze Cross which begins the transition from lifesaving to lifeguarding and prepares candidates for responsibilities as lifeguards. After this point, there are many different paths, careers, and opportunities for you! Any future jobs will see these accomplishments as a large amount of skill and responsibility. 

To teach with us at Swim Fins we also need you certified in your NL, Swim for Life Instructor, and SFA. Let’s break those down further:

• NL - National Lifeguard is your lifeguarding certification. This means that you are able to provide effective safety supervision in swimming pool environments.

• Swim for Life Instructor - Swim for Life Instructor is your certification so that you can effectively teach the Lifesaving Society’s Learn to Swim program properly with the tools given.  

• SFA - Standard First Aid and CPR-C (children) is your most commonly used certification for how to properly respond to emergency situations. 

All these certifications are required to be current and recertified when expired so that you have the most up to date knowledge possible. If you have any questions about certifications, please don’t hesitate to contact us, or the Lifesaving Society. 

How To Apply to Work At Swim Fins: 

To be a successful applicant at Swim Fins here’s a little checklist for you:

• Do you have your NL, Swim for Life, and SFA?

• Have you read our job description?

• Now complete your application form found here!

We’re Joining the Transition to the Lifesaving Society!

We have exciting news to share with you!
Beginning in January 2023, our Winter session, we will be affiliated with The Lifesaving Society to provide you with your swimming lesson curriculum. The Red Cross will officially be ceasing to offer water safety programs at the end of 2022 to focus resources on worldwide humanitarian efforts. Due to this shift, Swim Fins Swim School will be joining the vast majority of Canada to transition to the nationally-recognised Lifesaving Society’s Swim for Life program, replacing the Red Cross’s program. We wanted to thank the Canadian Red Cross for over 76 years of promoting swimming and water safety.

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There is no need to worry about your lessons changing though. We will still be providing the same amazing lessons and instruction that we are currently offering. Swim Fins will continue to add in our innovative, one-of-a kind program to yield strong swimmers in less time than it would take in traditional programs therefore saving you the most precious commodity, TIME.

Learn more about Swim For Life.

How To Keep Your Child Motivated

It’s no secret that kids jump from one activity to another faster than you can purchase all the equipment for their new interests. Swim lessons, like any other activity, can appear boring and repetitive after the novelty of the first few lessons wears off. However, with drowning still being the leading cause of death for children under 14 in Canada, it’s vital that parents find a way to encourage their young swimmers to stick through classes. 

While our coaches are well equipped to adapt to your child’s learning style where some children require more structure when learning whereas others require learning to feel like a game (even though they’re still learning), parents play a vital role in keeping that motivation going. Here at Swim Fins, we often get parents asking how they can get their children excited for their swimming lessons so we’ve compiled some pieces of advice we’ve found helpful to some parents:

1. Find out why. Ask your child why they don’t want to attend lessons anymore. Maybe they miss having their best friend in lessons with them like last session? Maybe they’re unhappy with the way their swimwear fits. Finding out why your child is losing interest is the first step in finding a way to motivate them to attend lessons.

2. Ask positive questions after your child’s lesson. Asking questions like “Wasn’t it fun how your coach had you dive for rings?” instead of “Was your lesson fun today?” can help lead your child to look for the positive sides to their lessons. This can help them develop a positive relationship with the water and swimming.

3. Brainstorm a goal or challenge for them to work towards in their lessons. Children often feel more motivated to complete lessons when they have a goal or outcome they can work towards. Whether it be swimming a certain distance unassisted or learning a specific swimming technique, having a tangible but achievable goal will help your child build motivation to attend their lessons.

4. Let them have fun! Although swimming lessons are a place for learning, there’s always room for a little fun and games during the lesson.

5. Come up with a fun post swimming activity together! After your child’s lesson, plan a quick but rewarding activity for you and your child like getting hot chocolate on the way home or making a quick stop to pick up a snack. The positive activity can reinforce the positive feelings that come from attending swim lessons.

We currently have lessons year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Why Family Swim Days Are a Great Idea Year Round!

Now that the colder weather has set in, it’s natural to want to pack away the swimsuits and goggles until next May when they’ll be put to good use again. At Swim Fins, we want to encourage you to not do that! We encourage our families to plan outings to the pool all year round and get in the water with them! Here’s why we think you should jump into the water with your kids every time they want to spend time at the pool:

Reason #1: Exercise and Health Benefits
Swimming is one of the few activities that uses all muscles of the body all at once so not only is it an excellent way to workout but it’s also an easy way to work multiple muscle groups all at once. The best thing about swimming as a form of exercise is that swimming games are easy and fun for the whole family! Whether it’s racing against Mom and Dad or playing tag in the pool, chances are everyone is going to be having so much fun, you won’t even think of it as exercise! Even the grandparents can join in on these fun activities as swimming is very beneficial and much easier on achy joints. 

Reason #2: Practice Makes Perfect
Like any other skill, swimming skills are developed best with consistent practice. Without practice and consistency, it’s likely that skill regression may occur. At Swim Fins, we know that practicing swimming year round also means that your child is able to build their confidence in the water. Research has shown that in young children, repetition helps strengthen neural connections in the brain that are vital for learning. These connections eventually evolve the new skills into muscle memory which is vital during emergencies. 

 Reason #3: Safety
Water Safety is something we emphasize a lot at Swim Fins, and for good reason. Drowning is still the leading cause of death in children under 14 in Canada. By joining your kids in the pool, you make sure you’re close at hand in case of an emergency. Drowning can happen in under a minute and every second counts in an emergency. Your children will also be able to relax and enjoy themselves in the water more knowing Mom and Dad are close at hand and older children will be more than happy to pass the responsibility of a younger sibling back to you while they splash around close by, enjoying the sunshine.

Swim lessons are the basis for a fun time at the pool. Therefore, in preparation for your next family Pool Day, come check out some of our year round programs at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register

Celebrate Subs!

Consistent attendance is a key part of our swim instructors job description. However, as we all know life can get in the way, people get sick, prom, final exams, etc. Our instructors are there for your children as much as they can, but life events are also important to our instructors so they feel fulfilled and energized at work. Thankfully this is where our wonderful subs come to the rescue! 

While consistency is important in developing young minds, flexibility is a valuable life skill that can be learned here in swim class. All of our instructors undergo the same extensive training but each one brings their own personality and teaching style. Some students respond differently to a new teaching style and a fresh set of eyes can be all it takes to overcome a plateau.

Positivity from parents is crucial when it comes to celebrating subs. Allowing your children to be comfortable with subs and new teachers helps them to build healthy relationships and develop their social skills. Notice your child's coach is absent? Here are some positive phrases to set the right tone for your lesson:

1. "Oh look Zac, you get to swim with a new coach today!"

2. "What an exciting day! We get to swim with a different teacher. I wonder if she's friends with Coach Tara…"

So, the next time your little one has a sub, help us make it a positive experience for everyone! Come check out our year round programs at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register