Goggles: The Great Debate With Childhood Swim Lessons

 

Parents often ask the question about whether their child can wear goggles during his or her swim lesson.  It is a natural question, as parents want their children to be as comfortable as possible when learning to swim.  However, there is a balance between safety and comfort that parents should consider when talking with their child‚Äôs swim instructor.

Safety First

While we also target enjoyment and health goals, the main goal for childhood swim lessons is teaching the lifesaving skill of staying above water.  Swim lessons provide a controlled environment where children are able to become acclimated to the water and establish a level of comfort.  Step by step, they develop skills and build strength.

Wearing goggles in the water allows the child to see clearly under water without having to adjust their eyes.  It may make them feel more comfortable, but it keeps them from having to learn a valuable skill ‚Äì opening their eyes under water.

While this skill may not seem like a big deal to many parents, consider that main reason for teaching your child to swim.  In Southern California, our children are often exposed to the water year-round.  Therefore, we teach our children to swim to protect them from drowning if they were to accidentally fall into the water.  Children who have only been in the pool while wearing goggles will be startled by the new experience of being underwater without them.  In that moment, the likelihood of their training kicking in diminishes significantly.

Premier Aquatics Services Swim Lessons

At Premier Aquatics Services, all of our instructors are dedicated to teaching effective swim techniques that keep students safe and prepare them for a life of water enjoyment.  We encourage all of our young swimmers to learn to swim without goggles.  Once they demonstrate a comfort with being underwater, instructors are open to their students making the switch.

To learn more about our swim lesson programs and register your child for classes, visit our aquatic services page.

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