February 26, 2016 by Bethany Gustavsen
Filed under Blog
Every parent wants to see his or her child succeed, and it can be challenging to watch other kids progress through stages of swim programs while your child struggles with a particular skill. It’s essential to realize that every child learns at his or her own pace and picks up different skills at various rates. The only thing that’s important is that your child is learning each skill fully and can to put it into practice when needed.
Parents often ask the question, “Why isn’t my child progressing in swim lessons?” Of course, the answer isn’t a simple one because there are many potential reasons. Here are some things to keep in mind.
The Premier Team has developed a process that is proven to work for teaching children how to swim. We don’t believe in the sink-or-swim mentality of old; instead, we believe in progressively teaching children essential swim skills and nurturing a love of the water.
Especially as children hit two years old and older, they naturally develop uncertainty of new experiences. Therefore, our swim lesson process begins with establishing a bond between the student and the instructor. It is essential for parents to support this process by encouraging their children to trust the instructor and by trusting the instructor themselves. Parents who can’t resist the urge to step-in or interfere with the lesson are negatively impacting their child’s likelihood of progressing smoothly.
At each stage of development, children are generally capable of learning different skills. As any pediatrician will tell you, the ages in which children are “supposed” to hit those developmental stages are purely averages. Parents should not obsess about the age at which their child should be able to achieve something. Instead, parents should focus on their child’s overall progression of skills – physical, intellectual, and emotional.
A child’s past experiences can play a major role on the speed at which he or she learns a new skill. From children who developed a fear of the water due to an earlier traumatic experience to those who have a distrust of strangers, overcoming fears and insecurities can often take priority over learning the actual skill at hand. Children with more of these challenges to overcome may progress a little slower, but with gentle and steady guidance, they will be swimming with the other kids in no time.
As with everything in life, practice makes perfect. If your child seems to be falling behind in swim lessons and you’re wondering what you can do to help, get in the water with them during the days they don’t have swim lessons. Talk with your child’s swim instructor about games you can play together that will reinforce the skills they are learning in class. And remember – have fun with your kids when you’re in the water together in order to continue nurturing their love of the water.
Premier Aquatic Services swim instructors use an exciting approach to help swimmers of all ages learn the skills necessary for a lifetime of swimming enjoyment. Our certified swim instructors are experienced with teaching all levels, and they are able to help parents differentiate between a child’s normal progression and signs of developmental issues that should be watched.
To learn more about our swim lesson programs and register family for winter and spring classes, visit our aquatic services page.
For more information on water safety, follow us on Facebook.
February 10, 2016 by Bethany Gustavsen
Filed under Blog
We have all seen the clips of newborn babies happily swimming under water. For many of us, it makes us wonder when is the right time for a baby to begin learning to swim.
In a study by the Griffith Institute for Educational Research, researchers concluded that children who participated in swim lessons demonstrated more advanced cognitive and physical abilities than other children. The most significant findings were in the areas of: Understanding Direction, Story Recall, Oral Expression, Mathematics Reasoning, and Brief Reading. To read more about the intellectual benefits of early childhood swim lessons, read our post: Can Swim Lessons Make Your Child Smarter?
Additionally, children who enroll in childhood swim lessons are more apt to have a higher level of socialization, self-confidence, and physical coordination.
The truth is that babies spend their first nine months under water, growing and developing inside their mothers’ wombs. It isn’t until they are born that they take their first breath and begin to explore a world outside of the water. Keeping that in mind, babies are naturally comfortable in the water when they are very young. Over time, they become accustomed to their new surroundings, and they progressively become more cautious about the water.
Each baby is unique, so when considering swim lessons for your baby, it’s important to move at the right pace for your child.
Consult Your Pediatrician – Other than you as parents, your child’s pediatrician may know your baby better than anyone else so far in your child’s young life. Your pediatrician understands any medical restrictions your child may have and his or her development track. Talk with your doctor about whether your child is ready to start childhood swim lessons. As soon as he or she feels it is okay, it is time to test the waters.
Test the Waters – At Premier Aquatic Services, we offer a free introductory class for Parent & Me swim programs for babies as young as 0-6 months old. With the expert guidance of a certified swim instructor, parents begin to introduce their babies to the water in a gentle way. Our instructors are trained to guide parents, so their babies have a positive and safe experience.
Premier Aquatic Services swim instructors use an exciting approach to help swimmers of all ages develop a love of the water. Our instructors are experienced with teaching all levels, whether it be helping beginners to be more comfortable in the water or training more experienced competitors on how to improve their stroke technique. To learn more about our swim lesson programs and register family for winter and spring classes, visit our aquatic services page.
For more information on water safety, follow us on Facebook.
February 3, 2016 by Bethany Gustavsen
Filed under Blog
With our beautiful year-round weather and water-centric lifestyles, lifeguards are an essential part of our Southern California lifestyle. We see them on our beaches and sitting poolside, but many of us have little knowledge about what lifeguards actually do to keep us safe.
Often times, local pools utilize pool monitors as opposed to lifeguards to help keep the facility safe. While pool monitors can play an important role in watching for broken glass or other hazards, they often have minimal or no first aid training, and they are not required to respond in an emergency. They are not there to touch the water.
In order to give you a better understanding about the job of your local lifeguard and to help differentiate between lifeguards and pool monitors, we’ve developed some descriptions of different duties your lifeguard handles every day.
When we think about lifeguards, we likely think about them simply watching the water, but lifeguards do so much more. While it may appear that they are watching the water, they a monitoring conditions, analyzing each swimmer’s capability, and ensuring the safety of everyone near the water. Their goal is to prevent injury and protect each swimmer.
Whether its at the beach or the pool, drowning is a risk whenever you are near water. Even the most talented swimmers can have a medical emergency in the water, requiring rescue. With children who may have varying skill levels, potential hazards, and ever-changing conditions, a lifeguard’s ability to provide a water rescue vital to everyone’s safety.
From cuts and burns to drowning and heart attacks, lifeguards are often the first responder in a poolside or beach emergency. Therefore, a lifeguard must have the skills to provide lifesaving first aid and CPR. Many lifeguards have substantial EMS training.
Hazards can happen anywhere, including poolside. An important part of a lifeguard’s job is to make sure the facility is safe. This helps to prevent injuries and keep pool goers safe throughout the day.
Although we imagine lifeguards working by the water all day, much of their time is spent in a classroom setting, learning new skills and honing the ones they already have. They continue to develop their skillsets both in the water and in the classroom, so they are prepared to handle any situation.
At Premier Aquatic Services, your family’s safety is our top priority. All of our lifeguards go through substantial training to ensure they are keeping you safe and able to address any circumstances that may arise.
Additionally, the Premier Aquatic staff and lifeguards offer CPR and first aid classes, so our clients are able to learn new skills and protect those around them. Click here to learn more or enroll in CPR classes today!
Sign up for our Newsletter to receive discounts on off-season swim lessons!
January 27, 2016 by Bethany Gustavsen
Filed under Blog
The American Red Cross is one of the leading organizations for providing best practices for Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) and first aid administration. The staff at Premier Aquatic Services uses these guidelines as the basis for our health and safety trainings.
Every five years, the Red Cross reevaluates their guidelines for administering first aid. They join with an array of national and international health organizations to review 22 separate first aid questions and analyze the science behind each one. Together, they reach a consensus about the best ways to treat emergency events. These recommendations are then recognized as the basis for most first aid training around the world.
This year, they have jointly announced their updated curriculum with the American Heart Association. An in-depth look at these updates will be arriving at Premier Aquatic Services on January 31, 2016.
Among the most noteworthy updates to the recommendations are:
At Premier Aquatic Services, we understand our essential role in the safety of all of our clients. Each of our swim instructors and lifeguards undergo continual training to ensure their skills are sharp and in line with the latest scientific research. Our clients put their trust in us, and we don’t take that responsibility lightly. Therefore, beginning January 31, 2016, our instructors and lifeguards will undergo significant trainings based upon these on the new guidelines.
With the release of the latest changes to the American Red Cross ECC and First Aid Guidelines, Premier Aquatic Services will be updating the curriculum we cover in our first aid programs. At Premier, we believe in preparing all of our clients with the best lifesaving skills possible. From child swim lessons to American Red Cross CPR Certification, we provide training all year long.
We know how important it is for you and your family to know what to do in the event of an emergency. While younger children should be taught how to call for help, older children can enroll in CPR classes alongside their parents. Click here to learn more or enroll in CPR and First Aid classes today!
Sign up for our Newsletter to receive discounts on off-season swim lessons!
January 20, 2016 by Bethany Gustavsen
Filed under Blog
In California, earthquakes are a part of life. With no early warning systems available, it can feel as though earthquakes are impossible to plan for. However, by knowing what to do and being prepared with an earthquake kit, your family can reduce the risk of injury and face less uncertainty when faced with an emergency.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you are inside when the shaking starts, you should stay inside. If you are outside when it starts, you should remain outside because doorways and being near exterior walls can be the most dangerous places to be.
If you are inside, take these three steps:
If you are outside, take these steps:
If you are driving, pull over as quickly and safely as possible. Avoid being under over passes, on bridges, near utility poles, or below power lines. Then wait inside the vehicle for the shaking to stop. If a power line falls on you, stay inside the vehicle until a trained utility worker removes the wire.
In addition to knowing what to do during an earthquake, you can make sure your family is prepared by building emergency kits, teaching household members how to use fire extinguishers and turn off utilities, and taking first aid and CPR classes.
At Premier Aquatics Services, we believe in preparing all of our clients with lifesaving skills. From child swim lessons to American Red Cross CPR Certification, we provide training all year long. Click here to learn more or enroll in CPR classes today!
Sign up for our Newsletter to receive discounts on off-season swim lessons!
January 13, 2016 by Bethany Gustavsen
Filed under Blog
Whether it’s math, swimming, or anything in between, skills that go unused for extended periods of time begin to deteriorate. Many children become competent swimmers during their summer-long swim lessons, only to find that their old fears have resurfaced by the time the winter chill melts away and June arrives. The solution is simple: keep your kids swimming year-round.
At Premier Aquatics, we believe that swimming does more than provide an active lifestyle for children; swimming skills provide children with live saving abilities that are essential for our Southern California lifestyle. Just because it may not be bathing suit weather doesn’t mean children are not sitting poolside or strolling in the sand.
In preparation for the hot summer months when Southern California children are sure to be exposed to the water, it’s important to keep their skill building on the right track. Winter swim lessons provide children with these benefits and so many more.
Skill Maintenance – Many of our young winter swimmers have skills that they developed in the warmer months and/or previous years. During winter swim lessons, we continue to hone those skills, ensuring the children will continue to progress in their development.
Continued Skill Building – In addition to honing current skills, winter swim lessons give children the opportunity to continue learning new skills and techniques, leaving them ahead of the curve for the summertime sessions. Depending on the child’s age and skill level, we build our programs around these five swimming skills every child should know:
Physical Fitness – As the holiday slump hits and the cooler weather keeps many families huddled around the television instead of being active outdoors, winter swim lessons get children off the sofa, away from their video game consoles, and exercising. Instilling the importance of year-round physical activity at an early age is an important step in preparing your child for a healthy future.
Academic and Developmental Benefits – It’s been studied: swim lessons can make your child smarter. Well, at least it can give them a head start. In recent studies, kids who have participated in childhood swim lessons experienced more advanced cognitive and physical abilities than other children.
Despite the cooler weather outside, it’s important to keep your children safe and capable around the water. Click here to learn more about the Premier Aquatic’s year-round swim lesson programs.
Sign up for our Newsletter to receive discounts on offseason lessons!
January 7, 2016 by Bethany Gustavsen
Filed under Blog
Children grow fast and at their own pace. Some kids always seem ready to tackle the next challenge, while others may prefer to perfect their skills before branching out. Even though each child is unique, there are some general developmental stages that most young children experience at approximately the same time. We use detailed research and years of experience when developing our childhood swim lesson plans, and as we meet each child, we tailor the activities and pace to their specific goals and abilities.
Generally speaking, young babies love to be in the water. They are still close to the fluid environment of the womb, and they often have a sense of fearlessness. Additionally, they are not yet claiming a sense of independence and will often be happy accompanying their parents wherever mom or dad wants to take them. For most children in this age group, swim lessons mark the first educational experience outside the home, so it is important to choose lessons specifically tailored for babies to ensure a positive experience.
In the pool – Babies up to nine months tend to splash and wriggle in the water, showing the whole body undulation of a dolphin or the frog-like reflex to kick. At some point between six and twelve months, the babies begin to lose that reflex and begin to experiment with the gliding between kicks. Babies in this age range tend to be comfortable with small amounts of water dripping over their faces without being afraid.
As babies enter into the toddler years, they begin to develop a sense of independence and of fear. The immense amount of personal development that happens during these years makes it challenging to identify consistent temperament traits, but children at this period value fun, develop a sense of humor, begin to understand basic games, and need stimulation to keep them on track. Therefore, it becomes increasingly important to appeal to this age group’s sense of play by incorporating games and utilizing toy manipulation to teach swim skills.
In the pool – In this age group, children develop sturdy legs, an evolved kick, and increased coordination. Their earlier reflex to kick is now being replaced by a learned kick. Their increasing awareness of others makes this an ideal time period to take group lessons, as this is the period when children are regularly mimicking others.
As toddlers transition into young children, they embrace their unique personalities, become highly verbal, and cultivate their vivid imaginations. They have developed personal likes and dislikes, and they generally have a range of experiences with water, which may prove to be helpful or a hindrance for learning to swim.
In the pool – At this age, children develop significantly more strength, coordination, and physical sturdiness. Their increased ability to focus allows them to follow simple directions and link several skills together. In these years, children love to show others what they can do, so peer learning through group lessons is ideal. While individuals in this age group often have fear hurdles to overcome, they tend to demonstrate great competency once they do.
Premier Aquatic Services swim instructors use an exciting approach to help swimmers of all ages develop a love of the water. Our instructors are experienced with teaching all levels, whether it be helping beginners to be more comfortable in the water or training more experienced competitors on how to improve their stroke technique.
To learn more about our swim lesson programs and register your child for winter classes in our heated pool, visit our aquatic services page.
Is your baby under 6 months old? To introduce your baby to the joy of the water, Premier Aquatics offers new parents an introductory free “Parent and Me” class. Call our offices at 949-716-3333 to schedule your baby’s first swim lesson.
For more information on water safety, follow us on Facebook.
December 30, 2015 by Bethany Gustavsen
Filed under Blog
The time has come for New Year’s resolutions, and many of us are beginning to think about the changes we would like to make in the upcoming year. The team at Premier Aquatics Services challenges all of our community members to also consider ways to strengthen your bonds with loved ones by incorporating family-oriented resolutions. Here are some ideas to get you started!
We’ve all heard the phrase: families that play together stay together. As silly as it may be, there is some truth in the sentiment. Families who join together in activity and value shared playtime often experience higher levels of happiness and fulfillment. After all, endorphins that are released during physical activity can break through even the most challenging of teenage moods.
Looking for ways to get active and play together? Try taking a bike ride, playing beach volleyball, or playing Mock-Olympic games during a free swim at the pool.
Many adults have resolutions related to losing weight, but why not focus on creating lifelong healthy habits for the whole family instead. According to President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition, approximately 17% of young people between the ages of 2 and 19 are obese. Good nutrition is an essential part of overall health.
Looking for ideas to help with healthy eating? Try switching out soda and sports drinks for water and changing your meal ratio so that fruits and veggies take up half the plate. For more ideas, visit www.fitness.gov.
Spending time together doesn’t just mean active playtime. By taking the time to slow down and connect with one another, family members communicate how much they value and support each other.
Looking for ideas on how to spend time together? Try establishing a regular schedule for family meals, game nights, after school walks, or shared homework time.
One of the biggest challenges in today’s world is the constant flow of information from our electronic devices. While children are often blamed for playing too many video games or watching too much television, parents should also take a look at how often they check their phones while in the presence of their children. Regardless of your role in the family or the electronic device in question, disengaging through electronics communicates a lack of interest in the people around you. By establishing electronic-free hours in your household and getting involved in other activities, you will see a boost in your family’s positive interaction with one another.
Looking for ideas on electronic-free activities? Try enrolling your kids in water sports, encouraging a living room reading hour, or taking a hike out of cell phone range.
By continually learning new skills, both children and adults are left with a sense of accomplishment and increased self-confidence. Start the new year off with the goal of having each family member learn a new skill each month! From new swim strokes to learning CPR, this New Year’s resolution will not only make your children feel good about themselves, it will equip them with lifesaving skills.
Looking for ideas on how to learn new skills? Premier Aquatics Services offers a wide range of classes, including swim lessons for all age groups, swim team training, and first aid coursework.
Premier Aquatics Services offers more than just swim lessons for children. We understand that a healthy lifestyle is a family affair, and we have classes and swim opportunities for family members of all ages and abilities. Between group lessons, private lessons, the Masters Swim Team, Aqua Zumba, Frogman Fitness, and open swim times, it’s time to get each family member active in the pool. Click here to learn more about the Premier Aquatic’s year-round swim lesson programs.
Sign up for our Newsletter to receive discounts on offseason lessons!
December 24, 2015 by Bethany Gustavsen
Filed under Blog
It’s hard to believe the time has come to bring 2015 to a close and prepare to usher in a new year. As we gather with family and friends to spread joy and goodwill through this special season, we revel in the opportunity to give thanks for the good fortunes of this past year. And this year has certainly been one to celebrate.
Throughout 2015, Premier Aquatics Services has continued to grow, expanding the services we are able to offer our community. Because of this, we are looking forward to the upcoming year with a true sense of excitement.
In addition to the upcoming expansion of our services, this past year gave us the opportunity to grow our team and establish closer relationships with our clients, both big and small. Each day, we watch families reconnect in the water and develop stronger bonds. This is one of the reasons our team has such a passion for what we do. We know that learning to swim can be one of the most rewarding experiences of childhood. It is a celebration, a rite of passage, and a gift of freedom. By having parents in the pool with young children or poolside with their older children, the entire family has the opportunity to share in each other’s triumphs and support each other’s developing self-confidence. It is truly an honor to share in that experience.
So, as we reflect on the past year, we can’t help but be incredibly grateful for each moment we have shared with our team, our clients, and our community. From our “family” to yours, we would like to wish you a joyous holiday season and a new year filled with happiness and health.
December 16, 2015 by Bethany Gustavsen
Filed under Blog
Living in a part of the country where water activities are often a part of everyday life, many parents look for ways to help make their young children more comfortable in the water. As with so many aspects of childhood, the key for developing enjoyment of the water is creating a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Here are some fun games for you to play with your child in the pool that have progressive skill building goals.
Small children have a natural instinct to keep their heads above the water. Therefore, it can be scary for them to experiment with putting their faces close to the surface. Using a ping pong ball or other small floating toy, invite your child to blow the toy to the other side of the pool. Show them first, and then take turns.
Once children are comfortable with proximity to the surface, it’s time to experiment with blowing bubbles. Turn it into a game by seeing how loud the child can make rumbling noises with his or her lips in the water. Then teach him how he can make even more bubbles by incorporating blowing air out of his nose.
Children have become comfortable washing at home, and now it’s time to bring that comfort to the pool. Mimic face-washing by having them splash water onto their own faces or showering by using toys to dribble water over their heads to help them become more comfortable with water in their eyes and running over their noses.
While using your child’s arms as the snapping of a crocodile jaw is fun, the real goal of this game is to cruise just above the surface and experiment with slowly dipping lower into the water. It’s important to keep this fun and move at a comfortable pace for your child.
Whether it’s a bunny or a kangaroo, bouncing up and down creates a patterned and reliable motion. As you begin to go lower in (and eventually under) the water, your child can know exactly what to expect in terms of timing.
Premier Aquatic Services swim instructors use an exciting approach to help swimmers of all ages develop a love of the water. Our instructors are experienced with teaching all levels, whether it be helping beginners to be more comfortable in the water or training more experienced competitors on how to improve their stroke technique. To learn more about our swim lesson programs and register your child for summer and fall classes, visit our aquatic services page.
For more information on water safety, follow us on Facebook.
