Prevention
Swim Lessons
SAFER: Swim Lessons
Enroll children, including very young children, in water survival swim lessons. The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends considering swim lessons starting as early as age 1. Swim lessons should emphasize water safety and be taught by qualified instructors in a warm and nurturing manner.
Water safety for young children includes learning how to roll over and float, how to make a safe entry and exit, how to tread water, and how to hold their breath. Many kids who can swim are unable to float but floating on the back means the child is visible and can breathe. Don’t believe that knowing how to doggy paddle is okay. It is not an effective stroke and is inefficient and tiring.
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Older children and adults should learn to swim well enough to meet the American Red Cross standards for water competency and be able to:
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Step or jump into water over the head.
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Return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute.
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Turn around in a full circle and find an exit.
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Swim 25 yards to the exit.
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Exit from the water without using a ladder.
If you have any questions or additional information that you think could be helpful to this page or drowning prevention in general, please do not hesitate to contact the SWIM ON Foundation.
Swim Lessons in Florissant
STARTING JANUARY 21
CHILDREN AND ADULTS
12 weeks | 2 days a week | 34 classes a week
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Qver 100 enrolled, the vast majority of whom are receiving financial assistance from SWIM ON Foundation top-notch instruction from British Swim School with its emphasis on water safety, the small classes, gentle methods and highly trained instructors.
Scholarships
The following YMCA's offer $5 swim lessons for all members and $10 for all nonmembers of the YMCA Carondolet, South City, Bayer, Emerson, O'Fallon Park, Mid-County, Edward Jones, Jefferson County and Belleville
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Scholarships are for families that have children on free and reduced lunch programs.
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British Swim School provides scholarships.
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Contact for information (314) 312-1878
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Boys and Girls Clubs have summer camps with swim programs.
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Contact providers to determine availability and learn about reduced rates and scholarships.
FAQ
How do I get started?
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You're in the right place on our website! Please refer to the maps on our Group Lessons and Private Lessons sections above to find a place near you.
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How many lessons will it take for my child to learn to swim?
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Children develop swimming skills at different rates. For an accelerated learning experience, we recommend a minimum of two lessons a week. The more practice the child has, the faster they will progress.
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How many lessons will it take for an adult to learn to swim?
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Experts believe that a typical adult can pick up swimming after about 20 hours of lessons over a set period.
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What should I bring to a swimming lesson?
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You should wear your swimsuit to the lesson and bring a pair of goggles, a towel and a change of clothes.
​What are the benefits of swimming lessons?
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Swimming has many health benefits, both physical and mental. It is a full-body low impact exercise that can be done by toddlers and seniors.
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Burns calories
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Helps with insomnia
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Boosts mood
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Lowers stress and depression
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Builds bone mass
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Reduces inflammation
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Increases flexibility
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Helps guard against heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes. (Even helps people with MS and with dementia.)
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Benefits pregnant women and their babies
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Perhaps the most important one being it may one day save your life!
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What swim caps are best for African American hair?
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There are several designed for African American hair. We recommend Soul Cap or Swimma Caps.
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Any questions or if you have additional information you think could be helpful to this page or drowning prevention in general, please do not hesitate to contact the SWIM ON Foundation.
SWIM ON Foundation is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization. EIN: 83-4306115