For most parents, swimming is one of the favorite extracurricular activities for children. Not only does it result in good build and growth for most kids, it is also a great life skill and sport with minimal chance of injury. In Bangalore there are several good trainers who organize swimming lessons for children. However, parents often find themselves in a quandary about when to start swimming lessons for their children and how often. MetroMela spoke with champion swimmer Nisha Millet, the first Indian swimmer to qualify for the Olympic Games in the 200m freestyle and winner of the Arjuna Award. Millet runs boot camps for kids and adults throughout the year and loves to make swimming fun for kids.
Make your kids swim…
* Five is the perfect age to start swimming lessons for your child. It is difficult for children under that age to figure out breathing techniques underwater and follow directions.
* If you have children under five who love water, take them to a baby pool and let them splash around to their heart’s content. You can teach them to do fun things like blow bubbles. Millet advises against trying to put your head under water when they are young.
* Never force your child to learn to swim. They must enjoy what they are doing.
* An hour in the pool a day is good exercise.
* Swimming is a sport that burns calories, so don’t stop your child from eating unless he or she is obese. Once the child is over 10 years old, you can focus on the proper diet.
* For children over 10 years of age, exercises such as jogging and light weights are recommended.
* Let swimming be a fun exercise for your child. If they are happy to enjoy it as a sport but don’t like the competition, don’t force them. On the other hand, if the child has potential and both parent and child are willing to train for competitions, be prepared as it is difficult to balance studies and training.
* There is no need to stop swimming lessons for your child through their exams. Swimming for even half an hour can act as a great stress reliever. “I always swam in all my exams,” says Millet.
* Joining a swimming class is a good way to calm down a hyperactive child.
* Before putting your child in swim camp, make sure the water is treated, clean, and lifeguards are around. Most classes allow parents to sit and watch.
where to learn…
Nisha Millet Swimming Academy
The academy is currently organizing camps at the Catholic Club, Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) and Bowring Club. Swim camps are held throughout the year at these clubs and are open to members and non-members alike. There are camps for beginners (children and adults) and for advanced children. Rates vary from club to club. For example, a month-long advanced camp for children costs Rs 3,000 at the Catholic Club. The classes are held from Monday to Friday and before joining, Millet checks the swimming skills of the children. To make it a fun exercise for the kids, Nisha does relay races and fun competitions. If she spots talent, she refers them to the Basavanagudi Aquatic Center for further training.
swimming life
Led by Ekalavya award winner and former international swimmer Satish Kumar, they run classes even for babies, from one to two years old, together with a parent. Instructor Satish Kumar received special training from the US in this regard and teaches the children at their own pace. Due to the weather, infant classes are held between March and May. There are regular classes for children over the age of five in the beginner, intermediate and advanced categories. Classes are held at St. Joseph’s High School, Koramangala Club, and DPS South. Rates for these are Rs 1,500 for two weeks, but can change based on location. Charges for infant and parent classes are Rs 3,000 per month.
afternoon swimming lesson
Jayanagar Pool
Classes are held at the Jayanagar Pool between 16:30 and 17:30 for six days a week. Monday is a day off. They have trained monitors and two batches for children. Children five years and older can join. The fee for beginners is Rs 1,600 for two months and for advanced classes Rs 2,000 for two months.