Baby Swim Program

FINS offers parent/child classes that not only acclimate children with the water and prepare them for classes where the need for parent participation no longer exists, but also teaches the children basic water safety and how to feel comfortable in the water. In addition, we use techniques that promote core stimulation to aid in sitting upright, crawling, and walking. We offer Baby Ducks classes in the following levels:

Infant level: Ages 3- to 18-months and up to 2 years of age: Classes are taught with the parent, games, songs, and toys to set a safe and reassuring environment. Social adjustment is the first step. For some, simply overcoming a fear of water and/or a new environment will be their initial goal. Early skills to be learned are: the proper way to hold a baby in the water, blowing bubbles, breath control, as well as proper water entry and exit and back floating.

Toddler Level: Ages 18 to 24 months (already in our program) and up to 3 years of age: With a little more aquatic education, these little ones are still working on the above skills. They may not be ready to separate from the parent or are not ready to follow instructions or take turns with other children and a teacher. The enhancement of self-esteem and independence is based on activities appropriate to their developmental level. No competition and relaxed expectations helps them want to stay in the water on their own with other children and a teacher.

The early months with your little one are important for bonding. Through a gradual learning progression, with positive reinforcement and a fun atmosphere for motivation, we will start building the confidence needed to progress on to classes when the need for parent participation no longer exists.