How to Teach Your Child to Safely Handle Open Water

Swimming in open water is a completely different experience than swimming in a pool. The environment is larger, the currents can be stronger, and the depth is often unknown. Nevertheless, it is incredibly fun and educational for children to be able to play and swim in open water. In this blog, we discuss how to safely teach your child to handle open water such as the sea, a lake, or a river, and how a float suit from Senor Swim can help.

What you will learn in this blog:

• What dangers exist in open water.

• How to safely prepare your child for swimming in the sea, lakes, and rivers.

• Which tools, like a float suit, can contribute to safety and confidence.

The dangers of open water

Open water brings unique challenges that are different from a swimming pool:

• Currents and waves: In the sea and rivers, strong currents can occur. These are not always visible but can easily carry your child away. Waves can also suddenly become higher.

• Depth and bottom conditions: In a swimming pool, you know exactly how deep the water is, but in open water, it can suddenly become deeper. The bottom can also be muddy, slippery, or filled with rocks.

• Temperature differences: Open water is often colder than a swimming pool, which can cause hypothermia if your child stays in the water too long.

• Limited visibility: In lakes and rivers, the water is often murky, making it hard to see where you are walking or swimming.

Practical tips to teach your child to swim safely in open water

• Start in shallow water: Let your child first play in the shallow part. This can be done with a float suit from Senor Swim, so they can move freely without fear of sinking.

• Teach your child to handle currents: Practice together what to do if you get caught in a current. Teach your child to always stay calm, turn onto their back, and float with the current instead of fighting against it.

• Always stay close: Make sure you are always within arm's reach, especially with young children. Situations can change quickly in open water.

• Use the right tools: A float suit from Senor Swim provides support and freedom of movement while your child becomes familiar with the water. Combine this with the online swimming lessons from the Senor Swim Academy to prepare your child for open water in a playful way. This provides extra confidence and safety when it's time to swim in the sea, a lake, or a river.

• Pay attention to the surroundings: Always look where you are swimming: are there lifebuoys, is there supervision, and what are the weather conditions? This helps to minimize risks.

Why a float suit is ideal for open water

A float suit from Senor Swim provides extra buoyancy without limiting freedom of movement. Unlike water wings, your child remains in a natural swimming position, making it easier to move and play in open water. Moreover, it gives you as a parent peace of mind, knowing your child is supported while becoming familiar with the environment.

Swimming in open water with confidence and fun

Open water does not have to be scary if your child is well-prepared. With the right guidance, practice, and a float suit, your child can safely and joyfully learn to swim in the sea, a lake, or a river. Give your child the confidence to explore the adventure of open water with Senor Swim.