In a hot city that gets swelteringly hotter during the long ‘annual holidays', it is inevitable that we see a massive rush for summer swimming camps. Of course, kids need to learn to swim. But certain precautions must be in place. “You hear about accidents in rivers and lakes, and with most recreation parks becoming water-based, knowing how to stay alive in water is crucial,” says senior SDAT (Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu) swimming coach R.V. Veerabadran. And, first-time and amateur swimmers need to be especially careful.
To begin with, choose a good pool. Before signing up, scout the pool, perhaps during the weekend (as most pools are overhauled on Mondays, and are at their best on Tuesdays and worst on Sundays), and see if the water is clean. Observe the coaches and the life guards; check if they are qualified and attentive.
“Find out if they are well-trained in cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, and handling issues such as muscle cramps,” suggests Madhu Thottappillil, specialist in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgeon. Before taking up swimming, the child's fitness must be checked and certified by a physician.
“This is required to rule out bleeding / seizure / cardio or other problems that may leave the child vulnerable in the pool,” says Dr. Thottappillil. Coach Veerabadran suggests that the child taking up swimming lessons be at least four-ft tall and aged at least five. “And, a four-ft tall child can be taken into a pool no deeper than three to three-and-a-half feet,” he adds. Of course, abroad, even babies are taken swimming, but then, the scenario there is entirely different.
There should be at least three life guards for a 50-mt-long pool. Make sure it's not crowded. “A coach can handle only 10 to 15 freshers in a batch. Parents need to be around, keeping a sharp eye on the child — not just to watch if the child is safe, but also to help out if the child begins to vomit or get cramps. The pool is not a place where parents can drop their kids and come back later to pick them up,” advises Veerabadran.
Protect the eyes
While swimming, kids can use swimming goggles to protect the eyes from the highly chlorinated water and for seeing underwater), and ear plugs to protect the ears. But, the ear plugs must not cut out hearing, which could prevent the child from hearing the instructions.
Before dipping into the pool, a five- to 10-minute session of warm-up exercises for the body and stretches for the limbs should be taken up, to get the body ready for a swim. Give the child about 100 to 150 ml of liquid or semi solid food such as fruit juice, milk or ragi porridge, at least half-an-hour before the swimming session, coach Veerabadran suggests. “Eating solid food or filling up your stomach before swimming can cause vomiting during the swim. And, since solid food takes more energy to digest, it makes the kids sluggish, leaving them with uncooperative muscles,” points out Ravi Kumar, general physician. Since swimming is a demanding physical activity, never take the kids for a swim after activities that cause physical exertion, such as a game of football.
After the swimming session, kids need immediate refreshment with glucose drinks or fruit juices, as swimming drains energy reserves. Cut fruits and bananas, which supply sodium and potassium are a good choice. Kids can also sip small amounts of water and juices in between the session. Post swimming, you will find kids ready to wolf down healthy food, as swimming is a great appetite booster.
After stepping out of the pool, wipe the insides of the ear with soft tissues or a soft cloth to prevent ear infection. “But never remove the natural wax by poking with buds, as natural ear wax protects the ear from infection,” Veerabadran says.
A trip to the loo and a shower before and after the dip shouldn't be missed. Getting the kids to take a nap some time after swimming is a good idea, as swimming is a rewarding, but strenuous activity.
POOL PLAN
Choose a clean pool with adequate numbers of qualified coaches and life guards
Get the child's fitness for swimming evaluated by a physician
Allow your child only in pool depths his physique is suited for
Stay by the pool and keep a watch on your child
