10 reasons not to choose baby swimming

What important factors will prevent you from choosing baby swimming lessons for your children.

1st REASON – SECURITY

Safety is the first and most important reason to choose or not to participate in baby swimming lessons with your child. Security is divided into A) facility security and B) personnel security

Facility security

Changing room heating

The changing rooms must be adequately heated because infants and toddlers are at risk of hypothermia. Also, because they are tired from class, the cold may make them more exhausted and they may catch the common cold more easily.

Anti-slip floor

The floor should be made of non-slip material to avoid a serious accident from slipping. If the floor covering material is not non-slip then it should be covered with some removable non-slip material or have self-adhesive non-slip strips attached.

Unbreakable or safety glass

Check if the windows on the premises (if any) are safety or unbreakable

Suitable swimming tank

In the swimming pool (hereinafter referred to as the "pool"), adults must wade in its entire length and width. If it has canopy then a ventilation and dehumidification system should be in operation at the same time to avoid poisoning by chlorine fumes and to prevent the growth of fungi.
If there is a program for children under 6 months, the pool and changing rooms must have a canopy and there must not be a corridor exposed to the external environmental conditions

Disinfection of swimming pool water

Chlorine is approved by the competent body (Prefecture) and the safest - up to the time of writing - way of disinfecting the water of a public swimming pool.
A public swimming pool is one that is addressed to the general public (i.e. even a private swimming pool is considered public swimming pool)

Chlorine is effective in killing all pathogens that may be found in pool water, wherever and whenever this occurs because it is dissolved throughout the volume of water. This property is called "residual action" of chlorine

Chlorine's residual action makes it capable of being the MAIN form of pool water disinfection. That is, the water of a swimming pool that is only disinfected with chlorine in its correct proportion, combined with the correct PH, is healthy and safe for swimming infants and toddlers.

There are some forms of disinfection which are called COMPLEMENTARY and are allowed to be used in conjunction with chlorine and never by themselves. This happens, for example, with ozonation (OZONE) and with ultraviolet rays (UV). Both of these systems disinfect water LOCALLY and do not have the residual effect of chlorine, that is, they do not produce substances that dissolve and remain dissolved in the water. Thus, the water that will pass through the ozonation or ultraviolet radiation machine will be completely disinfected but immediately after its exit it will be exposed to all forms of infections. However, these systems can coexist with chlorine and increase its capacity.

So:
Ozone without chlorine it cannot exist or if this is the case then the water of the particular pool is unsuitable for swimming.

Amount of chlorine in the tank water: 60mg/l

• also
  Chlorine in the above amount does not cause skin problems
• It is harmless to the respiratory system as long as the area is adequately ventilated
• Chlorine maintains a high sanitizing capacity even at high water temperatures in the tank (>30°C) – see below that baby swimming lessons are needed water temperature at least 30C.
• In the event that there are both disinfection systems (ozonation and chlorination) the amount of chlorine can be reduced to half with the same disinfection effect

There is a main way of disinfection such as chlorine that can be used instead but only in private pools because it is not as strong and does not maintain good disinfecting ability at high temperatures. It is hydrogen peroxide disinfection, also referred to as oxygen disinfection. This method is FORBIDDEN to be used in public swimming pools, nor can it coexist with chlorine (one substance neutralizes the other)

The pool must have an automatic chlorine injection system so that its quantity is constant 24 hours a day. Also, as a precaution, it should be measured in pool water and with a portable chlorine meter or chemical chlorine control test prior to class

In any case, the current chlorine price must be prominently displayed for all to see.

Useful Information: If you smell chlorine in the pool area, it does not necessarily mean that there is a large amount of it. Aeration may not be sufficient or a large amount of the existing chlorine may be bound by contaminants

Water pH

PH is the unit of measurement of the acid-base balance, that is, it shows us how acidic or how alkaline a solution is. Pool water should have a PH value of 7.6. The value of this value is very high because at this value chlorine has its greatest disinfecting capacity. If the PH is not ideal then the disinfecting ability of chlorine is drastically reduced

The pool must have an automatic PH adjustment system so that it is stable 24 hours a day. Also, for precautionary reasons it should be measured in the pool water and with a portable PH measuring machine or a chemical PH control test before the lesson.

In any case, the current PH value should be prominently displayed for all to see.

PH value in the tank water: 7.6

Useful information: If the eyes sting excessively under water, this is due to the PH disorder

Swimming pool water heating

Infants are particularly vulnerable to cold temperatures and can become hypothermic much more easily in an inappropriate water temperature compared to an inappropriate ambient temperature. This happens because water emits 25 times more heat than air. So, for example, in a 25 degree environment we can stay for an unlimited time with a simple tank top, while in 25 degree water we cannot stay for more than a few minutes of the hour.
The temperature of the pool water is very important for the health of infants-toddlers and should range from

•  34°C for infants from 5 weeks of age to 30°C for ages over 6 months.

The pool must have an automatic temperature control system, but there must also be a liquid thermometer with a certificate of validity of its value for on-site measurement of the pool water before the lesson.

In any case, the current temperature value must be displayed in a prominent place for all to see.

Helpful tip: Don't judge water temperature by how you feel. The "feel" of the water temperature varies depending on the season, mood, body type, endurance and your fatigue. Only the thermometer is an objective judge. Ask to be shown.

Diagram 1

• Chlorination (CL2) prestigious method of disinfection
• Ozonation (O3)
• UV rays
• Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2

Security provided by staff

Infant swim instructors must be certified first aiders for infants and toddlers.

There should also be a doctor's office with nursing staff on site and an extra portable pharmacy for the pool area.

2nd REASON – CLEANLINESS

Cleaning locker rooms

• In this paragraph we will not refer to the necessity of cleanliness in the changing rooms and other common areas because it goes without saying that it must be impeccable. We will refer to checking the cleanliness of some "hidden" points.
  Look for rust on the legs of the counters. If there is, these benches are inappropriate and pollute the space. The best benches are those that lean against the wall and leave the space below free. Also check for rust in other areas such as hangers, doors, windows.
• Check for cigars in corners and especially in the toilet and showers.
• Check the flow of the toilet floor and showers. The last drop of water must end up in the siphon, otherwise stagnant water is created that develops a multitude of pathogenic microorganisms.
  Note: you can also tell if there is standing water by any "shadows" on the floor that reveal it.
• Check for soot in sinks and faucets
• Check the ceiling for cobwebs and locker room ventilation inlets for dust
• If there are cupboards or drawers check for dust and debris on and in them.
• Look under the pads that baby changing tables may have, as well as under them.
• Ask about the locker room cleaning schedule. The floor must be cleaned before each swimming time i.e. approximately every 30-45 minutes of the hour and there should be a cleaning control paper outside of them, which the cleaning staff will sign after each cleaning.
• For the cleaning of the changing room area, a swimming pool must have a professional steam cleaner with water suction which cleans and disinfects without chemicals.
•  Cleaning with professional cleaning chemicals should be done once every 24 hours and when the changing rooms are not in use, usually at the end of the day.

Useful information: If the tiles have black "shadows" in the joints this may be an indication of insufficient cleaning in the past, not in the present. Have them thoroughly cleaned with special chemicals and monitor their progress over time. The excuses like "it doesn't come out because it's painted" are laughable to say the least.

The cleanliness in the swimming pool locker room should be better than in our house

Shower control

You are required to shower before entering the pool. Check for a reminder sign and don't hesitate to speak to someone who doesn't follow this rule

Foot disinfection tank

Before you leave the changing room there should be a shallow tank of water and chlorine solution through which you are obliged to walk, cleaning and disinfecting, in this way, your feet. Check the peak times if this water is being renewed. Most modern foot sanitizing tanks have recirculation with filters and automatic chlorination, but they are rare to find anywhere (as of this writing).

Cleanliness in the surrounding area of the pool

The area around the pool must be particularly clean because we and our children step on it barefoot before entering the pool (after leaving our slippers and until entering the water). If there are benches check for any rust. Any dirt that exists in the area next to the pool eventually ends up in it

Ask for a tour

Visit the swimming pool and ask permission to view the grounds. Prefer peak times (usually 16:00-20:00) to see if the locker room cleaning schedule is working properly. Ask for the swimming pool regulations and study them.

NOTE: The caretaker is a very useful specialty that is often missing from swimming pools. But he is the one who can check and correct any errors in the operating system as well as bring back to order those who do not fully follow the rules of the swimming pool (eg those who do not shower before entering the pool). Ask if there is.

3rd REASON – TRAINED EDUCATIONAL STAFF

Legally, holders of a degree from the Department of Physical Education & Sports (TEFAA) with a specialization in swimming can practice the profession of infant swimming coach. In reality, however, the holders of this degree have not been taught this subject in their specialty because - until this writing (1/1/2010) - there is no appointed staff who has the expertise to teach it in Greek universities . Infant swimming coaches should have attended and continue to attend seminars on the subject or have some other certified training.

The most appropriate seminar is held every 2 years by the WABC organization and is global. WABC also conducts certified teaching training on how to teach baby swimming

Ask for the credentials of the educational staff.
The three aforementioned reasons, because they concern the safety of infants-toddlers, are considered necessary as a condition for the operation of an infant swimming program.

The following seven reasons reveal the quality of education provided by the program you are applying to

4th REASON – EMPLOYEE INSURANCE-STAFF INVESTMENT

In our country (up to the moment of writing this), 4 out of 5 physical education teachers specializing in swimming are under financial hostage status mainly by the swimming clubs because they work without insurance. When a job does not offer you the minimum, i.e. the official recognition that you are an employee working for the common good, then it is automatically discredited and falls into the category of "second job to supplement". Employers should invest in their training staff by providing in addition to the obvious (insurance and standard payroll) and subsidies for further training.
Ask if the staff is insured.

MARK: Monitor whether the staff is stable or changes frequently. If the second happens repeatedly then it means that the particular company does not invest in its staff and definitely has a low level of training provision.

5th REASON – TRAINER-STUDENT RATIO

The ratio of teaching staff to trainees is a very important element of the quality of education. This ratio depends on the age of the children and the structure of the department, so:

• For programs involving the parent, the ideal ratio is 1/4. With particularly good organizational conditions and a ratio of 1/6 is considered satisfactory
• If the programs are without the parent's participation, then up to the age of 2.5 years the ratio is 1/1, from 2.5-3 years old it is 1/2 and from 3-4 years old it is 1/3-1/4. For older ages (2.5-4 years old) the ratio also depends a lot on the degree of cooperation of the toddlers. If the toddlers are cooperative then the ratios can be changed but under no circumstances can they be reduced below 1/6.

6th LOGOS – SEMINARS FOR PARENTS

A baby swimming program involving the parent should definitely include theory lessons for them. In the theoretical lessons, the parents are informed by the head instructor about "what baby swimming is", "why it is done", "what steps we will follow" and "how we will work together in the best possible way". Parents after this process are 100% active.

Also, First Aid seminars for parents should be organized during the year, in collaboration with the infant swimming schools and by competent -always- bodies.

There should also be at least one informative lecture on the dangers of swimming in the sea (see chapter C)

7th REASON – EXISTENCE OF SPECIALIZED AUXILIARY MEANS

In addition to the games, which are necessary during the lesson, there are also some aids designed exclusively for infant and toddler swimming. Although their cost is 25-50% more than the rest of the aids that are widely available on the market, they frame well and help a baby swimming lesson like a proper tool for a good craftsman. In addition, they are of very good quality and last a long time.

8th LOGOS Organized secretariat

The administrative services of a baby swimming program can make your participation in the program much easier.

A well-organized secretariat should:

1. To inform about the weekly program, supporting documents for participation and tuition fees
2. To provide information on baby products and educational seminars
3. Maintain priority lists
4. To have an approachable and friendly "face" towards customers
5. To inform the members in time in case of change of the program and in case of organization of events

The latter point cannot be ascertained from a single visit but only over time. Find out the first four.

9th LOGOS – Entertainment events – Photography & videography service

An educational program, such as that of baby swimming, must organize social-entertainment events. Imagine a daycare center without a Christmas, Easter, Halloween, etc. celebration, or without a final celebration with theater and poems. Would you choose to enroll your child in their program?

In the case of the infant swimming school, at least one pie-cutting party and one trip to the sea can be organized in the summer. These events entertain, bring members closer and create a more intimate and friendly atmosphere.

The moments you will spend with your child in the pool will be some of the most beautiful you have ever experienced. They can remain indelible in time if there is the possibility of video recording and photography, even underwater. This service can be provided by the program in collaboration with a professional photographer.

10th REASON – The love of teachers for the subject of infant swimming

Baby swimming is a subject that can be taught to teachers. The technical part (pedagogy and training) is simple and any physical education teacher can assimilate it. This constitutes the body of the program.

A baby swimming coach should love their chosen subject and practice it as they would a hobby. This is the soul of the program and is the key to success.

How many teachers can do this though? There are many more than you think as long as the employer does not undermine them.

Saltamanikas Nikolas
Your AQUA spot program manager
Graduated from the Department of Science of Physical Education & Sports of the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens /Ed. Swimming of all categories

Master, Physical Education (Sport Management) LUC
FOUNDER / www.pool-about.gr / Pool ABOUT SALON - EXPO
nikos.saltamanikas@gmail.com