Summer is the perfect time to transform your little ‘bundles of cuteness’ in to ‘little swimming fish’ through a series of ‘babies and toddlers’ swimming classes. No matter your background or upbringing most people will have learnt to swim at a young age whether by choice, for enjoyment, or by necessity. It’s therefore no surprise that you might want the same for your own children.
Teaching your baby or toddler to swim has many documented health and social benefits. Water familiarity and submersion builds water confidence and may also help to reduce the risk of drowning. But what truly is wonderful about swimming classes is the highly rewarding parent-child bonding experience it gives.
You may already be aware of some swimming classes happening within your community; the local public swimming pool, apartment building complexes, and within private member clubs, to name just a few. However, as parents of babies and toddlers we want to know which swimming classes are the best and which are the most appropriate for our needs and wants. Whilst there are many reputable and quality organisations offering swimming classes for babies and toddlers throughout Hong Kong, here are a few that you may or may not be familiar with that are both popular and come with proven track records.
- Harry Wright International; offer two levels of classes within their Infant Aquatics Programme. The ‘Parent and Infant’ class for babies of 4 months old up to 2 years; and the ‘Preschool’ class for toddlers of 2 – 4 years old. Classes are held all over Hong Kong from Aberdeen and Pokfulam to Discovery Bay and Kowloon Bay.
http://www.harrywright.com.hk/
- FloatPlus; offer both group and private lessons beginning with ‘Water Babies 1,2,3’ classes for ages 6-24 months old; ‘Tadpole’ classes for ages 2-3 years (beginners); ‘Guppies’ classes for ages 3-5 years (learning technique); ‘Penguins’ classes for 5+ years (can swim 25 mtrs); ‘Sealions’ classes for 6+ years (can swim 50 mtrs); and ‘Sharks’ classes for 7+ years (can swim 400 mtrs). Swim classes are at The HKFC, The American Club, The Repulse Bay, Jewish Community Centre, and RHKYC.
- YWCA; All swimming classes are held in Midlevels’ Central location and delivered in both English and Cantonese; the ‘Parent & Baby’ 12-36 months; ‘Pre-school Starfish’ and ‘Preparation Nemo’ for 3-5 years; and ‘Kids Beginner (Flying Fish L1, Dolphin L2, and L3 Advanced Shark) 5+ years.
Summer fun swimming classes for your little ones