Page 20 - Smalltalk Issue 52 - Winter 2017

SWIMtalk

Working with your

baby’s normal

response

mechanisms

Waterbabies Swimming School explain to
us how they work with the natural reflexes
of your baby in their early years swimming
lessons

AFTER spending so many months and exciting part of our courses. However,
suspended in fluid in the womb, it’s not it only constitutes a tiny proportion
surprising that babies have a natural of the work we do: about 95% of the
affinity for water; in fact, floating in a warm lesson takes place on the surface, and
pool will feel more familiar to them than underwater swims only ever last a few
being on dry land. seconds.
However, this confidence in water can THE REFLEXES WE
diminish as babies get older, possibly
leading to fear. This is one of the main WORK WITH
reasons we believe it’s best to start Babies have a complex set of reflexes
swimming as early as possible — even which develop in the womb. Historically,
from birth. And starting early, especially the media have made much of something
when including underwater swimming, called the mammalian dive reflex — but
means it’s especially important to this is a survival reflex when the face is
understand and work with the natural submerged into ice-cold water, so you’ll
reflexes. Underwater work is an important be pleased to hear it’s not one we actually

We provide swimming lessons for children from the age of 3 years and
upwards
We offer classes for all levels of ability water confidence to the budding
competitor
Our group lessons are taught in small groups of 6 children to a water
based instructor
Swimming lessons are available everyday of the week
Venue: Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield
Office contact: 01924 918545
enquiries@atlantisswimmingschool.co.uk
www.atlantisswimmingschool.co.uk

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