The first few years of a child’s life is filled with new experiences and learning opportunities. As parents, we want to make sure they’re equipped with all the skills and items they might need to succeed later in life. Every day, it seems like there’s something new for your child to learn.
As a parent, your child’s first swimming lesson can be both exciting and intimidating. What do you bring with you? What if you forget to bring something essential? With all these questions, we understand that it can be difficult to organize yourself and pack for your kid’s first swim class. To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a checklist with suggestions (not all are necessary) that will leave you and your kiddo prepared for their first lesson:
Eyewear - your child will need a pair of goggles or a swim mask for their lessons. Goggles and masks (and more!) are available for purchase via our website here. Please wait to order your eyewear until your coach has seen and assessed your child’s needs for at least one lesson.
Your child’s swimsuit - we suggest wearing a comfortable one piece or swim shorts and shirt that is easy to slip on and off for easy changing. Please come dressed and ready to go!
A backpack or tote bag - a bag specifically to hold all your swim lesson essentials that is okay to potentially get damp or wet.
A waterproof bag for wet clothes - something like a reusable waterproof bag or a plastic bag to hold your child’s wet clothes and towels.
Your child’s towel (or a robe) - we suggest a big, soft and absorbent towel (or robe) that will dry off your child after their lesson and keep them nice and warm. A large fluffy towel can help your child after being in the water and adjusting to the air temperature until they are changed.
Wipes - gentle cleansing wipes are the best way to get the residual pool water off your child’s skin until you can go home and have them hop into the shower.
Lotion - pool chemicals used to keep the water clean and safe can sometimes dry your child’s skin out and lead to some irritation over time. To keep them comfortable, we recommend a moisturizing, child friendly lotion.
Healthy snacks and water - swim lessons are a workout! We suggest packing a light snack and a bottle of water to fuel your child and rehydrate them after their class.
Masks - while Covid is still prevalent we ask that you and your child wear their masks in and around the pool deck areas. The coach will let them know when and where to take their mask off once it’s time to head into the pool.
Swim diapers - for toddlers aged 4 and under, swim diapers are a requirement to avoid any accidents. Please see your Parent Handbook for more information.
For parents joining their child in their lesson, such as in our Parent and Tot classes, it’s important to remember to come dressed and pack your own towel and other essentials.
Parents will receive our Parent Handbook before your first lesson that will provide you with additional information about what to expect for your first lesson as well as information about our pools including parking and where to meet your coach before and after lessons.
Our program runs year round at our pools in Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Langley, Cloverdale, and Abbotsford. For more information on our programs, how to register, and much more, head over to our website! Come swim with Swim Fins: https://www.swimfins.ca/register