Water Safety Stephen Lacy Water Safety Stephen Lacy

5 Step Guide to Teaching Kids How to Tread Water Safely

Learning to tread water is an important skill for kids to have for several reasons. Firstly, it can help keep them safe in the water. If a child falls into deep water and is unable to swim to the side, being able to tread water can allow them to stay afloat until help arrives. Treading water also helps to improve a child's overall swimming ability and can build their endurance and strength. Additionally, learning to tread water can increase a child's confidence in the water, which can make them more willing to try new aquatic activities (water polo, surfing, swim team). It is a useful skill to have and can be fun to practice and improve upon.

Here are some steps you can follow to teach a child how to tread water:

  1. Start by having the child stand in waist-deep water and practice kicking their legs while holding onto the side of the pool or a floatation device. This will help them get a feel for the movement and build up their leg strength.

  2. Once they feel comfortable kicking, have them practice keeping their head above water by using a "egg beater kick" motion with their legs. To do this, they should kick their legs up and down in alternating motions, as if they are riding a bicycle.

  3. While they are practicing their egg beater kick, have them use their hands to "paddle" through the water by cupping their hands and pulling them through the water towards their chest. This will help them maintain their balance and keep their head above water.

  4. Once they feel comfortable with the egg beater kick and paddling, have them try to keep their head above water by using both the egg beater kick and paddling at the same time. Encourage them to take breaks as needed, and remind them to keep their head above water and take deep breaths as they tread water.

  5. As they become more comfortable with treading water, you can have them practice treading water without holding onto the side of the pool or a floatation device.

Remember to always supervise children when they are in the water, and make sure they are wearing a life jacket if they are not strong swimmers.

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Make a Big Splash in Youth Water Polo: A Fun and Easy Beginner's Guide

How to Get Started in Youth Water Polo: A Beginner's Guide"

Are you interested in introducing your child to the exciting world of water polo? This beginner's guide will provide everything you need to know to get started in youth water polo.

First and foremost, it's important to find a place to play. Many schools and community centers offer water polo programs for youth players, or you can check with local swim clubs to see if they have a water polo team. You can also look for water polo camps or clinics in your area that are specifically geared towards young players.

Once you've found a place to play, it's time to get the necessary gear. Water polo players need a swimsuit, cap, and ball, as well as goggles and a mouthguard. You can typically purchase these items at a local swim shop or online.

Next, it's important to familiarize yourself with the rules and strategies of the sport. Water polo is played with a ball and two goals, and the objective is to score more goals than the other team. Players swim and use their hands to pass and shoot the ball, and the game is overseen by a referee. There are also specific rules for things like fouls, substitutions, and timeouts.

To improve your child's skills and get them ready for competition, consider incorporating water polo drills and exercises into their training routine. There are many drills that can help with ball handling, shooting, passing, and other essential skills.

Finally, it's important to have fun and stay positive. Water polo is a great way for kids to make new friends, stay active, and learn valuable life skills such as teamwork and sportsmanship. So don't be afraid to get in the pool and give it a try!

With these tips in mind, you and your child will be well on your way to enjoying the exciting and rewarding world of youth water polo.

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Team Sports, High School, Aquatics, Teamwork Stephen Lacy Team Sports, High School, Aquatics, Teamwork Stephen Lacy

Splash into the Fun and Fitness of Water Polo: The Surprising Benefits of Playing the Sport

Water polo is a fun and exciting team sport that is enjoyed by players of all ages around the world. But beyond the enjoyment and camaraderie that come with playing the sport, there are many benefits to participating in water polo.

One of the major benefits of playing water polo is the physical exercise it provides. The sport is highly aerobic and requires players to swim, tread water, and move around in the pool for extended periods of time. This can help improve cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness. Water polo can also help build strength and improve muscle tone, as players use their arms, legs, and core muscles to swim, pass, and shoot.

In addition to the physical benefits, water polo can also provide mental and social benefits. The sport requires players to work as a team and communicate with one another, which can help improve teamwork skills and promote cooperation and teamwork. Water polo can also be a great way to make new friends and be part of a positive social group.

Another benefit of playing water polo is the opportunity to compete and challenge oneself. The sport can be played at various levels, from recreational to high school, college, and beyond. This provides players with the chance to set goals, work towards them, and measure their progress.

Overall, playing water polo can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience that provides numerous physical, mental, and social benefits. So why not give it a try? Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there's a place for you in the world of water polo.

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