Expert Interview
At Preschool Readers, we know there are a variety of factors that affect a child’s learning process. As a way to remain up to date and informed on best practices, we have an Expert Interviews series. In this series, we interview experts who provide tips/tricks and suggestions for parents of preschoolers. We hope you enjoy our interview with Liz Parry, Owner & Instructor of Hamptons Swim.
Name & Job Title: Liz Parry, Owner & Instructor
Business Name: Hamptons Swim
What Services Do You Provide and Whom Do You Serve: Hamptons Swim provides Private, Semi-Private, and Group swim lessons to students of all ages. Our mission is to authentically connect with students through educational play and positive mindset techniques to achieve athletic and recreational goals in the water. We’ve also recently incorporated Lifeguard services to our company to help protect our students during private events and parties.
At What Age Should Children Begin Swim Lessons: Children can begin lessons as early as 6 months. At Hamptons Swim we always suggest the sooner you get your child comfortable in the water learning fundamental skills the better.
What Training Should a Child’s Swim Instructor Hold: A Swim Instructor should always have a Water Safety Instructor (WSI) certification before beginning lessons with your child. I also developed a virtual and in-person play-based training program that equips my instructors to provide unique, fun, and customized lessons to swimmers of all ages.
How Do You Help a Child To Overcome Their Fear Of The Water: We take a very gentle approach to children so as not to enhance their fears. Through our play-based method and positive mindset techniques we are able to help children overcome their fear and enjoy all aspects of swimming! We also encourage parents to remember that everyone learns at their own pace. With patience and persistence their child will excel.
What Floatie Is Best For Preschoolers: This is one of our most commonly asked questions and we actually recently wrote a blog on! Our favorite floatie is the US Coast Guard approved Stearns Puddle Jumper. For early swimmers, the Puddle Jumper has buoyancy on the front and the shoulders so the “neutral position” is heads-up and face-up. Floats that attach to the back, like Swim Backpacks, can put children face down. Though they are excellent teaching devices, they require supervision and aren’t approved life vests. To use swim backpacks, a child should already be comfortable using their arms to swim and lifting their chin out of the water. The best water safety by far is knowledge!
How Can Swim Lessons Affect a Preschoolers Learning Process: Swim lessons not only help Preschoolers progress their motor skills but also increase confidence. Swimming, like many other things in life can be intimidating so when you place your child in swim lessons, they’re overcoming obstacles and learning how to feel strong in their bodies. We’ve seen kids who are incredibly shy open up in as little as a lesson due to our teaching and positive mindset methods. Swim lessons can also increase focus and problem solving skills while also teaching them lifesaving techniques. Swimming is empowering and teaches kids to love learning!
What Do Swim Instructors Wish Parents Knew: Practicing with your child in the pool is one of the biggest ways to help them learn faster. The more time the child spends in the pool (without a floatation device) the better. Frequent practice especially with parents who they trust can even help them attempt skills they wouldn’t normally do with an instructor. Practice is important and remember everyone learns at their own pace.
What Books Do You Recommend Parents Read To Their Preschooler Before Starting Swim Lessons:
Preschool Readers Additional Book Recommendations:
- Peppa Pig: Peppa Goes Swimming by Ladybird
- Maisy Learns to Swim by Lucy Cousins
- Tuck In The Pool by Martha Weston
- Swimming Lessons by Betsy Jay
- Saturday is Swimming Day by Hyewon Yum
And Just For Fun… What Is One Word You Would Use To Describe Yourself As a Preschooler: Definitely energetic!
How Can Parents Connect With You:
Location: based in Southampton, NY but serve all of the Hamptons and Shelter Island
Phone: 706-505-2730
Email: liz@hamptonsswim.com
Website: www.hamptonsswim.com
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