For most parents, swimming is a favorite as an extracurricular activity for children. Not only does it result in a good build and growth for most children, it is also a great life skill and a sport with minimal chance of injury. In Bangalore, there are several good coaches who organize swimming lessons for children. However, parents are often in a dilemma about when to start swimming lessons for their children and how often. MetroMela spoke with swimming champion Nisha Millet, the first Indian swimmer to qualify for the Olympic Games in 200 meters freestyle and winner of the Arjuna Award. Millet hosts boot camps for kids and adults throughout the year and loves to make swimming fun for kids.
Make your kids swim …
* Five is the perfect age to start swimming lessons for your child. It is difficult for children under that age to discover underwater breathing techniques and follow instructions.
* If you have kids under the age of five who love water, take them to a baby pool and let them splash around as they please. You can teach them to do fun things like blow bubbles. Millet advises against trying to submerge their heads under water when they are young.
* Never force your child to learn to swim. They should enjoy what they are doing.
* One hour in the pool a day is enough exercise.
* Swimming is a calorie-burning sport, so don’t stop your child from eating unless he or she is obese. Once the child is over 10 years old, he can focus on the proper diet.
* For children over 10 years old, exercises such as jogging and light weights are recommended.
* Let swimming be a fun exercise for your child. If you’re happy to enjoy it as a sport but don’t like competition, don’t force it. On the other hand, if the child has potential and both parent and child are willing to train for competitions, prepare yourself, as it is difficult to balance studies and training.
* It is not necessary for your child to stop taking swimming lessons through their exams. Swimming for even half an hour can act as a great stress reliever. “I always swam through all my exams,” says Millet.
* Joining a swimming class is a good way to calm a hyperactive child.
* Before putting your child in a swim camp, make sure the water is treated, clean and there are lifeguards around. Most classes allow parents to sit and watch.
Where to learn …
Nisha Millet Swimming Academy
The academy is currently running camps at Catholic Club, Karnataka Golf Association (KGA), and Bowring Club. Swim Camps are held throughout the year at these clubs and are open to members and non-members alike. There are camps for beginners (children and adults) and advanced children. Rates vary from club to club. For example, a month-long advanced camp for children costs Rs. 3,000 at Catholic Club. Classes run Monday through Friday, and before joining Millet checks the kids’ swimming skills. To make it a fun exercise for kids, Nisha does fun relay races and competitions. If he detects talent, he sends him to the Basavanagudi Aquatic Center for further training.
To swim
Run by award-winning Ekalavya and former international swimmer Satish Kumar, they teach classes even for babies, from one year old to two, along with a parent. Instructor Satish Kumar has received special training from the USA in this regard and teaches children at his own pace. Due to the weather, children’s classes are held between March and May. There are regular classes for children over the age of five in the beginner, intermediate and advanced categories. Classes are held at St. Joseph’s High School, Koramangala Club, and DPS South. The rates for these are 1,500 rupees for two weeks, but may change depending on the location. The charges for classes for babies and parents are 3,000 rupees per month.
Swimming class in the afternoon
Jayanagar Pool
Classes are held at the Jayanagar pool between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm, six days a week. Monday is a day off. They have trained instructors and two lots for kids. Children aged five and over can join. The fee for beginners is Rs 1,600 for two months and for advanced classes Rs 2,000 for two months.