uSwim, level 2, skill 1, Breath control, swimming lessons
- 14 years ago
Breath control
The skill of controlling one’s breath may seem obvious, yet it is amazing how many children are not taught this vital safety skill. Ingesting or breathing water into the lungs accelerates the drowning process and makes it more difficult for a child to swim to safety. This is why children should never ever be instructed to blow bubbles before they are old enough to learn ‘freestyle breathing’. Blowing bubbles removes the air from the lungs making the child want to inhale, not good if the mouth is in the water.
There are 4 easy steps to breath control:
1. Taking a breath (inhaling)
2. Holding a breath with the mouth closed
3. Inhaling, holding and placing the face in the water, then exhaling.
4. Extending the time
The skill of controlling one’s breath may seem obvious, yet it is amazing how many children are not taught this vital safety skill. Ingesting or breathing water into the lungs accelerates the drowning process and makes it more difficult for a child to swim to safety. This is why children should never ever be instructed to blow bubbles before they are old enough to learn ‘freestyle breathing’. Blowing bubbles removes the air from the lungs making the child want to inhale, not good if the mouth is in the water.
There are 4 easy steps to breath control:
1. Taking a breath (inhaling)
2. Holding a breath with the mouth closed
3. Inhaling, holding and placing the face in the water, then exhaling.
4. Extending the time