Tuesday, July 21, 2015

The Importance of Learning How To Swim

Here is an awesome article found on the Livestrong website! A couple of the MANY reasons why it is important to learn how to swim! Here at Five Star Aquatics we are very passionate about our lessons and getting everyone on board with swimming in a fast but ALWAYS comfortable manner! Call us at (732) 380-1140 to schedule your lessons! 

Why Is It Important to Know How to Swim? By Tom Stewart

Many animals are born with the ability to swim, but humans must learn practice before being able to swim with ease. Some people never learn how to swim, which often causes them to fear water. Learning to swim is important for several reasons, and mastering this skill at a young age can benefit you throughout your life.

Personal Safety

An obvious reason for learning how to swim is to acquire the ability to survive in water. At one time or another, you are bound to find yourself in or near water, whether you're on a cruise, boating trip, fishing or lounging by a pool with friends. If the water is deeper than your height, and you find yourself in it, knowing how to swim could save your life.

Rescuing Others

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3,400 people drown in the United States every year. If you know how to swim, you might have a chance of saving someone close to you. Having the ability to swim is especially important if you are a parent or someone who works around children, as drowning is the second-leading cause of injury-related death for children less than 14 years old.
Health
Most doctors agree that swimming is a healthy form of exercise. It requires you to use many of the muscles in your body, is for building strength and endurance and is beneficial for your metabolism and cardiovascular system. The water provides a natural resistance when you are swimming, while also making the activity less strenuous on your body. Water, in most cases, also provides a natural cooling element for the body.
The pleasure of being able to spend time in the water is very important. A swim in the pool or in the ocean on a hot summer day can help you feel relaxed and physically fit. The water is a suitable way to be social with friends through activities such as surfing, water skiing or jet skiing. These exciting activities are difficult to enjoy without the knowledge of swimming.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/457393-why-is-it-important-to-know-how-to-swim/

Monday, July 20, 2015

Swimming Etiquette Rules

Here is a very accurate list of swimming etiquette that we found at,    www.enjoy-swimming.com! It is important to know these rules to achieve the best experience when swimming laps and sharing lanes. Try these out at our open swim sessions, times located on our website! See you soon! 

Swimming Etiquette Rules

So let's enumerate the rules you should follow while swimming in a lane:
  • Gauge the speeds of each lane and join the lane where the swimmers swim at your speed. This is because it is distracting for experienced swimmers to have to constantly pass slower swimmers.
  • If you are alone in a lane, you can swim following the middle line.
  • If there are two swimmers in the lane, it can be split into halves and each swimmer swims in one half of the lane. Or the swimmers use the "circle" format described hereafter.
  • If there are more than two swimmers in the lane, they should all circle in the lane. This is most often done counterclockwise.
  • When joining a lane, slowly enter the water and wait on the side during one lap until all swimmers have noticed that you will join the lane.
  • If you are the second swimmer to join a lane, discuss with the first one how you will share the lane.
  • Don't dive into the lane from the starting blocks when you join a lane. This can be distracting or even flat out frightening for swimmers that are concentrated swimming their laps and don't know what is happening. Normally, diving from the starting blocks should only be done during practice under supervision of a coach and when the lane isn't used by lap swimmers.
  • If you want to pass a slower swimmer, tap him on the foot so that he knows your intention. He will then stop at the end of the lane and move to the right corner so that you can pass. Do the same if you are the person being passed.
  • Don't push off the wall right in front of a faster swimmer. Let him/her pass first.
  • Likewise, don't push off right behind a slower swimmer to directly pass him by. Leave him some room before pushing off.
  • If you chat with a fellow swimmer, do it on the sides of the lane to not obstruct the lane end for the lap swimmers. Do the same if you need to rest.
  • Don't "borrow" a piece of swimming equipment that you haven't brought yourself and seems abandoned. It may well be needed by one of your fellow swimmers very soon.
http://www.enjoy-swimming.com/swimming-pool-etiquette.html

Sunday, July 12, 2015


Seahorse FAQ
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At what age should I enroll my child in swim lessons?
        We begin lessons at 6 months old in accordance with the American Red Cross. The earlier children are introduced to water, the easier it will be for them to learn how to swim as they grow.

Is the temperature of the water safe for babies?
        The ideal temperature for infant swimming is between 85-92 degrees.  We keep our pool at 90 degrees to ensure comfortable water for babies and parents.

Do I have to go in the pool with my child?
        Yes, a parent or other responsible adult will be in the water for all Seahorse classes.  In addition to being an introduction to the water, this class is designed to be a bonding experience.  Please note that no more than one adult may go in the water per child.  If both parents, or other family members, would like to participate we recommend alternating who will attend the class with the child each week.  Other adults are permitted to watch the class from the pool deck.

Should I feed my child before the lesson?
        Please do not feed your child less than 1 hour before swimming to allow time to digest.  Children will likely be hungry after their lesson; it is smart to be prepared with a snack and drink.  Please no food on the pool deck.

What is your swim diaper policy?
        All children who are not potty trained must wear a swim diaper.  In addition, the child should wear a bathing suit over the swim diaper.

What if my child cries?
        Every child is different, some will cry when they enter the pool and some will not.  If your child cries, it is important to stay calm, acknowledge their fear, and reassure your child that they are safe.  Usually after the first few lessons the child will become comfortable in the environment and begin to enjoy swim lessons.  It is advised to continue bringing your child to swim lessons, even if they cry.  Delaying or discontinuing the lessons will reinforce the child’s fear, making it harder to overcome as the child grows up.

Where can I change my child after class?
        We have fully equipped lockers rooms with changing stations in both the men’s and women’s.  We also have a private changing room.  There shall be no changing of clothes or diapers on the pool deck out of courtesy for all patrons as well as mandated by the Board of Health.

What will my child learn?

        The focus of the Seahorse class is getting your baby acclimated to the water.  Children will learn floating, light submersion, basic arm and leg movements, and sitting jumps with the help of their parent and instructor.  Fun songs are incorporated into the lessons.  These classes also encourage parental bonding and social interactions.