Parents prefer intensive swimming courses for children
This summer, intensive swimming courses for children in Hanoi become more vibrant as the demand for registration increases sharply at many swimming pools and swimming centers.
Ms. Ngo Mai Huong (35 years old, Hanoi) said that she registered for an intensive course for her 8-year-old son because she wanted her son to learn to swim early before the summer vacation. According to Ms. Mai Huong, the short-day study form is suitable for the busy family schedule.
My family is about to go on a beach trip, so I want my child to get used to the water and know basic skills to feel more secure. In just over a week, my child has learned to float and swim basicly, so I find it quite effective," Ms. Huong shared.
Conversely, Mr. Pham Truong Bach (30 years old, Hanoi) believes that many parents today have a mentality of wanting their children to learn to swim as quickly as possible. However, he believes that learning to swim should not be too hasty.
Everyone is worried about the risk of drowning, so they often prioritize short courses so that their children can quickly learn to swim. But I see that each child has a different physique and ability to absorb. So I emphasize that my children feel safer and more confident underwater," said Mr. Truong Bach.
Do not equate swimming with survival skills
According to Mr. Pham Van Dong - Freestyle swimming instructor at Vinhomes Metropolis (Hanoi) - besides regular classes, intensive swimming courses are increasingly chosen by many parents.
These courses currently usually last about 10 sessions and are popular because they help children quickly learn to swim, save time, and meet the needs of drowning prevention in the summer," Mr. Dong said.
According to the trainer, crash courses can help children grasp basic swimming skills in a short time. However, to swim proficiently and handle safe situations, children still need to practice regularly after the course.
The psychology of wanting children to learn to swim quickly is understandable because parents are worried about their children's safety. But learning to swim takes time for children to get used to water and practice skills," Mr. Dong said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ho Trong Khang - Freestyle Swimming Coach - said that many intensive courses currently only last from 4 - 8 sessions depending on the student's physical condition.
This is a quick and convenient form, suitable for parents who want their children to get acquainted with the water environment before trips or extracurricular activities," Mr. Khang shared.
However, according to him, knowing how to swim and having a survival mindset underwater are two completely different things.
The intensive course mainly helps improve the underwater experience. And drowning prevention skills need to be equipped separately and practiced for a long time," Mr. Khang emphasized.
Swimming instructors believe that parents should choose courses that are suitable for their children's physical and psychological condition instead of placing too much emphasis on speed.
Parents should not be too hasty or put pressure on their children to know how to swim very quickly. More importantly, children feel confident, calm in the water and have safety skills to handle incidents," Mr. Khang said.
