We all know that learning to swim is important. But how do you teach that intrinsic connection to water? We chat with Nathan Grieg, surf lifesaver and swim coach from Alite Edvantage, Mountain Creek learn to swim centre, to find out.
Living in southeast Queensland, our kids have a unique relationship with the water. From weekend surfing trips to fishing on the river, the water is a part of our lifestyle. Knowing how to swim safely in a variety of aquatic environments is not just a recreational skill; it’s a necessity.
While swimming pools provide a controlled environment to learn basic swimming skills, the ocean offers a vastly different experience. Waves, currents, and marine life can pose potential dangers if not understood and respected.
Alite Edvantage Swim School understands the importance of connecting pool swimming with ocean safety. Founded by Nathan Grieg, a lifelong swimmer and lifeguard and coach, the Mountain Creek swim school offers a unique approach that prepares children for the challenges of coastal living.
Nathan explains the importance of building fundamental swimming skills early. “Consistent swimming lessons focus on the small building blocks that become second nature,” he says. “We emphasise individual progress to scaffold the building blocks that develop confident swimmers,” says Nathan. “These building blocks help children stay calm and confident in the water, increasing their enjoyment in the aquatic environment.”
Embedding a connection with water early
Getting these basic skills embedded early can make all the difference, which is why Alite Edvantage offers free lessons for babies ages three to six months to get kids into the pool as young as possible. An example is instinctively knowing how to breathe correctly. “Imagine a child jumping under a wave and holding their breath, and as they surface, they breathe out and then in quickly. The child feels a little out of breath; they may swallow water which can cause fear or panic,” says Nathan. “Early swimming lessons can teach children to control breathing out under the water so when they surface, they are calmer and breathe air in at the right time.”
Connecting the pool to the ocean is what sets Alite Edvantage apart. The school’s instructors have extensive experience in ocean and competitive swimming, providing a real-world perspective on water safety. This knowledge is incorporated into the lessons, helping children understand the unique challenges and opportunities that the ocean presents.
“Teachers can see what fundamentals individuals are missing and can adjust lessons accordingly. It is easier to adjust swimmers and focus on getting the fundamentals correct when they are young,” says Nathan.
Kids learn about rip currents, wave patterns, and marine hazards, equipping them with the tools to make informed decisions and stay safe in the ocean.
“As Queenslanders, we have a unique opportunity to raise water-savvy kids. By teaching kids these critical skills of understanding the water, reading the ocean, and being in the water being second nature, we’re equipping children with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in coastal environments. This not only ensures their safety but also opens up a world of possibilities for exploration and adventure.”
Visit the Alite Edvantage website for more information on their successful learn to swim program.
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