Safest for non-swimmers of all ages, an adult
carrying a baby, small children, beginner pupils, always enter and leave at the
steps where we can manage our entry and exit. We can stand on the steps or in
the shallow water. This is where we start our orientation in a swimming pool,
realise our ability within safe boundaries, learn/teach the basic skills to
submerge in water, participate with all ages and where we can just have fun in
water! The hand holding technique is comfortably supportive
When a child asks if they may swim we consciously become aware
that they are going into water. This creates awareness of our responsibility to
keep them safe. We learn to talk to and listen to each other. To ask in a
respectful way … ‘please may I climb into the pool?’ In my years of teaching
swimming this is the exact practice with each and every pupil. It only takes a
few seconds of time. The communication brings both teacher and pupil into
present time, mentally preparing to spend the duration of the lesson time
together
Entry at the steps of a swimming pool is where everyone can
stand, sit, ly down, be within reach of safety. The steps is where orientation
in water and most skills are learned, practiced, used. They become our ‘safe
haven’ when in the water. This too is where we can play and experiment with
different abilities.
We need to ‘actually feel’ to experience the sitting, the
climbing in by either sitting or lying on the tummy, supporting ourselves.
These actions make us aware of our own ability, the short term goal with the
short achievement. These little actions are part of the strength and physical
development we gain through independent movement. We learn to ‘think’ for
ourselves
In this module you will notice the constant eye contact which
ensures an instruction is given to and heard. This is where we all start learning
to listen
The Hand Holding Technique is very smart. Although it is
specific it is adjustable. We only need to adjust it slightly when we turn a
person onto the back. When turning back again the technique automatically
reverts back to the original position. The purpose of this technique is to
stimulate use of the hands, elbows, shoulders in such a way that the person
learns to manage each of their movements whilst being attached merely by the
hand. The connection is strong enough, supportive enough to instil
confidence to encourage independence to eventually swim freely. At no time ever
is there strain on any limb or the body. Trust is built between the teacher and
the person. Constant, repetitive use of this technique subconsciously teaches a
person to reach for a hand for support rather than a body ....
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