In 2012, after twenty years of teaching aquatic skills both abroad and in the UK, Penny Watkins founded Aqualife Swimming in Sevenoaks. It has now become one of the most popular and highly recommended independent swim schools in the area.
Here, Penny tells us why swimming is an essential life skill for any child, as well as explaining some of the unique and holistic techniques that Aqualife use to teach children and adults to swim.
LEARN TO SWIM AND SAVE YOUR LIFE
With so many extra-curricular activities and sports to choose from, swimming often gets pushed down the list or put off until a later date . . . and quite frankly it can be a parent’s worst nightmare – cold changing rooms, wet kit and damp kids don’t always equal tranquillity! However, the benefits significantly out-weigh any of the negatives. Simply put, swimming is the only sport that can save your child’s life. Drowning is still one of the most common causes of accidental death in children, so being able to swim is an essential life-saving skill.
A SPORT FOR EVERYONE
Swimming is also an incredibly inclusive activity and the benefits are physical, mental and emotional. It doesn’t matter how academic, or indeed sporty your child may be, the skills and elements needed to be able to learn to swim, and ultimately to be safe, are confidence and buoyancy; all other skills are then learnt when the swimmer is ready and able.
EVERY SWIMMER IS UNIQUE
Learning to swim is a unique experience, there is no one size fits all method. It is a multi-layered approach and has to be child led. Our ethos is that every one of our swimmers and their families are important to us and will be wholly supported throughout their aquatic journey. Our team take careful consideration to find the right class for ability, personality and needs of our swimmers. The match between swimmers and teachers is paramount to a successful aquatic journey!
PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE
We are often asked the million-dollar question – “how long will it take my child to learn to swim?” It is important to remember that when learning new skills, neural pathways between muscles, joints and brain need to be laid down, strengthened and remembered. All this takes consistent practice. This is why regular swimming lessons are the best way for our children to learn.
SWIM LIKE A SAILFISH!
Aqualife’s approach is unique, as we believe it is not just about creating swimmers; it’s about creating individuals who love, respect and enjoy the water. That is why promoting a love of the aquatic world is central to our teaching approach. Utilising the STA International Learn to Swim programme, our classes incorporate animal, habitat and conservation themes designed to educate and engage our swimmers. It’s much more fun learning to tread water when you’re mimicking a jellyfish, or mastering speed swimming like a sail fish!
So, this year push swimming to the top of the extra-curricular list for your child – it will help them become stronger mentally and physically, build their confidence and could one day save their life.
For more information visit www.aqualifeswimming.com
