Swimming

Age Classification in Swimming:

Early Childhood Stage (4-6 years):

Preschool children are treated as a special case in swimming education programs. To reduce fear, it is appropriate for a trusted adult, such as a parent or guardian, to participate in the teaching process under the teacher's supervision. At this age, children may struggle to focus, have limited endurance, and coordination. Teaching skills can be challenging, so the emphasis should be on water adaptation through water games. Attention should be given to the safety and security of the environment, avoiding negative experiences that might lead to a reluctance to swim.

Middle Childhood Stage (6-8 years):

Lessons in this stage should be active with a focus on basic skills. Training distances should be short, informing the child of occasional successes. Children tend to seek closeness and feel secure if the teacher joins them in the water. Safety skills should cover pool rules, visuals, and drawings to enhance understanding.

Late Childhood Stage (8-12 years):

Adolescents in this stage can discuss safety concepts and follow more complex educational instructions. They have an increased attention span, allowing for longer exercise times than younger children. They can benefit from models presented by others, and rapid growth may result in inconsistent movements. Teachers need to consider this while teaching skills. Dual teaching methods and cooperative activities, such as group games, are excellent for skill teaching and building endurance in this stage.

Adolescent Stage (12-15 years):

Learning ability and endurance increase in this stage, despite sudden growth spurts that may affect coordination and endurance. Swimming levels for competitions and the emergence of talented individuals in national teams, especially for girls, become apparent. Desire for skill excellence, participation in leadership roles, and questioning or challenging authority may lead to systemic issues. Individuals in this category should be treated with wisdom, and the teacher has a clear impact on increasing self- awareness in this stage.

Adolescence Stage (15-25 years):

Educational focus in this stage requires a high level of skill development and increased training loads. Youth typically have high motivation, allowing the teacher to focus on individual guidance based on capabilities and needs.

Safety and Security:

The coach should prioritize safety and security, preventing hazardous situations and teaching skills related to self-rescue in different pool depths. Handling emergencies and ensuring the safety of equipment, including water conditions, underwater hazards, and indoor air currents in covered pools, are essential.

Avoid and Prevent:

Large group sizes (crowding in the designated lesson area).
Lack of a clear educational program.
Irregular use of formations for learners.
Rushing due to insufficient time.

Teaching Aids in Swimming:

Floating tools for buoyancy.

Kickboard for leg strokes.
Paddles for arm strokes.
Pull Buoy for flotation assistance.
Fins for enhanced swimming propulsion.
Tubes for floating support.
Balls for exercises.
Ropes for various activities.

Rings for additional support.