You can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but kids are never too young to learn a new skill. And living in a country with so much sunshine means it’s never too early to get your little ones swimming.
There are several classes in Abu Dhabi for kids even as young as five months, and one of them takes place every Wednesday and Saturday at the InterContinental Hotel. Kate Grassell is from Russia and is an infant massage therapist and infant aqua aerobics instructor.
‘I conduct First Mom’s School at the InterContinental Hotel to show all the benefits of infant massage, gymnastics and swimming, to provide healthy activities for babies and strengthen the bond between parents and kids,’ she says.
Kate used to work for the Abu Dhabi American Community School as an assistant PE teacher and started to teach kids to swim four years ago. ‘A year ago I obtained certification in infant swimming and pediatric medical massage and started to work with babies,’ she tells us.
So what goes on at a swimming class for babies? Parents and the kidlets meet up at the InterContinental’s third floor swimming pool. The water is heated and a stereo plays a selection of nursery rhymes to get the eager swimmers ready for action. But it’s not the babies that Kate has to worry about in class: it’s worried parents understandably freaking out when they see their tiny babies splashing about in the pool.
‘First of all I teach parents to be confident in the water with their babies. I address safety topics and encourage them. The aim in the Infant Aqua Aerobics classes is primarily for parents and their babies aged six months to three-years-old to enjoy being in the water together, have fun and stay relaxed.’
A happy parent in the pool is key to your child mastering the water. ‘Only when babies rely and respond to the parents’ total emotional support do they master swimming drills. In earlier ages kids sense the mood, attitude and anxiety which their parents sometimes unwillingly project.
I try my best to create a friendly positive atmosphere in my classes. I want every parent to consider me as a family member. The kids get more balanced and comfortable and prepared for floating and diving,’ she adds.
Of course, these lessons aren’t about throwing kids into the deep end and hoping they just float. ‘In my classes we do not practise extreme methods like throwing babies into the swimming pool. Usually parents notice how confident their child is in the water and manage to loosen their grip. Babies can balance and float on their backs as soon as they can keep a horizontal, relaxed position. Kids are going under the water and managing their breathing while on their bellies. This process takes patience from parents. Infants start to dive as soon as parents are ready to let the child go.’
Parents have to hold their babies in a variety of positions and move them around in the water during a class. These include being bounced on a knee, held by the neck and legs and moved around in a circle, learning about splashing with some carefully thrown balls, having their feet massaged with spiky, rubber balls and even being taught how to hold their breath underwater. This is done by blowing into a baby’s face, saying ‘dive’ and then moving the little one’s head underwater for a second or two. Don’t worry, babies can actually dive underwater for up to eight seconds. You can expect a bit of spluttering and a bit of crying, but they get used to it very quickly.
‘Most of the set strokes start as a game with toys and water. Catching the toys helps to make the first upper body movements, splashing builds confidence in the water, pushing from the pool edges activate legs kicking strokes,’ says Kate. The balls used in the class are also very important. ‘The massaging of infants’ limbs with spiky balls and stretching exercises are a warm-up for Infant Aqua Aerobics classes to improve blood circulation and to get them used to the pool water temperature and prepare for an active workout.’
Finally, make sure you come prepared. ‘I ask parents to bring two or three beloved bathing toys to familiarise kids to the new environment and the baby has to wear swimming diapers. Also a wet suit is necessary to protect the child from sunburn and keep them warm. Having drinks ready for after classes is strongly recommended.’
Each session costs Dhs50, www.InfantMassageCourse.com (050 414 5903).
Other kids’ swimming classes in Abu Dhabi
Beach Rotana
Individual lessons, group tuition and private classes are available. One lesson, Dhs90; ten private lessons Dhs750. Group lessons (max five children) Dhs450 (non-members), Dhs370 (members)
(02 443 6333).
Le Méridien
A package of ten lessons for your eager nippers will set you back Dhs975
(02 697 4254).
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort
Dhs150 per lesson or Dhs950 for eight lessons. Group tuition also available
(02 697 0272).
