Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Child Learn to Survive?
At ISR Self-Rescue, we believe swimming is a crucial part of survival for walking children. They learn the swim-float-swim sequence, acquiring both swimming and survival skills to become adept aquatic problem solvers.
Why Do Children Swim in Clothes?
Most water emergencies involve fully clothed children. Experiencing the sensation of being in the water with clothes on helps them remain calm in an emergency, focusing on the task at hand.
Why Are Lessons 5 Days Per Week and Only 10 Minutes?
Repetition and consistency are vital for young learners. Short, frequent lessons, supported by research, enhance retention. Children's short attention spans and the physical demands of lessons.
Why Does It Take an Average of 6 to 8 Weeks for My Child to Learn This?
The 4 to 6-week estimate is based on the average time for most children to master survival skills. Every child is unique, and ISR's Self-Rescue program is tailored to individual strengths and needs. The average duration provides ample time for proficiency while honoring each child's pace.
Why Are Lessons in Clothes Important?
Clothes significantly differ in weight and feel in water compared to bathing suits. Familiarizing children with this experience in a controlled setting ensures they remain composed during an emergency.
Why Are Lessons 5 Days Per Week for 10 Minutes?
Consistency and repetition are key for young learners. Short, focused sessions align with children's attention spans and account for the physical demands of lessons in cooler pool temperatures.
Why Does It Take About 6 Weeks for My Child to Learn?
The estimated timeframe considers the average duration for children to grasp survival skills. ISR Self-Rescue prioritizes safety, tailoring the program to each child's unique strengths and needs. The duration allows for proficiency, respecting individual learning paces.
Do You Have Children That Just Can't Learn the Skills?
Every child can learn. My role is to find the most effective way to communicate information so that it resonates with the child. I ensure your child is set up for success, progressively building skills with each lesson.
Do Parents Get Into the Water During the Lessons?
Parent involvement is limited to a designated day. Concentration and objectivity are essential to teach a child aquatic emergency responses effectively.
Who Can Bring My Child to Class?
Anyone over 18 in charge of your child and able to answer the BUDS questions can bring them to class. Encourage the involvement of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and caregivers to assist in getting your child to lessons.
How Are ISR Instructors Trained?
ISR Instructors undergo a minimum of 6 weeks of in-water training alongside a master Instructor, followed by 2 weeks of academics before leading lessons. Continuous certifications in First Aid and CPR for Healthcare Providers are maintained, with annual attendance at the ISR National Recertification Conference for ongoing education.
What Other Benefits Does the ISR Lesson Experience Provide the Child?
While every child is unique, many parents observe increased confidence in various aspects of their child's personality, growth, and development after mastering swimming skills.
How Do Children Know to Hold Their Breath?
Breath-holding skills are taught early in the lessons, with ISR Instructors utilizing effective techniques and positive reinforcement.
What About the Use of Flotation Devices and Life Jackets?
Flotation devices offer a false sense of security and hinder the development of swimming skills. They can instill a misconception about water safety. Coast Guard-approved devices are only recommended for non-swimmers in specific situations, such as boating or near water with the potential for accidental submersion.
How Do Babies Learn to Respond to Aquatic Emergencies?
Babies learn to roll over and float through skills, practice, and confidence-building. ISR emphasizes calm responses to situations without the need for the baby to perceive danger or an emergency.
What Further Lessons Will My Child Need?
ISR recommends refresher lessons, with the frequency determined by the child's age, growth rate, skill level, and confidence. Refresher lessons help children adapt to their changing bodies, fine-tuning aquatic skills, and building efficiency and confidence. It's especially crucial if your child hasn't practiced aquatic skills between seasons.
Why Should Parents Enroll Their Children in ISR Lessons?
ISR Self-Rescue parents enroll their children to harness their abilities and equip them with essential survival skills in water. Learning to swim early in life is supported by research showing optimal learning times for certain skills.
What Other Benefits Do the Isr Lesson Experience Provide Students?
Parents often observe increased confidence in various aspects of their children's personalities and overall development. The program contributes to health and psychological gains.
Are ISR Self-rescue Swimming Lessons Safe for Infants and Young Children?
Yes, ISR prioritizes safety, implementing numerous protocols to ensure safe lessons. Instructors undergo intensive training exceeding industry standards, and your child's health is closely monitored. Confidential medical and developmental history is a mandatory part of national registration.
What is the American Academy of Pediatrics' Position on Swimming Lessons for Young Children?
In 2010, the AAP updated its policy based on research, stating that swim lessons reduce drowning risk for children aged 1 to 4. ISR, the safest survival swimming program, aligns with this recommendation. The AAP advises individualized consideration for early water-survival skills training, considering factors like exposure to water, emotional maturity, physical limitations, and health concerns.
How Do You Teach a Baby to Swim?
ISR Instructors employ a personalized approach, recognizing each child's unique strengths and experiences. Grounded in behavioral sciences, child development, and sensory-motor learning, instructors guide infants through nonverbal communication, ensuring a tailored sequence of learning to swim and float.
Why Should Parents Enroll Their Children in ISR Lessons?
ISR Self-Rescue parents enroll their children, understanding their abilities and seeking to provide every learning opportunity. Emphasizing the importance of teaching children self-help skills in water, research supports early-life swimming as optimal.
What if My Child Misses a Class?
If your child misses a class, instructors follow specific protocols to ensure safe lesson delivery. Effective communication with your instructor is crucial, especially when planning vacations or extended breaks from lessons.
Why Do the Babies Cry?
Babies cry as they lack verbal skills to express themselves, a normal response to new and challenging situations. With increasing skills in the pool, the frequency of fussing typically decreases as the child becomes more comfortable and confident.