Abingdon Dolphins Swim School

☀️💦 Make the most of your paddling pool this summer! 💦☀️

A paddling pool is a great place for little ones to build confidence between swimming lessons. Keep it fun and pressure-free by trying simple activities like:

🐠 Blowing bubbles in the water
⭐ Floating on their back with your support
💦 Pouring water over their shoulders and head
🦶 Kicking their legs while holding the side
🧸 Reaching for floating toys
🎶 Singing their favourite swimming songs

Remember, the goal isn’t to teach them to swim—it’s to help them feel happy, relaxed, and confident in the water.

⚠️ Always supervise children closely. A paddling pool is never a substitute for active adult supervision.

Happy splashing!

💦Learning to swim - Things you can do at home💦

There are lots of things you can do at home to help yourself or your family improve their swimming skills.

1. Practicing blowing bubbles in the bath or paddling pool. To make it fun you could get the children to blow bubbles with a straw.

2. Wetting hair and face. Again you can do this in the bath or paddling pool. Make it a game by ‘watering the flowers’ or singing songs such as ‘rain rain go away’.

3. Laying on backs with ears in the water. This is a great skill to practice as it’s one of the most important things children need to know to keep themselves safe in the water.

4. Kicking. This doesn’t have to be done in the water. This can be done laying on the floor. Practice those fast little kicks remembering to not bend those knees!
Older children learning breaststroke can practice doing their legs sat on a chair. Remember to
Keep those feet flat and turned out like a penguin!

5. Water Safety Code. Talk about the water safety code and make sure children know what to do if there’s an emergency.

What colour is your child's swimwear this summer?

💡 Bright colours are best.

White, blue and grey swimwear can be hard to spot underwater. Choose bright colours like pink, yellow, orange or green to help keep children visible in and around the water and remember to supervise closely at all times.

Learn more about keeping your family safe around water this summer: www.rlss.org.uk/water-safety-at-the-beach

Renewals, reports and award slips have been sent to all Friday swimmers…

Renewal letters, reports and awards slips have just been sent by email to all Wednesday swimmers, both Radley and Kingfisher…If you don’t receive yours please let me know!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jIEw55a6dcw&ra=m&fbclid=IwVERDUASgdKJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR7ioooxkUlepPUZMTJtiKxZssDq6yjmEiR2HOfCZIY618fvwLfjncYDI-tsGw_aem_xwtI9cPRI0SJTIbkaOz-XA

How to Float: would you know what to do if you were in trouble in the water? Knowing how to float could save your life if you get into trouble i...

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DphKC39ow/

Learning To Float Could Save Your Life !
Floating is confidence in its calmest form.
When the water feels big, we don’t fight — we breathe, look up, and rest.
A simple skill that can make all the difference.
Learn to float. 💙

Beach flags facts from around the world 🚩

Did you know that beach flags are one of the most important safety systems used worldwide? While designs can vary by country, many beaches follow similar colour codes to help keep visitors safe.

🔴 Red Flag = High danger. Strong currents, rough surf, or unsafe swimming conditions.

🟢 Green Flag = Low hazard. Conditions are generally safe, but always stay aware.

🟣 Purple Flag = Dangerous marine life may be present, such as jellyfish or stingrays.

🔴🟡 Red & Yellow Flags = Lifeguard-patrolled swimming area. In countries like Australia and the UK, you're encouraged to swim between these flags.

⚫⚪ Black & White Flags = Watercraft and surfing zone. Swimmers should avoid these areas.

🌎 Fun Fact: Beach flag systems differ slightly around the world, so if you're visiting a new destination, take a moment to check the local flag meanings before entering the water.

Before you dive in, look up, check the flags and stay safe!

Even on warm, sunny days, water temperatures can remain dangerously low. 💙

Cold water shock can happen in seconds, causing an involuntary gasp, loss of breathing control and panic. This sudden reaction makes it much harder to stay calm and keep yourself safe.

Studies show that people’s ability to swim in cold water is significantly reduced compared to swimming in a warm pool, meaning even confident swimmers can quickly struggle.

Understanding these risks can make all the difference. Taking a moment to prepare and knowing how your body may react could help save your life.

Discover cold water shock facts now:
👉

Cold Water Shock – the Facts Cold water can be from the temperature of a swimming pool and below.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1569799515182207&id=100064565204722

Cold water shock can affect anyone - even strong swimmers, even on hot days.

• Warm weather doesn't mean warm water - open water stays dangerously cold.
• Cold water shock causes an involuntary gasp and loss of breathing control within seconds - even for strong swimmers.
• Even confident swimmers can quickly lose strength, control, and coordination. Panic makes it worse.

It doesn't take long for things to go wrong in open water - even for strong swimmers.

Learn more: www.rlss.org.uk/cold-water-shock-the-facts