By Jenny Wise There’s no getting around the fact that summer is better when you have a pool. That said, installing a pool in your backyard that is safe, compliant, and enjoyable requires careful planning. Not only do you need to think about what type of pool will work best for your family, but you also need to put it in the right spot, ensure that the area surrounding it is secure, and take any other precautions necessary. Today, Academy Swim Club shares some pointers on how you can install a pool the right way! Decide Between In-Ground or Above-Ground The first order of business will be to de ..read more

Life Saving: With drowning being the #1 cause of accidental death for children under five, in the state of CA, formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of droning by 88% Our Water Safety Program will help your children know what they can do to help with another swimmer is in trouble, avoiding a double drowning Water resistance: Water weighs 8lbs per gallon. Moving through water is like lifting weights – the safe way! Improves strength and cardiovascular fitness Compared to exercise on land, the same level of fitness can be attained in up to ½ the time! Water can be from 4 to 44 times more re ..read more

Showers are necessary for the health and protection of our students and instructors.  Chlorine is a very efficient sanitizer for bacteria and germs.  However, the combination of chlorine and ammonia (in both urine and sweat) creates chloramines, which are more difficult to remove from the water.  The result is when students open their eyes underwater, they burn, and when instructors are teaching in the water for 5-8 hours a day, they get a rash.  When we enforce the shower policy for everyone, we don’t have these problems. Does your child’s hair smell like chlorine after yo ..read more

By: Nikki Miller Debbie Phelps, mother of the world record holding Michael Phelps, has been very public about how much swimming helped her ADHD son.  As a 25 year licensed psychotherapist who specializes in ADD/ADHD, and a 30 year swim school owner, I feel qualified to clarify.  As I am limited in space, this article will span over 3 months. First, a brief explanation of Attention Deficit (Hyperactive) Disorder:  ADD/ADHD is so much more complicated than just the “active child” or “couch potato.”  There are 12 different areas of symptoms for ADD, and each of these areas may ..read more

Many parents limit swimming to the warm summer months believing that their child will get sick if they swim during the winter. The fact is children are no more likely to catch a cold from swimming during winter than during summer. Children are more susceptible to colds and the flu during winter, it’s true, because school is in session and they are in close contact with each other. Also, the viruses that cause infections thrive during the dry cooler months. And those viruses are sneaky little ninjas. Of course you wouldn’t send your child to school if he is sick, but he’s contagious even before ..read more

By Nikki Miller Most children participate in some form of swim lessons each summer.  With bodies of water everywhere, and drowning the leading cause of accidental death for children 5 and under, it’s pretty much a cultural tradition.  However, not all children learn to swim in a few short months, and most forget their skills once they are no longer in the pool regularly.  Many parents just wait until next year and try again.  This could be a fatal mistake.  Drowning poses just as many risks in fall, winter, and spring, as in summer.  Also, after weeks of trying, a ..read more

It’s the first day of school for your child and you want it to be perfect!  You’re packing a lunch, combing hair and taking pictures while giving encouragement, advice and admonishments. Be a good listener. Obey the rules. Follow directions. Do your best. Have fun! School readiness is more than ABC’s and 123’s.  It’s a child’s ability to learn from someone other than mom or dad in a group setting.  Some children adapt well to the massive changes school brings; for others, it’s a bumpy road with many stops for parent-teacher meetings.  What can a parent do to help their chil ..read more

            Most children take swimming lessons for a few weeks, or even a few months during the summer only.  This is fun and convenient, as the pool is a nice place to cool down and have some fun, and Mom or Dad can get a tan while they wait.  However, there are many benefits to swimming year-round.             A Lifesaving Skill.  Children are drawn to water and need every layer of protection they can get.  Teaching this vital skill is like fencing your pool or locking your doors that op ..read more

Photo via Rawpixel Article by: Jenny Wise Enjoying your backyard pool requires more than tossing on a swimsuit. In fact, home swimming pools can be very dangerous, especially for children. Here, the experts at Academy Swim Club share the safe swimming tips every family can use. Secure the Pool Area and Share Safety Basics Always make securing the pool area the first step. Safety measures can keep kids, pets, and non-swimmers safe. Follow safety barrier guidelines for your home pool. Install pool alarms to help prevent accidents. Use pool safety covers that meet federal standards. Recognize t ..read more

By: Jenny Wise 5 Reasons You Should Be Exercising With Your Kids Every Day Between a busy work schedule and family responsibilities, it can be tricky for parents to find the time for fitness. Video games and television can make kids reluctant to workout too. But fitness plays a critical role in all of our physical and mental health. So what’s a busy parent to do? Why not try working out with your kids! Creating a fitness routine for your family is one of the most basic ways to keep everyone healthy. Need more motivation? Here are five essential reasons you should be exercising more with your k ..read more