The importance of learning to swim with & without goggles

Learning to swim is a crucial life skill that every child should acquire. At YOUR SWIM, we believe in comprehensive swim education that prepares children for all water situations. A key part of this education is teaching children to swim both with and without goggles. This dual approach is crucial for their comfort, confidence, and safety in the water.

Why Learn to Swim without goggles?

While goggles have many benefits, it is equally important for children to learn how to swim without them. Swimming without goggles helps children become accustomed to the natural feel of water on their face and eyes. This familiarity can reduce panic if they ever find themselves in a situation where they must swim without the aid of goggles.

Young children are naturally curious and active, and they may find themselves in water unexpectedly, such as an accidental fall into a swimming pool, or a slip off a creek bank, or sand bank at a beach. In these situations, they may not have goggles on, so it’s essential that they are comfortable and capable in the water, no matter the circumstances.

This confidence is particularly important for young children, who are still learning to trust their own abilities. The knowledge that they can swim without relying on goggles—or any other aid—gives them the courage to explore the water more freely, which is essential for their overall development.

When should we introduce goggles to swimming?

Goggles are a fantastic tool for young swimmers, once they are comfortable in the water and are beginning to submerge their face for longer periods of time.  Being able to see clearly underwater allows them to explore their surroundings, recognize objects, and follow instructions more easily. This visual clarity can reduce anxiety and encourage them to engage more fully in the learning process.

When children can see clearly, they are more likely to feel confident as they learn to navigate the water, practice their strokes, and explore underwater environments. Incorporating goggles into swim lessons can make the learning process smoother and more engaging, encouraging children to practice more frequently and improve their skills faster. 

Goggles help children practice proper head positioning and breathing techniques without the distraction of water getting into their eyes. This focus can accelerate their learning, helping them build a solid foundation for more advanced swimming skills.

By teaching children to swim both with and without goggles, we are preparing them for the wide range of environments and circumstances they may encounter in and around water.