Swimming I Honor

Recreational Activities

Requirements

1. Learn the seven water safety rules.

   Answer: 1) Never go into the water alone, always with an adult nearby. 2) Only swim where it is allowed and safe. 3) Wait a little while after eating before going into the water. 4) Do not run at the edge of the pool, because it is slippery. 5) Do not push your friends or play at dunking them. 6) Stay in the shallow part if you do not know how to swim yet. 7) If you need help, call an adult or the lifeguard. — These rules protect the child from accidents and drowning in the water.

2. With your head underwater, hold your breath for five seconds.

   Answer: With an adult right beside you, stay in the shallow part, fill your chest well with air, hold firmly, lower your head slowly into the water, and count to five (1, 2, 3, 4, 5). Then lift your head and let the air out. Take it easy and repeat until you can do it. — Learning to hold your breath helps the child feel calm in the water.

3. Pick up something from the bottom of the pool.

   Answer: With an adult along, ask them to place an object (like a ring or a diving toy) on the bottom of the shallow part. Fill your chest with air, crouch down, open your eyes or feel around, grab the object, and come back to the surface. Start in the shallowest part. — Picking up an object from the bottom helps the child lose the fear of putting their head underwater.

4. Play "tag" or ball in the shallow end of the pool or tank.

   Answer: Gather a few friends in the shallow part, always with an adult watching. For tag, one chases the others while walking in the water; for the ball, throw and catch a light ball. Walk carefully so you do not slip and have fun without pushing anyone. — Playing in the water makes the child more comfortable and confident in the pool.

5. Correctly demonstrate the leg movements as preparation for swimming.

   Answer: Hold on to the edge of the pool or to an adult's hands, stretch your legs out behind you, and kick your feet up and down, quickly and lightly, making a little foam in the water. Keep your legs stretched out, without bending your knee too much. — Kicking your legs is the first movement that helps the child move in the water.

6. Know when and where it is possible to swim without danger.

   Answer: You can swim safely in places meant for it, like pools with lifeguards or beaches where it is allowed, always with an adult nearby, in the shallow part if you do not know how to swim yet, and when the weather is good. You should not swim alone, in deep places, with a very rough sea, in dirty water, during a storm, or right after eating. — Knowing the right time and place prevents accidents and keeps the child safe.