Swimming through a Pune winter: answering the cold worry
Many parents stop lessons in November for fear of coughs and colds. What the heated pool is like, and how to keep children warm after.
Swim kit: what to buy and what to skip
A short list for parents before the first class.
You do not need much to start swimming, and most of it costs less than you might think. The essentials are a well-fitting swimsuit, a silicone cap and a pair of goggles.
Swimsuits should be made for swimming, not fashion. Look for chlorine-resistant fabric. For children, a one-piece or a fitted trunk is easier than loose shorts, which drag in the water. Full-length suits are welcome in every batch.
Silicone caps last longer than cloth or latex and are easier to pull on. Goggles matter most. Try them on before buying: press them to the eyes without the strap, and they should stay on for a second on their own. Children’s goggles with a split strap are easier to adjust.
What can you skip? Arm bands and float suits. We provide all floats and kickboards, and children learn faster without inflatables that hold them in the wrong position. Fins are useful later in the stroke clinic, but not for beginners.
After each session, rinse everything in tap water and dry it in the shade. Chlorine and direct sun are what wear swimwear out.
