| For most parents, swimming is a top favorite as | | | | * Joining a swimming class is a good way to calm |
| an extra-curricular activity for kids. Not only does | | | | down a hyperactive child. |
| it result in a good build and growth for most | | | | * Before you put your child in a swimming camp, |
| children, it's also a great life skill to know and a | | | | make sure the water is treated, is clean and |
| sport with minimum chances of injury. In | | | | there are lifeguards around. Most classes allow |
| Bangalore, there are several good coaches who | | | | parents to sit and observe. |
| organize swimming lessons for children. However, | | | | Where to learn... |
| parents are often in a dilemma about when to | | | | Nisha Millet's Swimming Academy |
| start swimming classes for their kids and how | | | | The academy is currently holding camps in |
| often. MetroMela spoke to swimming champion | | | | Catholic Club, Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) |
| Nisha Millet, the first Indian swimmer to qualify for | | | | and Bowring Club. Swim camps are held |
| the Olympics in 200 meters freestyle and an | | | | throughout the year at these clubs and are open |
| Arjuna Award winner. Millet organizes coaching | | | | to members and non-members alike. There are |
| camps for children and adults throughout the year | | | | camps for beginners (kids and adults) and |
| and loves to make swimming a fun exercise for | | | | advanced kids. Fees vary from club to club. For |
| kids. | | | | instance, one month advanced camp for kids |
| Getting your kids to swim... | | | | costs Rs. 3,000 at Catholic Club. Classes are held |
| * Five is the perfect age to start swimming | | | | Monday to Friday and before joining, Millet checks |
| lessons for your child. It's difficult for kids below | | | | out the kid's swimming abilities. To make it a fun |
| that age to figure out underwater breathing | | | | exercise for kids, Nisha does relay races and fun |
| techniques and follow instructions. | | | | competitions. If she spots talent, she refers them |
| * If you have kids below the age of five who | | | | to Basavanagudi Aquatic Centre for further |
| love water, take them to a baby pool and let | | | | coaching. |
| them splash around to their heart's content. You | | | | Swimlife |
| can teach them to do fun things like blowing | | | | Run by Ekalavya awardee and ex-international |
| bubbles. Millet advises not to try to submerge | | | | swimmer Satish Kumar, they hold classes even |
| their heads under water when they are young. | | | | for infants, starting from one year olds up to the |
| * Never force your child to learn swimming. They | | | | age of two, along with a parent. Instructor Satish |
| should enjoy what they are doing. | | | | Kumar has undergone special training from US |
| * One hour in the pool a day is a good enough | | | | regarding this and teaches kids at their own pace. |
| exercise. | | | | Due to the weather, the infant classes are held |
| * Swimming is a sport that burns calories, so do | | | | between March and May. There are regular |
| not stop your child from eating unless he or she is | | | | classes held for children above five years in |
| obese. Once the kid is above 10 years, then there | | | | beginner, intermediate and advanced categories. |
| can be a focus on the right diet. | | | | Classes are held at St. Joseph's High School, |
| * For kids above 10 years, exercises like jogging | | | | Koramangala Club and DPS South. The fees for |
| and light weights are recommended. | | | | these are Rs. 1,500 for two weeks but may |
| * Let swimming be a fun exercise for your child. | | | | change depending on the venue. The charges for |
| If they are happy to enjoy it as a sport but not | | | | infant and parent classes are Rs. 3,000 for a |
| keen on competition, do not force them. On the | | | | month. |
| other hand, if the child has potential and both the | | | | PM Swimming Class |
| parent and child are willing to train for | | | | Jayanagar Swimming Pool |
| competitions, be prepared as it's tough balancing | | | | Classes are held at Jayanagar Swimming Pool |
| studies and training. | | | | between 4.30 PM and 5.30 PM for six days a |
| * There's no need to stop swimming lessons for | | | | week. Monday is a holiday. They have trained |
| your child through their exams. Swimming for | | | | instructors and two batches for children. Five year |
| even half an hour can act as a great stress | | | | olds and above can join. The fee for beginners is |
| reliever. "I always swam through all my exams," | | | | Rs. 1,600 for two months and for advanced |
| says Millet. | | | | classes Rs. 2,000 for two months. |