We are frequently asked "Does my child need goggles during swim class?"
Well…the answer is not as simple as yes or no. YES…we want to take out any obstacles that prevent a child from learning. If getting water in their eyes really bothers a child or hinders their learning, we want to eliminate that fear factor! We definitely want to do whatever it takes to ensure that the child is as comfortable as possible. NO…they aren’t “necessary”!
Our saltwater pool makes the pool water easier on the students' skin and eyes, so the use of goggles is strictly a personal preference.
Instructors DO have goggles in their baskets for students to use, but they are limited in quantity and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. You can help us keep the classes moving by bringing goggles for your swimmers if they want/need them.
There are times when we STRONGLY discourage the use of goggles. For example, we don’t want students in our Starfish and Sea Turtle classes wearing goggles. We also won’t allow them when students are practicing certain skills in the Guppy and Goldfish levels. A huge focus of our curriculum at this age is based around Survival Skills.
When the students start using goggles, they have a tendency to rely on them to swim and "forget" how to swim without them. Not to mention, that most kiddos aren’t wearing goggles when they accidentally fall into water. We want to make sure that they know how to handle a very unfortunate, but often real situation that they may be faced with…without adding panic because they don’t know what it feels like to swim without goggles!
It is for this reason that we ask you not to encourage the use of goggles with your children until they reach our Dolphin level.
**Once a child reaches Kingfish level, they will be swimming independently the length of the pool and MUST wear goggles to avoid running into other swimmers and instructors!**
Bottom line…we prefer students in our beginner levels start without using goggles so they can get used to the feeling of water in their eyes. However, we encourage the use of goggles for our more advanced swimmers AND for any child with fears that prevent them from learning without them!
In the pool...
1. DO NOT RUB YOUR LENSES!!
This will rub off the anti-fog coating inside the lens! Licking or spitting into the lenses (sounds funny, we know!) or a quick dip in the pool will keep them clear longer!
2. MAKE SURE TO WRITE A NAME ON THE BAND!
Goggles frequently get left behind! Simply use a permanent marker to write a name on the band so we can get them returned to the rightful owner!
After your lesson...
1. Rinse your goggles in cold, fresh water
This washes off the chlorine and prolongs the life of goggles
2. Avoid leaving in direct sunlight, hot water, or in the car
This could cause the rubber to melt or lens to crack
3. Try to let your goggles dry as much as possible before putting them in your swim bag
Leftover water residue causes bacteria and mold to grow
4. Store your goggles in a protective case to prevent scratches and wear and tear from outside elements.
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