What about the risk of contamination in swimming pools? Chlorinated water inactivates the virus.

What is the risk of Covid-19 contamination in swimming pools? A new study commissioned by Swim England*, in collaboration with baby swim school Water Babies** and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)***, has shown that the
Covid-19 does not survive in chlorinated water.

Will the results of this research, considered a world first, cross borders?
Could the English study accelerate the reopening of swimming pools and swimming lessons in France?

We welcome this study and hope it will lead to the reopening of
swimming lessons
in France as soon as possible, as it is the case in England since April 12, 2021.

“The risk of transmission in pool water is incredibly low.”

Swimming pool water can inactivate the Covid-19 virus in just 30 seconds under the right conditions, reveals a study by virologists at Imperial College London.
The results […] suggest that the risk of transmission of Covid-19 in swimming pool water is incredibly low.

Swim England* worked in collaboration with the baby swim school Water Babies** and the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK)***, commissioning the study and providing the context and materials for the research.

This is great news! Research shows that the virus does not survive in swimming pool water.

As indoor pools across the country reopened on Monday 12 April as part of the government’s roadmap to ease closure restrictions, Jane Nickerson, chief executive of Swim England, hailed the results as “fantastic news”!

Jane Nickerson, executive director of Swim England, hailed the results as“very good news.”

The pool water study was conducted by Professor Wendy Barclay, a virologist and expert on respiratory viruses, with research associate Dr. Jonathan Brown and research technician Maya Moshe of Imperial College London. The project was managed by Alex Blackwell, Water Babies’ pool and facilities manager.

The study focuses on the effects of swimming pool water on the virus that causes Covid-19, called SARS-CoV-2. The goal was to evaluate the time and contact required to inactivate the virus under varying chlorine and pH conditions.

Risk in swimming pools ? The Covid-19 virus does not survive

Indeed, research has established that 1.5 mg per liter of free chlorine with a pH between 7 and 7.2 reduced the infectivity of the virus by more than 1000 times in 30 seconds. Additional testing on different free chlorine and pH ranges confirmed that chlorine in pool water was more effective at lower pH levels. This pH value complies with the current guidelines for swimming pool operation.

Professor Wendy Barclay, from Imperial College, said, “We performed these experiments in our high containment laboratories in London. Under these safe conditions, we are able to measure the virus’ ability to infect cells, which is the first step in its transmission.”

And to detail: “By mixing the virus with pool water that was provided to us by the Water Babies team, we were able to show that the virus does not survive in the pool water: it was no longer infectious. This, coupled with the enormous dilution factor of the virus that could get into a pool from an infected person, suggests that the risk of contracting Covid-19 from pool water is negligible.”

“By mixing the virus with pool water that was provided to us by the Water Babies team, we were able to show that the virus does not survive in pool water: it was no longer infectious.”

Jane added: “We are delighted to have played a key role alongside Imperial College London, Water Babies and RLSS UK in this world first research.”

Very good news

“These results suggest that the risk of transmission through pool water is low and confirm that pools can be safe and secure environments if appropriate measures are taken.”

“With indoor pools allowed to reopen on Monday, April 12, this is fantastic news for operators, our members and clubs who participate in all of our great sports, recreational swimmers and those who rely on the water to stay physically active.

“The results confirm that the advice we gave to operators is correct and will give everyone who gets back in the water peace of mind knowing they are doing so safely.”

Paul Thompson, founder of Water Babies, said, “We are thrilled with these findings as we prepare to restart our classes and plan to welcome back families, toddlers and clients to indoor pools across the country. It has been fantastic to work closely with Professor Barclay and his team at Imperial College and to collaborate with leading organisations Swim England and RLSS UK on this cutting edge research.“

Swimming pools are safe and secure environments as the risk of Covid-19 contamination is low.

“We know that swimming has multiple physical and mental health benefits for children and adults of all ages and we look forward to our classes resuming.”

We look forward to seeing you around our
pools
!

*Swim England: the English swimming federation which aims to help people learn to swim, enjoy the water safely and compete
**Water Babies: swimming school specialized in baby swimmers, present in the UK, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands and China
***Royal Life Saving Society UK: a lifesaving federation founded in 1891 in the United Kingdom

Source : English study available
here

https://blog.swimstars.fr/comment-booster-le-developpement-social-des-enfants/

https://blog.swimstars.fr/dois-je-arreter-les-cours-parce-que-mon-enfant-pleure-peur-de-l-eau/

Child’s progress: why the coach and parents are crucial in 3 points

The well-being of each swimmer is of paramount importance to the parent as well as the coach. Parents expect coaches to lead the way in creating a strong relationship between them and their children. This is the key to a child’s swimming progress.

1. Because the coach encourages your child to surpass himself to progress

A swimmer’s progress is much greater from age 6 to 12 than at any other time in their development.

Children progress at different rates through their physical and emotional development. Many may reach plateau phases, when improvement seems slow, but at other times they progress rapidly. The coach must always be objective and have a positive attitude to report on the child’s progress but also on the points that need to be improved.

2. Because parents must have confidence in the coach’s pedagogy and the child’s abilities…

This is where the role of the parent becomes crucial. In addition to reassuring the child, he or she should encourage and support the child. Believe in him, while leaving the necessary space for the coach. In fact, your child may have a difficult start
because he is afraid of water
. But this fear will gradually diminish if the child is in a serene environment, where everyone acts positively for the child. Since the parent’s fear can be contagious to the child, it should not be passed on to the child or the coach. Because fear can cause mainly stress, anxiety and anger. And it is the whole course that can be impacted. Give the keys to the truck to the coach who is
trained in the Swim Stars pedagogy
and knows the kids very well.

3. … without overestimating the child’s progress

Indeed, the temptation for the parent is to register the swimmer on slots still out of reach compared to his real level. This is especially true if the child has early physical development. But it may also be due to a misperception of the parent. Generally after a return from summer vacation, progress can be overestimated because it is not properly analyzed. The coach, whose job it is, must be listened to by the parent so that the swimmer can flourish in the most appropriate group. Indeed, if the level is too high, your child will not want to come and learn to swim. Because swimming is likely to be a physical suffering first, then a moral suffering. This is counterproductive!

To avoid such mishaps, we give more explanations and advice on
the transition of levels between our different swimming courses
. In order not to miss any steps and to progress safely,
here is our program and our evaluation tests.

Teaching children to swim: 5 non-negotiable reasons

Learning to swim is an activity that brings many benefits to your children. It is a complete activity that involves all the muscles of the body, strengthens cardiovascular capacities and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. As a swim school, Swim Stars is well positioned to highlight 5 unbeatable reasons to learn to swim to convince you and your child!

Children always have an excuse not to learn to swim

“I don’t like the pool,” “I don’t want to wear the cap,” “I prefer soccer,” “I have a stomachache,” “I have to pee.”
How many more excuses do children have to discourage parents from teaching them to swim? Don’t be fooled anymore! It’s like a new dish… first, you taste it. It’s a good thing that at Swim Stars, we make our courses very special. We put all the chances on your side so that your child comes in and out with a smile!

1. Reason number 1: to learn to swim for my child’s safety

According to the World Health Organization in 2018, there are an estimated 360,000 drowning deaths annually worldwide.
In France, drowning is the 1st cause of death by accident of everyday life in children under 25 years old. It concerns 43% of children under 6 years old and the majority of them are in private pools.

Drownings: alarming figures that must be known and fought

During swimming lessons, coaches work on many safety techniques. You may not realize it, but every step of
a SELF-RESCUE
course will involve preparing your child for the eventuality of a hazard. From a very young age, your child is able to
learn the survival reflexes in case of a fall in water (see the article in Le Parisien)
including knowing how to save himself by turning over on his back to float and get into a safe position.

2. Swimming is very good for your lungs and heart

Swimming trains the body to use oxygen more efficiently and can also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

3. Swimming improves heart strength and muscle development

As your children grow, their bodies are developing rapidly. Their muscles go through a lot of changes, and being in the water not only strengthens them, but also allows them to recover. Your children will develop real skills to engage in a wide range of physical activities.

4. Another good reason: it’s an inclusive sport

Considering the learning of swimming as a fundamental knowledge, the practice of this sport is a formidable vector of equality. With our small group swimming lessons, students, despite all their differences, are able to come together around a common goal. It is also an opportunity to make many friends, because you learn better with a friend!

5. It is a physical activity that can inspire other sports vocations!

Learning to swim is first and foremost the basis for being comfortable in the water in all circumstances. And if swimming several kilometers in all four strokes with intensity is not your child’s cup of tea, but he likes water, you can be sure that he will be curious to discover the benefits of synchronized swimmingwater polo, windsurfing, aqua gym, or even high diving!

Playing sports with your children: 4 good reasons to do it every day!

Children need to expend their energy to be physically fit and sleep better. Since you are young parents in mind and body, put yourself out there too! Play sports with your children!

Our 4 good reasons

Do you have a very busy family schedule? Between your little brother’s first swim lesson and your big sister’s second, are you having trouble keeping up? Because then you’ll have to take them to judo and dance? Rejoice! It’s better than staying all Wednesday afternoon in front of the TV.

1. Playing sports with your kids to keep the energy up!

We are all big kids who need to spend time outside the office. Despite long days and overexcited children at home, find the resources to turn bad fatigue into good fatigue. Play sports with your children!

This boost in energy can help parents be more productive and focused throughout the workday. It’s great for your mental health.

Check with your doctor to make sure you are physically fit to go for walks around the house together, ride your bike in the back seat to get bread from the bakery, or swim with your children in the nearest pool.

2. Playing sports with your children to combat family stress

Children may feel fatigue and stress from school, and thus be contagious to concerned parents who are themselves overwhelmed by their work. How to get out of this vicious circle? Exercise!

Pack your bags on Saturday night to go swimming with your family on Sunday morning!

Swimming is as effective as yoga and meditation for relaxation, and most importantly, children love water.

Everyone will have a great time, and you can be sure that you will all fall asleep like babies.

3. Give confidence!

Teaching your children to take care of their bodies is an important step in galvanizing their self-esteem. Because
trust is essential in order not to generate psychological blockages.

Always tell them that they are capable
. This is an opportunity to teach them how to learn from their failures and to tell them how proud you are of the efforts you have made.

4. Playing sports and learning to be safe

Being active as a family is naturally fun.

But many activities, such as walking or swimming, require safety guidelines that your child will need to follow on a daily basis to stay safe.

Turn over on your back, kick your legs and reach the edge of the pool to save yourself.

Cross the crosswalk, looking left and right to see if any cars are coming, and wait until the man is green to enter the lanes.

All of these instructions and activities will keep the whole family safe, and allow you all to live longer and happier.

https://blog.swimstars.fr/comment-booster-le-developpement-social-des-enfants/

https://blog.swimstars.fr/dois-je-arreter-les-cours-parce-que-mon-enfant-pleure-peur-de-l-eau/

5 activities for kids to do with…foam!

A rainy weekend? No problem! Take a look at our original mossy activities for kids. Wonder and laughter guaranteed!

On your feet, get set…go!

1) Prick dad’s shaving cream to make a work of art

How do you do it? We take a nice container and we mix food coloring (one or more colors) in the shaving cream and that’s it! Then, with the help of a toothpick and brushes, the shaving cream is swirled until a beautiful pattern is created.

2) Make rainbow foam

With a little soap, water, a blender and food coloring, the foam becomes rainbow! It’s a lot of fun for the little ones to see the material being (trans)formed. But be careful not to get soap in your eyes!

3) Make cloud paste

By mixing the soap of the brand
Ivory
brand soap with water, a quick blast in the microwave and you’ll have a nice smelling cloud! It will then be possible to give it the shape and appearance you want by using colors and glitter or to use it in the shower or bath!

4) Make your own ice cream

With crushed ice cubes, a freezer bag, milk and flavorings, you can make your own ice cream. Fun activity (don’t forget the ice cream dance at the end!) and delicious, you can even add fruit and whipped cream mousse for decoration and delicacy before tasting!

And to close the top 5 activities for children with foam…

5) The “Partysaurus” in a disco bubble bath!

For a bathtub party, take inspiration from the short film
Partysaurus Rex
from the Toy Story cartoon. On plug in the speaker, gather all your
bath toys
(dinosaurs are de rigueur) and don’t forget the foaming soap and disco ball lights. Under the compulsory supervision of an adult, the foam bath disco evening can begin!

https://blog.swimstars.fr/le-top-5-des-idees-de-cadeaux-aquatiques-a-offrir-pour-noel/

https://blog.swimstars.fr/progresser-natation-maison-piscine-fermee/

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Why does having a coach to teach my children to swim make all the difference?

Learning to swim requires fun, effort and consistency. To give your children the necessary motivation and every chance to succeed, we believe that the accompaniment of a Swim Stars coach represents 3 main advantages

The 3 advantages of hiring a coach for my child

1. A coach to give you every chance to succeed

Swim Stars coaches will supervise your children during the swimming lesson. Our team is trained in the same pedagogical content and shares common objectives. The goal is to give your child every opportunity to learn to swim. We prefer small groups to involve all the children, with the coach in the water. By being present during the swim lesson, the parent can also observe our approach and use it as inspiration to adopt the right attitude.

However, being a coach is a job and the natural authority he or she has is necessary to pass on knowledge to your child. In the same way that you can’t become a school teacher, you can’t replace the coach. She is the only person he will listen to. Your role as a parent is to encourage and play with your child in the water so that swimming becomes a pleasure!

2. To listen and give confidence

The Swim Stars coaches have an essential quality which is listening. It is thanks to our benevolence and at the same time our requirement that we manage to retain our members. We want to get to know you better andaccompany your children in their life journey. To do this, we focus on the good atmosphere of the group to motivate the children, give them the smile and confidence they need to unleash their potential.

“You should always listen to the child if he is well with the coach”.

This is the pedagogical advice given by Emilie, Swim Stars coach, during an interview for the blog.

3. To have a pedagogical follow-up

Having a coach who knows your child well because he trains him every week is the key to progress. Indeed, thanks to the regularity and the pedagogical follow-up, your child will have an exponential progression curve. Then, when your little fish has reached a certain level of comfort and confidence, it may be worthwhile to change coaches.

Indeed, change can be beneficial because it can bring a fresh perspective to make you progress even faster. It is also a way to get the child out of his comfort zone. Because a new coach may have new requirements!