As a parent, you may have noticed times when your child, who once glided confidently through the water, suddenly seems to struggle with their swimming techniques. Their strokes may appear less coordinated, their movements less fluid, and they may seem to be regressing in skills they had mastered. However, before you start to worry, it’s important to understand that what you’re witnessing could be a natural part of your child’s growth – particularly during those pivotal periods of development.

Swimming is a skill that requires precision, balance, and muscle coordination, and these factors are directly influenced by the body’s size, shape, and overall physical condition.

As children go through a growth spurt, their centre of buoyancy shifts, which can affect their performance in the water. This phase of physical development often leads to what may appear to be a regression in their swimming ability, but in reality, it’s just a temporary adjustment period as their body rebalances.

At PoolSchools, we understand a child’s swimming journey and tailor our teaching methods to support swimmers during all stages of growth. Our team of experienced instructors, led by aquatic professionals Catherine Carr and Robert Vowell, are well-versed in identifying these temporary setbacks and providing the right guidance to help your child navigate through them.

Understanding Growth-Related Rebalancing

When a child goes through a growth spurt, their centre of gravity and buoyancy shifts. This change affects their coordination and how they move through the water. Movements that once felt smooth and natural may now seem awkward or laboured. To the untrained eye, this might look like a loss of skill, but in fact, it’s simply their body adjusting to its new proportions.

This is why it’s common for parents to notice a plateau in their child’s progress during these times. But rest assured, this plateau is temporary. Once your child’s body has adjusted and they’ve had time to recalibrate their strokes and movements, you’ll see their performance improve once again. It’s important to remember that regression is not the opposite of progress – it’s a part of the process.

At PoolSchools, we don’t just teach children to swim – we guide them through every phase of their development. Our instructors are trained to help children adapt to these physical changes, offering patience and support while refining their technique.

Supporting Your Child Through the Process

During this rebalancing period, it’s essential to provide your child with encouragement and reassurance. It can be frustrating for them to feel as though they’re not improving, especially when they’ve worked hard to master certain skills. This is where the nurturing environment of PoolSchools comes into play. Our instructors focus on positive reinforcement, emphasising effort over results, which builds confidence and keeps your child motivated.

In addition to regular lessons, we also offer crash course sessions designed to provide intensive, short-term support, which can be particularly helpful during periods of adjustment. With 12 pool locations and lessons for more than 3,000 swimmers, we are dedicated to offering flexible and customised instruction to suit each child’s needs.

The PoolSchools Advantage

One of the things that sets PoolSchools apart is our understanding that swimming is more than just a physical skill – it’s about fostering a lifelong love of the water. Whether your child is learning the basics, preparing for competitive swimming, or simply trying to improve their technique, we are committed to offering the highest level of instruction in a supportive and engaging environment.

At PoolSchools, we believe that every swimmer’s journey is unique. Our commitment to excellence in teaching ensures that even during times of perceived regression, your child is gaining valuable skills that will serve them well in the long run. So, the next time you notice your child struggling in the pool, remember that they’re not going backwards – they’re preparing to leap forward.

Help your child thrive in the water with PoolSchools – the trusted name in aquatic education.