School Swimming
School swimming lessons begin again on Friday 16th September for Years 5 and 6.
All children need to bring a costume, a towel and a plastic bag (for wet clothing). Girls need to bring a hat (boys can too)- silicon hats are much easier to put on than plastic ones; and please ensure they are not wearing earrings to school on a swimming day- it’s advisable to wear trousers rather than skirts and tights. If you have any problem sourcing hats something like these may be helpful- especially if your daughter has long hair https://www.simplyswim.com/products/swimexpert-adult-unisex-silicone-swim-cap
We would prefer the boys swim in ‘jammers’ (see below) or ‘trunks’ as these do not cause drag, and therefore make it much easier for them to swim in. They are much less likely to fall down than ‘boardies’ too. Decathlon and many other places sell them for around £8.
The wearing of goggles has obvious benefits- a barrier against chlorine irritation in the swimming pool water. Goggles are useful for swimmers whose eyes are under the water for a large proportion of the time, as they allow clear rather than blurred vision.
From a practical point of view, goggles can be difficult to fit without leaking, they can cause damage to the eyes unless they are put on and adjusted correctly and they can cause distraction during swimming lessons by general discomfort, misting up, leaking, falling off etc. If you are purchasing goggles new for school swimming please would you consider buying goggles with a nose piece like the first pair that is fixed, and soft on their noses- the second (green and blue pair) might look more adjustable- but the adjustable bridge is often uncomfortable- and children spend the lesson messing with them. Sharing goggles between children can spread eye infections and lastly they can be expensive and not last for long.
Whilst it is important to learn to cope with water splashing in the eyes and opening their eyes under water, water confidence is vital and therefore goggles can be very helpful. One of the main aims of school swimming lessons is to equip children for situations in which personal survival is at stake – panic brought on by water in the eyes is something to be avoided.
Please take time to consider these points and if you still feel that if you would like your child to wear goggles, fill in the declaration form below and return it to school.
Swimming Dates
Friday 16th September
Friday 30th September
Friday 7th October
Friday 14th October
Friday 21st October
Friday 4th November
Friday 11th November
Friday 18th November
Friday 25th November
Friday 2nd December
Friday 9th December
Swimming Goggles – Permission Form
Name…………………………………………
School……………………………………….. Year………..
I give my permission for ……………….. to wear swimming goggles during school swimming lessons. I understand that the goggles must be of a reputable make and adjusted to fit properly prior to the lesson.
He/she knows how to put the goggles on safely, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer, and understands that they must not be left on the floor of the poolside and must not be lent to any other child.
Signed…………………………………………. Date……………………
Parent/guardian