PROPER SWIM ATTIRE (AGES 3+) What to Wear? Good Question!

PROPER SWIM ATTIRE (AGES 3+)

What to Wear? Good Question!

At LPB, safety is our number one priority, and what children wear in the pool is part of that. Dressing for swim success also depends on where kids swim.

Fitting a Swim Suit for Lessons

• One-piece suits should have a snug fit. Straps should be tight enough to pull up no higher than the earlobes.

• The ideal one-piece swimsuit has wide straps (not string straps) and a racer- or blade-back design. This style is most appropriate for swim lessons because it fits smaller bodies best, allowing swimmers to concentrate on swimming — not adjusting their suit.

• Long or baggy swim shorts make swimming much harder. For kids who wear only swim bottoms, we recommend “speedo” or “jammer” style suits.

Hair should be pulled back and out of the way or in a swim cap to prevent tangling or covering the face when surfacing for a breath.

Swimming Outdoors

Protection from UV rays is important for anyone swimming outside. Basic sun safety — sunscreen, shade, etc. — should always be followed. Swim shirts can be an excellent added layer of protection, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Swim shirts are not needed indoors, especially for swim lessons!
Adding extra drag slows students down, sun protection isn’t necessary indoors, and our pools are warm — 90 degrees!

Tips for Swim Shirts and Body Suits

• Shirts and suits should be snug-fitting. Loose fabric creates drag and reduces the effectiveness of swimming movements.

• If your child usually swims without a swim shirt, and you want them to wear one outdoors, have them do a few warm-up swims to adjust.

• Be cautious of hypothermia. If your child exits the pool with chattering teeth, blue lips, or slurred speech, remove the wet swim shirt right away. Consider bringing a dry backup to change into.

Color Choice Matters

A final consideration when choosing swimwear is color. The general rule:

The brighter, the better.

Bright swimwear improves visibility in water — an important safety consideration.

Whether you’re prepping for a day at the beach or your regular weekly swim lesson, always consider the color, style, and fit of your child’s swimwear.