Our Fish Blog

Swimming Injuries

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 13:20:23 GMT

Treating your Injuries

Swimming Injuries and Treatments for Them

The water is a great place to work out. Exercise keeps the body healthy, but while exercising injuries do occur, here are four common swimming injuries and how to treat them:

Swimmer’s shoulder – This occurs after repeated energetic sessions as the tendons are being pressed against the bone and eventually get sore. This stretches down to the rotator cuff tendons. If it is ignored, it will result in tears.

Treatments include:

Resting for long periods after exercising.

Icing to reduce inflammation.

Warming up before sessions and stretching as a weekly treatment.

Lower back pain – The butterfly and breaststroke lower back pain occurs because of vigorous body jerking with the wrong swimming technique. This lower back pain can transform into a stress fracture in the vertebrae. This injury is also commonly found in weightlifters.

Treatments include:

Avoiding sitting positions because they apply pressure.

Gentle stretching to relieve strain in the spine.

For acute pain caused by a stress fracture speak with a medical professional.

Bicep Tendonitis – This comes with swimmers’ shoulder and is caused by long periods of overexertion. Taking long rest periods can prevent this injury. The symptoms include pain in the shoulder that gets worse when lifting the arm, a shooting pain moving down the upper arm, at times there is a noticeable bulge in the tendon, a warm feeling moving from the point of the pain, as well as a snapping sound coming from the shoulder.

Treatments include:

Icing the pain to remove swelling.

Gently stretching the scapula, posterior capsule, and rotator cuff areas.

Taking anti-inflammatory medication provided by a doctor.

Swimmers Knee – This is known as a strain in the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL). It mostly occurs by extreme use of the breaststroke technique, which puts repeated strain on the knee. Symptoms of this injury include swelling, muscle spasms, decreased strength and movement, as well as pain in the quads or the knee. There may be a rough feeling when moving the knee.

Treatments include:

Gentle stretches to bring back movement.

Taping the knee.

Icing to reduce swelling.

Exercising is the key to keep the body functioning, but doing too much or doing the technique the wrong way can lead to injuries like these. It is important to know how to treat them to get the body back in shape and keep it healthy.

Our kiddos progress thru our child centered curriculum while learning survival skills and having fun

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 20:02:18 GMT

Learning can be fun

Our kiddo’s progress thru our child centered curriculum while learning survival skills and having fun. Children retain what they learn when they become passionate and enjoy themselves and with repetition. At Small Fish Big Fish Swim School “Small fish become BIG fish by swimming in schools”.

Tips for Getting Your Baby Ready For Swimming Lessons

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:53:29 GMT

How do you know when to start?

Splashing water is one of the most enjoyable things for babies to do, whether it is taking a bath or in the pool. But do you know when your baby should start learning how to swim? Children should start learning how to swim as early as possible. Some babies start swimming even at the age of two months. So, if you want your baby to learn how to swim at an early age then here are some tips to prepare them.

Make bathing an enjoyable event

Whether your baby is interested in playing in the water or not, if you want them to learn swimming as soon as possible then you will have to make it more enjoyable when they are near water. A great way to start is while taking bath. You can increase their interest in water by providing them with a warm environment and water so that they can feel more comfortable than playing with cold water. In order to make bath time a fun experience, you should enjoy it with them so that they can replicate you. To make bath time more fun for your child you can use some rubber or washable toys so that they can enjoy them while taking bath.

Splash water

Unexpected splashes of water are one the oldest ways to develop the interest of your child towards the water. Though it can be a bit startling for them when water enters their nose, mouth, and eyes but with time they can get used to it while taking bath regularly. You can encourage them to splash water from the bathtub in response to your splash so that they can easily understand its effects and fun. You can also expose your baby to shower nozzle by bringing it down and spraying water on their face as well as on their belly or arms so that they can experience the water’s effects more closely.

Make fun after a bath

After finishing the bath, instead of rushing out, you should take some time to wrap your baby in a warm towel so that they can enjoy that moment before getting dry. Now pat them gently with a towel to dry them from top to bottom and make them relax with your soft voice or a song. It will give your baby a unique experience after getting out of the water.

Blowing Bubbles

It can be difficult for children at a young age to understand that they have control over their breathing, making it hard to teach them how to hold their breath while swimming. The best way to show your children how to begin regulating their breathing is by blowing bubbles in the water. Demonstrate the different ways the bubbles appear depending on how hard you exhale and encourage them to do the same.

Buoyancy Lessons

When bathing with your child, you have an excellent opportunity to safely show them the effects of buoyancy on their body, allowing them to learn how to float. Place your child in the bathtub before it is filled with water, and then begin filling it so they can feel the water start to lift them up. Keep them from sliding under at first, and soon they will figure out how to float on their own without your assistance.

Swimming lessons

After introducing your baby to water in the bathtub and they feel comfortable it’s time to get some formal swimming lessons. At Small Fish Big Fish Swim School, they can get lessons from experienced Aquatic educators that specialize in working with babies. All instructors are participating in continuing education and will be taking part in an 8 hour workshop given by the United States Swim School Association. But it doesn’t stop there, we teach self-confidence, discipline and well-being through the lifelong sport of swimming.

Want your baby to learn how to swim? We offer free classes for babies 6 months old or younger. The free lessons do not include cost of Small Fish Big Fish annual membership fee. Membership is required to qualify for Free lessons. You can also sign up for our Free Trial here https://www.smallfishbigfish.com/free-trial

I came, I swam, I conquered

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:50:48 GMT

I started swimming competitively when I was five years old.

There’s something about the water; the way it envelops you, literally taking the weight of the world with it, drowning out the noise outside. It called to me even as a child, as it still does today.

I continued swimming competitively through high school and into college, before leaving the pool behind for a career in luxury automotive sales. It was a career I was good at, and it certainly paid the bills, so I ended up sticking with it for an extended period of time. During which, I got married and started a family. But by the time my second child came along, the country had fallen into the recession, dragging the automotive industry with it.

A lot of people said the recession changed how people in this country thought about work. If you weren’t going to be making a ton of money, you might as well actually do what you really want to do with your life! For me, that was SWIMMING.

My husband and I incorporated Small Fish Big Fish in 2009. I started in the simplest possible fashion, by running Craigslist ads and going backyard-to-backyard teaching one little swimmer at a time. As my reputation spread, business started booming! I quickly realized that I needed to make a bigger splash. I wanted to open a swim school.

I attended a conference for the United States Swim School Association in San Diego, where I was able to network with over 300 other passionate swimmers! It was from these relationships where I was inspired to dive into the deep end. I developed my own plan for an indoor swim school in West Palm Beach – A controlled space that focuses on fun, learning and development for kids in the ideal learning environment! It took over a year to sign the lease, and 4-5 months to build.

It was during this time that I discovered something that would change my life forever. I felt a lump in my breast and I knew something wasn’t right. After three mammograms and several consultations with doctors, I sought out a surgeon and learned I had stage 2-3 breast cancer.

Small Fish Big Fish Swim School officially opened on March 15, 2012. Only a year later on March 18, 2013, I started an aggressive treatment plan that included five surgeries, six months of chemotherapy and 37 radiation treatments in two years. Looking back, I don’t feel for one second that I had it hard. No matter how bad my day was I knew that there is always someone out there that had it worse. As Maya Angelou said, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve its beauty.” I gained my strength from my family and the enormous support I received from the industry nationwide. I have also been fortunate enough to give help and support back to many others affected by this disease.

Since opening Small Fish Big Fish in 2012, I am so proud to have helped almost 3,000 students learn to love swimming. I know what a huge, positive impression swimming has had on my life, and being able to share those joyful experiences with children – from infants, to children with special abilities - and teaching them how to appreciate and understand swimming safety is my legacy. I feel so fortunate to do what I love every day. And to help other people love swimming just makes it so much better.

Thank you for all your support, and I hope to see you and your children at Small Fish Big Fish soon!

Swimmingly,

Melissa Taylor

What Can I do to help my child swim better

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:46:11 GMT

Dive in with Dive Rings!

One of the most common questions I get asked by parents is, “How can I help my child build their swimming skills at home and progress faster in between swim lessons?”

While we always welcome and encourage parents to boost their little fish’s swim savvy with our Fast Start Package, there are terrific ways to engage your child’s inner fish at home with some fun games and toys. My personal favorite tool to use at home (and most effective, in my opinion) are dive rings.

They have so many wonderful benefits including sharpening spatial awareness and hand eye coordination. They are also great tools to increase their lung capacity and practice proper underwater breathing techniques. Plus, it’s a super fun game to them! They love to play and the freedom throw the rings back in the water and dive in after them. (With proper supervision, of course!)

Most importantly, dive rings are by far the best tool I’ve found that builds water confidence by getting kids to know that they can go under the water and get up again safely. This removes a huge learning block when it comes to swimming.

In fact, we practice diving games here at Small Fish Big Fish for that very reason. Reinforcing water safety skills, and developing a love of the water early – all while advancing their physical, social and intellectual development before they potentially develop a fear of the water, will give them the chance to build swimming skills quickly.

For the child that isn’t quite comfortable, dive rings are a good tool to slowly get children into the pool by strategically placing the rings in the water and allowing the child to retrieve, then going further and further back at their pace. Start in the shallow end and just get them to grab a ring from under the water. In your first few sessions it may only be deep enough for them to bend over and pick up, but try to get it just deep enough that they have to put their head just under the water. This will teach them to hold their breath correctly. Gradually move deeper. Not too deep at first – they still need to be able to stand up – but this time get them to dive down. Teach them how to dive under the water. When they start to swim you can go a bit deeper with diving games, but this will often come much later. (Don’t push it as it may erode their confidence). Just remember to have fun!

This month ONLY at our Splash Boutique, buy one package of dive rings and get the second 50% OFF! Your kids will love the different colors, sizes, shapes and buoyancies. They are very easy for little eyes to spot and little hands to grab underwater, and they come in some cute designs and packages too!

As always, thank you all for your support, and I hope to see you and your children at Small Fish Big Fish soon!

Swimmingly,

Melissa Taylor

Bath Time Safety Tips

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:43:37 GMT

Bath Time Safety Tips

With National Bubble Bath Day being this month, we wanted to give you a few helpful tips on how to make bath a fun and safe you and your little fish. Bath time is a great opportunity to have quality bonding time with your child. You have the chance to play, and enjoy a little break from the rest of the world. Here are some tips to ensure that bath time is an enjoyable and safe experience.

Before Bath Time Starts:

Make sure any sharp, or dangerous objects are removed from the bathroom. Razors, hair dryers, medications, full bottles of shampoo and conditioner are all potentially dangerous object if your curious little fish gets a hold of them.

Invest in a spout cover for your tub, so there is no chance of your little one hitting and bruising their head on it.

Take a class on infant CPR, you never know when a scary moment can happen and it is always best to be well prepared.

Ensure you have everything you need for bath time in arm’s reach so you never have to turn your back on your little one while they’re in the tub.

During Bath Time:

Fill the bath tub to no higher than your little one’s belly button. This helps reduce the risk of drowning; the less water they are sitting in the better.

Keep the water temperature warm, but not too hot. If the water is too hot you can risk burning their skin.

Do not take your eyes off your little fish, even for a second! All it takes is one second for something dangerous to happen.

If you have toys in the tub, make sure they are age appropriate.

Teach your little one to not stand-up while in the tub. The bottom of the tub is extremely slippery, and they can easily slip and fall while standing.

After Bath Time:

Empty your bath tub as soon as you are done giving your little one a bath, you don’t want a tub of water sitting around that they could potentially fall into.

Make sure you buddle them up! Children get cold much faster than adults and being wet makes them even more prone to getting chilly.

Dry your little fish very thoroughly, you want to ensure they are completely dry before you put their diaper and clothing on.

Close the bathroom door and toilet seat when you leave, the bathroom is not a place you want your child exploring alone.

Keeping all of these tips in mind during bath time will help you feel stress-free, and able to focus all your love and attention on your little fish!

Swimmingly,

Melissa

Why Your Kids Should Take Swimming Lessons Year Round

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:35:25 GMT

Don't stop now!

It is that time of the year when kids are back in school and refocus on their studies. Most parents are forced to make a decision about whether their children should keep attending their swim classes or choose other activities. Of course, no one understands kids better than their parents, but we want to remind you of a few reasons why swim lessons all year round are important, especially for children.

1. Stay active

The most important benefit of year-round swimming lessons is to keep your children stay active at all times, particularly during the off-season. In most cases, outdoor activities can taper off during rainy season, leaving kids a sedentary lifestyle with TV or games. Swimming can be a great chance for them to do exercises regularly and keeps kid fit even when the weather does not allow them to play outside.

2. Provide frequent practice to improve and speed up learning

Attending swimming classes regularly can help your little swimmer to practice their skills on a routine basis. As a result, they can retain and enhance their capabilities quickly over time. Also, with more time in the water, they won’t develop a bad habit or a fear of being underwater when they grow. Since there are so many skill sets to learn, such as elementary backstroke, monkey-walking, treading water, back floating, or rhythmic breathing, it is essential to keep learning and practicing all year round.

3. Keep up with the progressive curriculum

With every professional swimming lesson, the curriculum should be carefully designed to develop each essential skill progressively. This means that your kids should attend year-round classes to get professional training in a continuous schedule. When they are interrupted for a few months, your kids must spend a lot of time later to relearn the skills that are required to progress to a higher level. This can be time-consuming and discouraging for both the parents and child.

4. Better performance in academic classes

Many studies have proved that those kids who participate in year-round swim lessons typically show better cognitive abilities than the others. From mathematics reasoning to understanding directions, your investment in these swim lessons might also make a significant contribution to a greater academic performance in their classroom.

5. Relieve daily stress for kids

In addition to physical health, after-school swimming lessons can also help your kids relieve stress after a long day at school. By stretching their body and enjoy the water, they can forget about math homework or school projects to relax with friends.

No matter what time of the year it is, it is essential to bring your kids to Small Fish Big Fish Swim School and have swim lessons all year round. Not only does it keep them physically active, but also improve their skills over time. With a team of highly trained and experienced staff, we are devoted to providing professional lessons and exceptional service to ensure that your little ones can have an essential foundation for their life. Do not hesitate to give us a call or visit our facility for a free trial.

Motorboat activities helps the brain produce dopamine which makes us happy

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:32:18 GMT

Spinning helps the brain!

Did you know spinning helps the brain produce dopamine which makes us happy? This is the real reason why we do our motor boat activities!

Children Need to Learn How to Survive Around Water

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 19:27:56 GMT

The pool is fun place, but dangerous things can happen

The pool is a fun place! Children can play games and be free, but dangerous things can happen in the water as well. Here are some safety tips to keep the water a fun and safe place for children to spend their time:

Children should never swim alone

A child should only swim when there is a parent or lifeguard around, so that they will be protected in case anything happens. If there is no parent or lifeguard around, a child can also use a buddy system. The child should have a friend or another family member to watch them in case anything like drowning may occur.

Always look after children when swimming

A parent should always watch their children when they go swimming in the water because anything could happen. Even children who are educated swimmers should be kept under a close eye. Just put the phone away and spend time with the children.

Children should not play breath-holding games

When in the water, children should not hold their breath under water for a long amount of time. This can increase the risk of drowning as well as make children pass out underwater if they hold their breath for too long.

Children should not jump into the pool to save a friend – It may seem like a good idea for children to become superheroes to save a friend in the water, but both children could get in trouble in the water. It is better for a friend to get an adult who is an experienced swimmer to come to the rescue.

Parents should learn how to do CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is important to know when anyone steps into the water because a drowning event can occur at any time. By knowing how to do CPR, a person may be able to save a life. Then you can truly be a superhero.

Go into the pool feet first

Never jump or dive in shallow water. Doing so can result in serious injuries. If children want to jump or dive in the water, you need to show them the proper way to do so.

Keep children away from pool drains

Strains of hair, swimsuits and body parts can become hazards when close to pool drains. Being near drains can cause drowning and other severe injuries that parents would not want to happen to their children. It’s also dangerous if a drain is missing a cover or is broken and this should be reported immediately.

Alcohol and swimming are not a good combination

Drinking alcohol can alter an adult’s judgment, coordination and balance. If these are not operating properly, adults will not have the coordination to swim. Alcohol can also lower a person’s body temperature.

Test your children’s knowledge

As a parent, you want to make sure your children are safe. Ask your children how much they know about water safety. If they leave anything out, just refresh their memory. This way the next time they go into the water your mind will be at ease.

The water is an exciting place to be and to keep it that way, children need to stay safe. Educating children on these tips will do just that. Parents and children can have a lot of fun in the sun.

Interesting facts about swimmers

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:33:20 GMT

Here are fifteen interesting facts

Swimming is a fun and relaxing activity for children and adults. There is a lot of information about the sport that people may not know. Here are fifteen interesting facts about swimmers.

Freedivers can hold their breath for more than 10 minutes – Commonly, people start to panic after 30 seconds, but with good health and training some can go for 2 minutes. Freedivers take the top having the ability to hold their breath for 10 minutes.

The typical high school swimmer swims 1 million strokes per season– Students that take an interest in the sport will swim a million strokes by the end of the season. This is quite a workout for a young person.

Swimmers can flex their toes to the ground – Foot and ankle flexion is key when it comes to swimming. The surface area of the foot is what drives the swimmer forward. Ankle flexion gives the swimmer a powerful kick.

It is difficult to get into the Olympics – An average of 1850 swimmers will be able to enter the Olympic trails. Only 50 of them get in.

The oldest kind of stroke is breaststroke – When a swimmer gets into the water the first movement that comes to mind is breaststroke which came before the variety of strokes in the common era.

Swimmers sweat in the pool – The water is a cool place to be, but swimmers sweat in the water as with any type of exercise. This is proof that swimmers work as hard as any other athletes.

Most of the population cannot swim – An American Red Cross survey in 2014 showed that half of Americans could not swim. Fifty-five percent of Americans can perform 5 basic swimming skills; 33 percent of African Americans report knowing the 5 core swimming skills. The younger the age children come to Small Fish Big Fish they become safer around the water.

The world's youngest internationally competitive swimmer is only 10 – During the 2015 World Championships, Alzain Tareq, a 10-year-old Bahrainian girl, was the youngest competitive swimmer.

The world's oldest swimmer is nearly 100 – During the 2015 World Championships, Mieko Nagaoka a 90-year-old Japanese woman, was the oldest competitive swimmer.

Women were not allowed to compete in the Olympics until 1912 – Swimming became part of the Olympics in 1908. Women were allowed to take part in 1912. Fanny Durack from Australia was the first woman to be awarded a gold medal in the 100-yard freestyle.

Diana Nyad swam from Cuba to Florida – A64 year-old woman, Diana Nyad, had the confidence to swim the 103-mile trek from Cuba to Florida. This woman attempted to swim to her destination before achieving her goal.

A man swam 250 feet in one breath in 1 degree water – A Danish free diver, Stig Seversin, set the record for the longest swim under ice. In the ice-cold water of Greenland, Seversin swam 250 feet in one breath wearing only swimming trunks and goggles. He accomplished this swimming feat under a layer of 80-100cm of ice and a water temperature of just 1 degree.

Shaving isn't just for removing hair – Swimmer’s shave for better performance. Some people may think that swimmer’s shave to look stunning in a suit; but body hair increases the warmth in the swimmer's skin while in the water.

Children can begin swimming lessons as early as 12 months –Parents bring children to the swim school for lessons at a as young as 12 months. Drowning risks were lowered by 88 percent in 2009 for children between the ages 1-4 who took swimming lessons

Swimmer’s use every muscle in their bodies – Swimming may not be thought to be an active sport. That is incorrect. Swimming is an all-body exercise involving the use of muscles in both the upper and lower parts of the human body.

Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity. These interesting facts about swimmers explain why being in the water is a fascinating sport both children and adults engage in and enjoy.

Truth vs. Myth “dry drowning,” “secondary drowning,” “near drowning,” and “delayed drowning”

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:31:13 GMT

Drowning: Facts and Fictions

As a water safety and swimming instruction professional to very precious little fish, this is a topic I feel very strongly needs to be addressed. (Especially since we all know the hot, humid weather that comes along with the South Florida summers means packed beaches and pool parties!) With that, safety and drowning prevention ALWAYS come first, but unfortunately the media has created a panic and frenzy amongst parents by using false terms like "dry drowning," "secondary drowning," "near drowning," and "delayed drowning" that hold no concrete definition. There are really ONLY two terms that should ever be used to define what happens when someone suffers from respiratory impairment from being under water: Fatal Drowning and Nonfatal Drowning.

While Fatal Drowning has only one, very awful result, Nonfatal Drowning outcomes can range anywhere from very minor to brain injury and permanent disability. So, if someone experiences respiratory impairment in the water, and survives, it is considered Nonfatal Drowning. When I explain this to the parents at Small Fish Big Fish, the response I hear most often is “but you either drown or you don’t,” which is not the case. Since it can be a bit confusing, I use the analogy of choking to help them understand. For example, people sometimes say, “I choked on a piece of food today” but clearly they didn’t mean they died. They know choking is a process in which your airway becomes blocked, which is either fatal, or is interrupted, in which case you survive. Drowning, like choking, is essentially the same thing! If the process is interrupted, it’s Nonfatal Drowning.

But why is this terminology such a big deal? Most importantly, any confusion about the language surrounding Nonfatal Drowning needs to be done away with. The more terms there are to describe the possible outcomes of drowning, the greater the opportunity there is for a parent to make an unfortunate, incorrect assumption over how to treat their child. If there is any concern at all that your child may have suffered any type of respiratory impairment, take them to the closest Emergency Room immediately. Trust your gut as a parent, and have your child checked by a medical professional.

I will always hold the health and safety of your children above all else. It is my personal mission to prepare not only your children, but you as caring parents, for any situation that might occur. That is why it is so important to me that you understand the potentially significant effects of Nonfatal Drowning, and that you should always treat any situation involving it with the urgency it deserves.

As always, thank you for all your support, be safe, and I hope to see you all enjoying the water at Small Fish Big Fish soon!

Ear infections and swimming

melissa@smallfishbigfish.com (Melissa Taylor) — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:23:32 GMT

Ear Infections & Ear Tubes

As a swim school owner, I am constantly being asked questions about ear infections and ear tubes as they relate to swimming. As someone that has had many kids swim with us that have ear tubes, I hope my information in this blog helps to answer some of the questions you may have.

There are two types of ear infections, inner and outer. The outer ear infection is commonly called “swimmer’s ear”, and is similar to a fungus infection. The cause of swimmer’s ear can be a combination of factors: warm or humid air, warm water, length of time spent swimming, the natural enzymatic activity in the ear canal, and the presence of bacteria. It’s more likely to happen in a bathtub when shampoo ends up in your ear canal and sits there. You will know if you or your child has swimmer’s ear because the doctor will give you external drops which can also be bought over the counter. Please note, swimmer’s ear is not easily contracted in a properly chlorinated pool.

A middle/inner ear infection often occurs in young children. It usually is a result of a cold or throat infection that travels up the Eustachian tube into the moist air pocket behind the ear drum. If the Eustachian tube is not working properly or is blocked by inflammation, the air in the middle ear is absorbed but cannot be replaced. This causes the air pressure in the inner ear to be less than the air pressure in the ear canal. The negative pressure in the middle ear causes fluid to collect there and gets clogged. Young children are more prone to this infection because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and straighter than adults and provide a super highway for bacteria. As the child grows, the angle of the tube changes and the infection has less of a chance surviving and getting to the ear. Tubes often get clogged because of teething or a cold. You will be able to spot the common symptoms which include fever, irritability, and ear discharge. In the case of an inner ear infection, you will be given antibiotics which will in most cases cure the infection.

Children with chronic ear infections sometimes have a procedure called myringotomy, or tympanotomy, performed. This is commonly known as getting an “ear tube”. The process involves making an incision in the eardrum to help drain fluid and allow an exchange of air between the middle and outer ear. Tubes, or grommets, are inserted in the incision to maintain the opening. It has often been assumed that because of this opening, children with tubes should not be allowed to swim or shower. This is untrue, and not one clinical study has shown results that indicate that swimming with tubes is harmful. Both of my kids have had ear tubes inserted because of chronic inner ear infections that could not be cured by oral antibiotics, and have enjoyed swimming throughout their life. Most ear, nose, and throat specialists support swimming while tubes are in as long the ears are protected. During normal swimming, there is seldom enough water pressure to force water through the tube.

Here at Small Fish Big Fish, we have chemically treated water which kills all bacteria, making sure that chances of contracting an outer ear infection are very low. We also use an ultraviolet light that shines throughout the water, and this is used as a secondary disinfectant measure. To date, we have never had a single documented case of a child contracting an ear infection at our school.

The takeaway from this blog should be that outer ear infections are caused by a fungus or bacteria, and can be cleared by using over the counter drops. Inner ear infections are caused when the inner ear tubes are unable to drain, and infection forms. In this case, antibiotics will be given. For those with ear tubes, Small Fish Big Fish Swim School is a safe environment to swim in, as many students have them, including my own children. I am always available to answer any questions you may have about ear infections, ear tubes, or anything else.

Swimmingly,

Melissa

Fun games children can play to learn swimming skills

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 15:16:27 GMT

Just have fun with it!

Being in the water is enjoyable and exciting. Children that swim for the first-time fear drowning. They need to gain basic swimming skills to prevent this from happening. There are fun games children can play in the water to learn the swimming skills they need.

Talk to the fishies – Children blow bubbles in the water. Then they need to put their ear to the water to hear the imaginary response. This game helps learn breath control because swallowing water by accident is a scary situation. Parents need to encourage children to sink their faces and blow bubbles to increase their comfort level in the water. When parents put their faces in the water, they should come up with a smile on their faces. This way the children see how much fun it is.

Catch the fishies – Parents should sit next to their children on the steps of the shallow part of the water and be eye to eye. The water level should between the child's waist and chest. Parents then need to ask their children to do a forward crawl-like arm stroke by reaching their arms up in the air, then plunging them into the water, and then pulling the water to themselves imagining there were a lot of fishies in the pool. Doing this will get them used to arm movement when swimming. An idea is for parents to sing a song when children move their arms. When the song is finished, parents should ask their children how many fishies they caught. Parents can play the game again with their children.

The swimming skill this game has is developing a fast and strong movement of arms. While doing this, children need to keep their fingers together, this way the fishies can’t escape between their fingers. This helps with their momentum as they swim.

Motorboat front float – Parents need to hold their children firmly under their arms looking at each other. They start walking backwards together in the water picking up speed. The water will gently push children into a front floating position. Parents should then move slowly in a circle saying “Motorboat, Motorboat, Go So Slow.” Parents should pick up speed while saying “Motorboat, Motorboat Go So Fast.” The last line should be “Motorboat, Motorboat Step On the Gas. Parents can either blow bubbles or encourage their children to kick their feet.

This makes children comfortable in the horizontal swimming position. When children get more comfortable with the front float position, parents should hold them so that their outstretched hands are around the back of their necks. Parents should help their children float on their stomachs as if they are taking a nap.

Red Light Green Light – Parents should sit next to their children on the shallow step of the pool. If children are older, they can hold on to the side of the pool facing the wall. When parents say green light, their children need to kick rapidly, yellow light to kick slowly and red light to stop. This encourages the children to propel in the water. During the game, parents can hold their children under their arms. Children should face their parents, begin walking backwards and ask them to kick. If you want to make the game is challenging, have them balance on a flutter board. Parents should have them kicking this way as well.

Taking The Plunge – For this game, it is good to be in the shallow part of the water. Children need to kneel two feet from the wall. Parents must hold their children standing on their knees and hands should be on their waists for support. The first couple of times playing this game children should not be swimming but using force from their jump to get to the wall. This helps children swim on their own. Parents should let their children hang on to the wall for some time. This way they are used to supporting their body weight until parents want them to do it again.

Ring/Coin Toss – Playing these games, children learn to swim deeper and reach the bottom of the water. It is exciting for children to reach things at the bottom and bring them back to the top. If the rings are different colors, parents can let them pick how many and whatever colors they want. Children will want to play the game more if they are involved in the decision making.

Superhero Glides – This is a game for children to learn “streaming” in the water. Children pick the superhero they wish they could be. Children should show parents their superhero arms and begin to glide across the water. This will be fun and make them feel stronger.

Ice Cream Scooping – This game focuses on using their arms. Like Superhero Glides, it is easy and fun for children. They can choose the ice flavor they want to scoop for the day and then they are going to take big scoops of water. Doing this teaches children to keep their fingers together. so the water doesn't go through their hands.

Chop Chop Timber – Some children are scared to jump into the water, so it was turned into a game. Children sit on the edge of the pool in a little seed on the ground, give them water (parents splash a little water on children) and sunshine (make a sun with arms) this way they can grow into a tree. Children can decide what type of tree they want to be and when they get chopped down to their knees getting into the water. Some children get in the water differently by holding both hands, one hand, or no hands.

Face Race – Children become comfortable in shallow water during this game. The requirements needed are a beach ball or another soft object that floats. Parents should stand at one side of the pool from their children and have them push the ball toward them without the use of their hands just their faces. When children finally reach their parents with the ball, they need to be congratulated for their effort.

Ping Pong Float – Parents need to get a lot of ping pong balls and put them into the shallow part of the water. Children need to collect all the balls, one at a time and put them into a bucket that is at the edge of the pool. Parents can set a timer to test the speed of their children.

Underwater Toy Rescue – This is like the Ping Pong game. The only difference is that children swim underwater to collect the toys. Parents should put one or two toys in the shallow water. This game will give children the confidence to hold their breath and keep their eyes open underwater. Children should play this game when they are comfortable in the water.

Shark Attack – This is a game of tag. One child is the shark and counts to ten with their eyes closed. When the child reaches ten, the shark goes looking for the other children. The shark catches one child then he or she takes on the new role of being the shark. This game will help children feel comfortable moving around in the water. As the children get older, they become more confident swimmers. This becomes an exciting and challenging game for sure.

These water games make children better swimmers in the water. The swimmers love playing these games because they’re fun and they can stay cool from the hot sun.Fun p

Safety Tips For Your Kids Pool Toys

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 21:29:54 GMT

Be Safe!

Pool toys can be the best way to make your child engaged and comfortable in swimming pools. They will also have a fun time in the water. Just like any other pool-time experiences, it is important to consider swim safety for your children’s pool toys too. You need to know some important tips for swim safety. Here are some of the pool toy safety tips that will help your child to swim safely in the pool:

Tip #1: Always check the toys before using them

It is important to check each and every toy before using them. Check for the crack and holes as well as for bugs in the toys. This rule is important, especially, if you are pulling out the toys that you have stored away for months. Lots of damages can happen including rust, animals nesting inside, holes etc. Just quickly check through each and every toy before you put them into the pool.

Tip #2: Clean them properly

Keeping pool toys clean and tidy is essential to prevent the spread of bacteria and germs. To prevent the bacterial growth and slimy buildup, rinse off the pool toys before you put them in the pool. When finished, always make sure to dry out the toys and clean them properly before storing them in dry places. This prevents growth of mold.

Tip #3: Review the safety rules before using toys

Before the children grab their favorite toys and jump into the pool, you must review the safety rules again. Even if you think that you have discussed enough about the safety rules with them, you must read out the safety rules again. Repeating these rules will help them to keep in their memory forever.

Tip #4: Pool noodles safety

Being one of the most favorite pool toys for kids, everyone wants to use the pool noodles. But you need to make sure that one kid is on the noodle at a time. They are quite buoyant in nature and it is meant for one swimmer at a time. This toy is the best way to help the swimmer float but it must not be used as floating device or lifejacket.

Tip #5: Checkout the snorkels before using

Snorkeling is another favorite pool-time experience for the kids. But before you use the snorkeling toy masks, you must ensure whether or not the snorkel masks are in right condition. A broken or dysfunctional mask cannot fulfill the purpose. Also, check for any leaks or cracks as this can let the water into the mask.

If you want your kids to be a good swimmer and learn all the swimming safety rules, then make sure to contact us at Small Fish Big Fish Swim School. We offer swimming lessons via experienced trainers. They take care of each and every kid to ensure the utmost safety of the children. We take each and every swimming pool safety rule very seriously and make sure every child follows it as well.

For more details contact us at Small Fish Big Fish Swim School for a consultation and free trial class. 561-818-7946

The Tale of Mermaid Tails

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 21:20:23 GMT

HOW COOL would it be to swim like a mermaid, right?

Most everyone has heard of the mermaid tail craze by now after seeing the internet light up with so many varieties in every shape, size and fun, fabulous color. And like many parents, I love toys that inspire kids to get active, and HOW COOL would it be to swim like a mermaid, right?! However as a swim school instructor, I have to make sure I speak to the safety of these pool-time toys as well so our little fish can continue to swim without harm.

Early in July, WaterSmart PBC and NDPA Palm Beaches Treasure Coast were featured this CBS 12 News Investigative report.

The report talks about the dangers of binding children's feet together while in the water, potentially restricting them from swimming properly which may increase drowning risk. In fact, in the U.S., most public pools prohibit mermaid tails for this very reason. Here in Palm Beach, all the city pools and the YMCA ban these products. The unfortunate truth is many parents overestimate their child's swimming abilities, and often aren't watching their kids close enough.

My advice? While these toys are fun, if you do decide to allow your children to use mermaid tails in your pool, please make sure they are strong swimmers AND please make sure an attentive adult is nearby. Adult supervision and water safety should be a given any time kids of any age are around water, tail or no tail.

Swimmingly,

Melissa Taylor

Is it dangerous to swim after eating?

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:51:47 GMT

Trick or Treat - Fact or Fiction?

Is it dangerous to swim after eating? This is a great question that the little and big fish ask all the time, so I believe it is important to squish the myths once and for all especially before those candy bags fill up…..

Remembering being a kid and your parents always scolding about something. "Clean your room.” "Do the dishes.” "Don’t eat before swimming.” Though the first two are basic house chores, how credible is the third? Believe it or not, there is some actual science involved with this statement. Interesting, right?! The science says that after a big meal, blood will be diverted away from your arms and legs, towards your stomach’s digestive tract. If your limbs don’t get enough blood flow to function and begin cramping, in severe cases you can be at risk of drowning.

It is safe to say that it is harmful to swim with a full tummy. I encourage all my little and big fish to eat at least an hour to an hour and a half before swimming. In addition, I recommend eating foods with high amounts of Vitamin E which prevents inflammation and cramping. Good sources of Vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds, and peanut butter. In addition, Vitamin B6 helps to reduce pain and is found in high concentrations in bananas, lentils, chickpeas, oatmeal, lean beef, and chicken breast.

So, next time when you're ready to shake your little tails in the pool, wait until after you eat and listen to your parents’ kids because they know what's best for you!

Swimmingly,

Melissa

The Truth About Floaties and Puddle Jumpers, Why They Can Do More Harm Than Good For Your Kids

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:31:22 GMT

Do they do more harm than good?

Because the weather in South Florida is warm a majority of the year compared to the rest of the country, one of the activities people look forward to is swimming. From swimming in pools or the ocean, it’s one of the most popular outdoor activities for everyone to enjoy, both young and old. However, safety precautions are mandatory when you go out swimming. You want to make sure you have the necessary equipment and accessories for the right situation.

Floaties and puddle jumpers have been known as vital necessities when it comes to protecting kids from drowning. However, there is a catch. As a parent, you need to know the truth about them and why they can do more harm than good for your kids. It is important to understand the potential harm floaties and puddle jumpers can bring to your children, this way you will be able to avoid some needless dangerous experiences. Be smart enough to provide safety to your kids when out swimming.

Below are some of the truth about floaties and puddle jumpers and why they can do more harm than good for your kids:

Gives kids false confidence

Kids will always feel very safe with floaties and puddle jumpers. Even if they are on the verge of drowning, they will always feel safe and this false confidence is among the many shortcomings of floaties and puddle jumpers. The main problem with them is that when your kid flips upside down with floaties, they can’t get a breath and can drown. Also, floaties put children in a vertical position which is active drowning when swimming is a prone position. As a parent, you should to be on the lookout of any changes caused by floaties or puddle jumpers. This will help you in rescuing your kid earlier enough if they start drowning.

Parents get false confidence

As a parent, you will always feel your kid is safe whenever he or she is using floaties or puddle jumpers. Unfortunately, this has led to various unwanted dangerous swimming experiences to kids. Unfortunately, kids have drowned as a result of false confidence felt by their parents. Parents need to always pay close attention to their kids when using floaties or puddle jumpers. Any abnormal occurrences should prompt them to intervene in due time. This will help ensure your kid is always safe while out swimming.

Silent arm floaties

This is the greatest limitation of arm floaties, they are silent. Even when your kid is taking them off you will not hear any sound. This will expose them to some dangers such as drowning. In that connection, it is important to know that floaties are not that safe as you think. Always pay close attention to kids whenever they are taking off their floaties. This approach will go a long way to saving kids from drowning.

Removal of floaties

Kids might not learn when and when not to remove floaties in due time. It will take some time for them to master it. Lack of that vital knowledge on removing floaties endangers their lives. They might remove floaties by mistake and could drown accidentally. As parents, you need to really guide your children in the right way concerning the removal of floaties. Ensure they master that skill in due time to prevent swimming-related deaths.

Conclusion

In as much as floaties may act as safety accessories during swimming, they might also harm your kids. You need to monitor your kids always when they have floaties on. It helps in protecting them from any dangers.

Swimming for Exercise

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 01:01:12 GMT

People don’t always have to go to the gym to keep their bodies active. All they need to do is step into the water and become swimmers. There are several exercises that swimmers use in the pool that helps enhance their performance in the water.

Here they are:

Frog kick – Swimmers move their legs by bending at the knees and pulling their legs to their chest. They then need to kick downward and bring them back up.

Kick drills – Swimmers need tools like a flutter board or a noodle. They need to keep the device in front of them and extend their arms in front of them. They need to tighten their core and kick.

Build arm muscles – If swimmers have an inflatable ball, they can easily work their arms. Swimmers hold the ball out in front of them and push it underwater. Once it submerges, the ball should be moved in a figure-eight pattern. Swimmers should let go of the ball and repeat the method. Swimmers need to stand straight and not stress their back and shoulders.

Climb the pool wall – Swimmers need to stand by the pool wall with their arms out for stability then they need to run up the side as high as they can. They need to change the leading leg and repeat the exercise.

Balance on one leg – Swimmers get a good workout when standing on one leg and kicking the other out to the side. The key is to raise it as high as they can and hold it for a minute. Then they do the same routine with the other leg.

Flutter kick – In the water, swimmers extend their back legs behind and kick their feet up and down. This exercise is easy and works a lot of the muscles, especially the transverse abdominals.

Resisted Flutter kick – This is like the Flutter kick exercise including a kickboard, except swimmers will be holding the kickboard at a vertical angle. This position will create resistance from the water significantly and boost the swimmer's heart rate. Swimmers need to place their hands on the bottom sides of a kickboard and tip it so that it is standing up out of the water. They need to extend their bodies in a straight line. Swimmers should start kicking their legs having tight effective kicks in mind. Their toes must be pointed and turned slightly inward. The arms need to always remain straight out in front of the board.

Pool burpee – Burpee is a cardio exercise on land, but in the water, it can be a challenge because resistance is added to the lower body. If swimmers want more of a challenge, they can add body weights on their ankles into the exercise. Swimmers need to grab the edge of the pool and lift their bodies in a straight line. They need to pull one knee towards their chest and then switch with the other at a pace. Swimmers should do these 20 to 40 times.

Pool tuck jumps – Swimmers stand in the pool in waist to chest-deep water with their feet hip width apart. They should slightly bend their knees and their arms should be lifted horizontally in front with their elbows bent. Swimmers need to have their hands facing down and jump so their feet can reach their hands. This should be done 10 to 15 times.

Pool hacky sack – This is not an exercise that requires a hacky sack but doing this exercise will get swimmer’s blood pumping. Swimmers stand at chest height and lift their left leg with their knee bent. They rotate their hip open and bring their foot inward. They must stretch their left hand down diagonally to touch their right foot. The movement should be continued on each side lifting the opposite side. Swimmers should continue switching and tapping each side. There should be 20 to 30 reps of this exercise.

Skiers – Skiing in the pool may seem impossible, but there is another thought. This exercise builds cardiovascular endurance as the swimmers push through the resistance of the water. They must stand with their feet together in chest-high water. Swimmers have to jump a little and extend one leg out in front while the other one is behind. They should quickly switch legs in a skiing motion.

Swimmers can get a good workout in the pool. There is no need to waste away money and use heavy equipment at a gym when the water is a fun and relaxing environment to be in.

Why Swim

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 14:30:55 GMT

The water is a great place for children to be. They can play games, exercise, and be happy. Drowning is a risk factor when being in the water which is why it is important to bring children to Small Fish Big Fish Swim School so your children safer around the water.

Here are some drowning facts people should know:

Drowning is a leading cause of death for children i n the United States.
More children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death except birth defects.
For children ages 1–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.
Children are at the highest risk, but anyone can drown
Every year in the United States there are an estimated 3,960 critical unintentional drownings, including boating-related drowning which is an average of 11 drowning deaths per day.
8,080 nonfatal drownings which is an average of 22 nonfatal drownings per day.
Nonfatal drowning can result in long-term health problems and costly hospital stays
For every child who dies from drowning, another eight receive emergency department care for non-fatal drowning.
More than 40% of drownings treated in emergency departments require hospitalization or transfer for further care (compared with 8% for all unintentional injuries).
Injuries from drowning can result in brain damage as well as other serious outcomes including long-term disability.
Some people have a higher risk of drowning.
Children – At the young ages of 1-4, children often drown in swimming pools. This tragic event can happen anytime, including when children are not expected to be near water, such as when they gain unsupervised access to pools.
Males – Almost 80% of people who die from drowning are male. The cause might be increased exposure to water, risk-taking behaviors, and alcohol use.
Racial and ethnic groups – When it comes to drowning, the death rates of American Indian or Alaska native people ages 29 and younger are 2 times higher than the rates for white people, with the highest disparities among those ages 25-29 (rates 3.5 times higher). Death rates for black people are 1.5 times higher than the rates for white people.
People with seizure disorders or certain medical conditions – People with epilepsy are at a higher risk of fatal and nonfatal drowning than others. This traumatic event is the most common cause of injury or death in bathtubs. There are other conditions such as autism and heart conditions that pose a higher risk of drowning.
Factors that make drowning more likely to happen
Not being able to swim – Some adults and children report they don’t have the skills to swim, or they are weak swimmers. Taking swimming lessons can help reduce the tragic event with children and young adults.
Missing or ineffectual fences around water – Barriers like fencing around the pool prevent children from having access to the pool without adult awareness. A four-sided isolation fence that separates the pool area from the house and yard reduces a child’s risk of drowning by 83% compared to three-sided property-line fencing.
Not having close supervision – The tragic event of drowning can occur often without children being looked after in environments such as lakes and oceans, pools, bathtubs, and even buckets of water.
Not wearing life jackets – Wearing life jackets help prevent drowning during water activities such as boating and swimming. There have been reports by the U.S. Coast Guard that of 613 boating-related deaths in 2019 -79% of these deaths were drowning related, and of those who died from drowning, 86% were not wearing life jackets.
Drinking alcohol – Among teens and adults, alcohol use is involved in up to 70% of deaths associated with water recreation, nearly 1 in 4 emergency department visits for drowning, and about 1 in 5 reported boating deaths.
Using drugs and prescription medication – Some medications can increase drowning such as psychotropic medications for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other conditions. This fact is similar to drinking alcohol with the side effects of not being able to think clearly and decrease motor skills.

Children need to to learn to swim it is not just a want. Small Fish Big Fish Swim School is an excellent place to become safer around the water. Please don’t wait register now smallfishbigfish.com. Small fish become BIG fish by swimming in schools.

Different Strokes

Wed, 16 Nov 2022 14:36:20 GMT

When it comes to swimming, there are different styles and strokes to become better swimmers in the water.

Here are 8 of them:

Freestyle & Front Crawl – The Front Crawl is the first stroke swimmers in the water think of when competitors choose to use this stroke in freestyle events, as it is the fastest. To perform this position, swimmers need to lie on their stomachs with their bodies parallel to the water. Swimmers should propel themselves forward with alternating arm movements like a windmill pushing underwater and recovering above water. Swimmers’ legs propel them with a flattering kick that is performed with pointed feet. Swimmers move their legs up and down in modification. They should not bend their legs at the knee. Swimmers’ breathing time should match their swimming strokes when turning their heads sideways while their arm is above the water. While in the water, swimmers should not turn their heads too far and face upward or they will sink into the water instead of staying above the water.
Backstroke – This stroke has similar movements to Front Crawl. The name speaks for its action. Swimmers in the water perform this on their backs. It is said that doctors recommend this stroke to individuals that have back pain. In the water, swimmers float on their backs and then move their arms in a windmill motion to propel themselves. Also, like Front Crawl, arms should move in a circular motion by pushing underwater and recovering above water. The legs should connect with a flutter kick. Faces should be above water so people can look straight. Swimmers need to keep their bodies as straight as they can but keep their legs underwater. The hips should not be too low, or their bodies will be too much. This will slow them down. It is important for swimmers to keep their legs underwater and use the movement of their hips to get a more powerful kick. The face must stay above the water, but they still need to be conscious of their breathing rhythm to be consistent with the strokes.
Breaststroke – This stroke is known as slow and inexpensive. Beginners are taught breaststroke often because their head doesn't need to be underwater but needs to immerse their heads and breath at points during the performance. People need to be on their stomachs and move their arms simultaneously under the water in a half-rounded movement in front of their bodies. Legs need to whip and kick at the same time and need to move in a half-circular motion in front of the body. The whip kick is performed when bringing legs straight behind, close to the body, bending both at the knees and hips. Legs then should move outward and off to the side before expanding together. This is also known as frog’s movement. The timing of the arm stroke needs to match the leg movements for more efficient momentum by resting the arms while the legs kick and straightening the legs while the arms push the bodies forward.
Butterfly – This stroke is a great workout because it’s a struggle to learn, but it is fun. It is known as the second fastest competitive swimming technique. The stroke is performed by having swimmers lay horizontally on their stomachs facing the bottom of the pool. Swimmers should bring their arms together over their head and push them into the water to thrust them forward and bring them up out of the water. Then this is repeated. As swimmers move their arms in the water, they push their heads and shoulders to the surface. Swimmers should perform a dolphin kick that entails legs staying together and straight like how a dolphin’s lower body and tail move. Their bodies should move in a fluid wave-like motion. Taking a breath should be done when arms are coming out of the water right before they start the next thrust. Then they need to lift their head straight during this movement.
Sidestroke – This older stroke is important to learn for safety reasons. Lifeguards use this stroke to rescue people in the water because it allows them to pull someone with them. Performing this stroke is swimming on the side and pushing forward with a scissor kick and rotating arm movements. This is an easier stroke to learn and is different from other strokes. Swimmers can think of this stroke as apple picking. The first arm will reach above the head to pick an apple, then the hands will move to the chest. The apple is placed in the second arm (the side of the body that is on top and partly out of the water). The second arm will toss the apple behind and the first arm will pick another apple above the head.
Elementary Backstroke – It uses a reversed breaststroke kick while your arms move in sync beneath the water. This is called elementary because it is easy to pick up and it is the first technique. Also, it is the first swim stroke taught to people in the pool. Children are given nicknames for the movement. Hands should be put to the armpits like a monkey, spread arms like an airplane, and push them down to your sides like a soldier.
Combat Side Stroke – US Navy Seals learn this stroke which is efficient and energy-saving. The combat side stroke is a kind of combination of breaststroke, freestyle, and, obviously, sidestroke. It is kind of like a superpower making swimmers less visible but letting them swim with the highest effectiveness that is needed to swim on the surface. People need to focus on balance, length, and rotation.
Trudgen – This stroke was named after the English swimmer John Trudgen. Swimmers swim on their side lifting each arm out of the water and over their heads. They spread their legs apart to prepare to kick and then as their arm comes down, they should straighten their legs apart to prepare to kick.

Being in the water is enjoyable and using these swimming styles and strokes makes the activity fun and exciting. Swimmers’ experiences in the water need to be filled with unforgettable memories that put smiles on their faces. That's what having fun in the sun should do.