Whatever your career path might be, don’t discount the importance of knowing how to swim!

​Where will swimming take YOU?
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Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator)

Have you ever stopped to ponder just how many hours per year children spend learning to swim? It’s probably much less than you think! Swimming in a half-hour lesson once per week will give you 26 hours of swimming... a year. That is assuming that no holidays are taken, no lessons are missed due to illness, and that the children swim every single week including through winter. Do your children swim 26 hours a year? If they do, what a massive achievement it is that they learn the skills they do! Do they swim less than 26 hours? The accomplishments are even all the more remarkable.

Josh Kaufman, a bestselling author on skill acquisition ‘The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything... Fast!’, delivered a TEDTalk delving in to how long it takes for somebody to learn a new skill, and be able to perform it quite well. He posed that it takes 20 hours. So how exactly can we learn and practice a skill successfully in this amount of time? Kaufman encourages us to do the following:

1. Remove distractions
2. Deconstruct the skill
3. Self-correct
4. Immerse yourself

What does this look like in our swim school program? Let’s break it down.
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1. Remove Distractions
Our lessons are designed to maximise learning by providing students with as few distractions as possible. We keep our class sizes to 4-5 students in our half-hour classes to make the most of learning time. 

You may notice that our classes are also incredibly active. This is because we are aiming to keep our students engaged in learning, even if they are waiting for their turn. There are of course moments when this falters but this is where you can help! Reminding your kids about putting goggles back on (or even speaking to them about not taking them off in the first place!) and not encouraging them to play underwater are some of the most useful ways you can help your child remain on task.

2. Deconstruct the Skill
Our students progress through a structured and graded program that is divided into more than 25 levels. By incorporating so many stages, achievement can be rewarded more often which is paramount for children’s self esteem and sense of progression.

Kaufman explains that “most of the things we think of as skills are actually bundles of smaller sub-skills. Once you’ve identified a skill to focus on, the next step is to deconstruct it – to break it down into the smallest possible parts... By focusing on the critical sub-skills first, you’ll make more progress with less effort.”

Each level focuses on not only learning just one new skill but learning this new skill broken down into sub-skills. On our Blue Octopus level for example, we teach students how to breathe to the side, how to complete arms over on the board and off the board. Freestyle is comprised of all of these sub-skills but is far too difficult to grasp in its entirety.
 

3. Self-correct
Another way to enhance skill acquisition is through feedback and self-correction according to Kaufman. He states that “fast feedback naturally leads to rapid skill acquisition. If feedback arrives immediately, or with a very short delay, it’s much easier to connect that information to your actions and name the appropriate adjustments.”

Our teachers are experts at correcting students whilst they are swimming through both verbal and visual feedback. This enables children to try and correct their technique immediately, resulting in correct technique developing faster. Our squad levels use this same approach with students swimming shorter distances initially. By self-correcting over a shorter distance, students are able to achieve the correct technique with less risk of tiring (when technique typically diminishes).

4. Immerse Yourself
Have you ever noticed that during the summer months or a family holiday that involves being in the pool or at the beach every day sees immense progress in not only confidence but also in ability? According to Kaufman, this is because "the most well-known general method of rapid skill acquisition is immersion... If you want to learn to speak French, for example, learning through immersion would involve living in France for a few weeks or months."

How are we able to help our children immerse themselves in swimming throughout the year? In summer it may seem 'easier' - taking them to the beach often, visiting friends and family with backyard pools, and enjoying family holidays where the kids are in the water every day. But it's certainly a feat that can be achieved year-round! Immersing your kids in 2 lessons a week throughout the year is a beneficial way to increase the opportunity to practice and progress skill acquisition. 

Swimming so often isn't always achievable however there are times of the year when it is possible. Our School Holiday Programs run intensive classes to truly immerse our swimmers and help their skill acquisition progress more rapidly. We have 2 courses running these October school holidays for beginners right through to Senior Squads.

Find out more information on our October School Holiday Program here. 

Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator)

We have adult classes for complete beginners, for those who have a little knowledge but are out of practice, and squad level classes. All of these classes are run as small group lessons and our adult swimmers love the social aspect of this setting. It certainly makes learning new skills less daunting, and dare we say fun! Swimming is also a great way for adults to participate in low-impact exercise. The benefits of being weightless in the water are that your muscles are getting the workout without you experiencing the pain of more high-impact activities. Spring is the perfect time to start something new and challenging - why not give it a try?
 

Myth: “My child’s teacher is different today so the lesson won’t be the same.”

Fact: Apart from the teacher being different, the lesson will actually be very much the same.

We pride ourselves on having teachers who are passionate about teaching and committed to providing the best learning experience for all their students. A dedication to teaching leads to our teachers scheduling everything else around teaching their classes. 

There are of course times when exams, illness, and sometimes even much deserved holidays occur. You can be rest assured however that if this is the case, you will not be disadvantaged. We train our teachers in-house with a comprehensive and structured program to ensure that we all teach the Col Jones way. All our teachers work to the same formats and program to ensure continuity of learning. This consistency across teachers and classes results in students ​receiving the same high standard of aquatic education whenever and with whomever they swim. 

Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator)

50% of drownings of children under 5 years old occurred in a backyard pool. How safe is your pool? The weather is warming up which means that pool parties, BBQ’s and outdoor playdates are just around the corner. Before it is too late we urge you to check the safety of your home swimming pool to minimise the risk of drowning.

The Royal Life Saving Society (Australia) has developed a checklist to help ensure all areas of owning a pool are made safer. They include advice on Supervision, Fencing, Gates, Pool Machinery, Emergency Preparation, Chemical Use and Storage, and Electricity. Included is the full checklist provided by Royal Life Saving Society (Australia). Pool owners should also ensure they get a professional inspection of their pool’s compliance. 

​To download the full checklist, visit Royal Life Saving Society's website.

Making your pool safer is an essential aspect of being a pool owner however, there is no substitute for active supervision.

Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator)

​Recently we have found that there are many parents letting us know of medical and learning conditions that their children have been diagnosed with. We are so thankful for the extra information and insight that this provides us with as it means that we can inform our teachers and make adjustments when needed. 
 
You may not have even thought that there could be a connection between your child’s condition and their performance in class. A student with Dyslexia for example may need the delivery of instructions to be altered. A student with Anxiety may benefit from changing the time of their lesson to best suit them. 
 
Every time we are made aware of these conditions, our Supervisors work closely with your child’s teachers and coaches to ensure that not only are they aware, but there is also a plan in place, and we can provide the appropriate care when required. For example, a child with Asthma who asks for a rest because they are getting puffed out, is a very different scenario from a child who is not Asthmatic that asks for a rest. 
 
We invite you to come and speak to a Supervisor (in the red shirts) to ensure that your child is receiving the best possible swimming experience. There are so many ways that we are able to maximise your experience with us, and we would love to be able to work together to achieve this. If you believe you have already informed us, please check!
 
Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator)

0-12 months:
Three quarters of drowning deaths in this age group occur around the home. Bath time in particular is one of the highest dangers in this age group. A lack of constant active adult supervision is the main cause.

Reduce the risk:

• Ensure you have everything you need before entering the bathroom such as towels and pyjamas
• Do not leave children alone in the bath, or near the bath, and never in the care of older children

 
12-36 months:
More than 50% of drowning deaths in this age group occur in home swimming pools. Often children in this age group gain access to home pools without an adult realising.
 
Reduce the risk:

• Ensure pool fences are correctly installed, regularly maintained and gates are always shut
• Remove objects around the pool fences that children can climb to gain access to the pool
• Always actively supervise children around water

 
3-5 years:
More than 50% of drowning deaths in this age group occur in home swimming pools, with boys twice as likely to drown than girls.
 
Reduce the risk:

• Always actively supervise children around water, and be within arms’ reach
• Establish simple rules such as no going near water without an adult
• Learn CPR

 
6-10 years:
Almost three quarters of children who drown in this age group are boys. The highest number of drowning deaths occur at inland waterways such as rivers and lakes. In this age group, children may overestimate their own ability.
 
Reduce the risk:

• Always actively supervise children
• Continue with swim lessons to further develop water safety skills
• Adults should model safe behaviour around water

 
11-16 years:
In this lifestage, inland waterways pose the highest risk of drowning, with half of drowning deaths occurring in these locations. More than two thirds of these drownings are males. This lifestage sees teenagers participating in risk taking behaviour, with less supervision.
 
Reduce the risk:

• Discuss risk taking behaviours around water and the dangers of alcohol and drugs
• Teenagers can learn survival and rescue skills, as well as CPR and emergency skills

Whatever the lifestage, active adult supervision is a critical component to reducing drowning risks. 

For more information, visit the Royal Life Saving Society Australia

Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator)

Winter is often a popular time for families to seek warmer weather on holidays. With warmer weather however, comes exposure to more aquatic environments. Some of these environments your family (especially children) may not be as familiar with, such as beaches, water parks, resort pools, and rivers, just to name a few. Perhaps they are places you have visited before on holidays - but these may have changed since your last visit.

​We have looked once again to the Royal Life Saving Society Australia (RLSSA) for their advice:

• Unfamiliar aquatic locations:
  Conditions can change rapidly in natural environments and often an afternoon swim can be very different to a morning swim - even if you return to the same area. Beaches and rivers which may have been calm at one time during the day can quickly develop strong currents at other times. Before you enter any body of water, take the time to observe the water and check for signs of rips or currents.
  
  
• Beach safety:
  In Australia we are constantly reminded to "swim between the flags" however you may find yourself at a beach overseas (or even here in Australia) which is not patrolled by lifeguards. Where possible, always choose a beach that is patrolled and before entering the water observe for signs of any rips or currents. As near all bodies of water, always actively supervise your children.
  
  
• Water parks and resort pools with water activities:
  Just like in public pools, there are lifeguards on duty at water parks (but not necessarily in resort pools). Whilst lifeguards are an important feature in helping families stay safer in the water, they are never intended to replace active parental supervision. Children can become quickly distracted by the exciting features in both water parks and resort pools, and if not within arms reach of you can wander quickly out of sight (and out of their depth). RLSSA urges parents and guardians to remain within arms reach of children at all times when enjoying these facilities.
  
  
• Inland waterways:
  Rivers, lakes and dams are another popular holiday destination, particularly for campers. It is critical to highlight that conditions in these environments can change hourly and without warning. Currents can develop or change direction and speed; banks that were dry may become slippery; and river beds can shift so that an area that you could previously stand on is no longer possible. Many of these environments are made more dangerous with murky water - there may be objects submerged that you cannot see and unknown depths. Never dive in, and always enter the water slowly with feet first.
  
  
• Ways to keep your family safer:
  RLSSA encourages families to talk to their children about water safety. Discuss with them that they are not to enter the water without a parent present. With children who are more competent swimmers here at Col Jones, it is important to explain that even though they are a great swimmer, their ability to swim can change rapidly in different conditions. As always, actively supervise your children around bodies of water. In larger groups, designate a responsible supervisor!

For more information on how to become safer around water, head to https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/families . The advice they provide is invaluable.

Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator) ​

Myth: We’ve had a couple of lessons so we know what to do
​Fact: Learning to swim does not happen overnight! One of our most frequently asked questions is “how long will it take my child to learn how to swim?” and the answer is not a simple one! The question itself is not a simple one either as there are many interpretations of what constitutes as ‘knowing how to swim.’

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There is a considerable science to learning how to swim and, as with learning any skill, there are many different processes that work together. That old trick of ‘rubbing your tummy and patting your head at the same time?’ It sounds simple, right? But in reality we know that it is far more complicated than it seems. Swimming is a bit like this.

​​Complex biomechanics underpin even the seemingly simplest of skills. Our brains need to send the exact signals to the corresponding muscles and this takes time to master. When learning a skill for the first time, neural pathways firstly need to be established and then reinforced with regular practice. Here at Col Jones we understand the importance of continually developing these skills with practice and time to strengthen the neural pathways and build muscle memory.

Once these have developed, we also understand the importance of time – after a skill is mastered we need to perform it at the ‘autonomous stage.’ That’s the stage when the skill is performed with little thought and much less effort than the earlier stages of learning. At Col Jones we ensure our students demonstrate each required skill at the autonomous stage before progressing to learning new skills, to reinforce all that hard work!

Myth: “I just want my child to be capable of saving himself not go to the Olympics!"
Fact: In an aquatic emergency, skills can deteriorate and often deteriorate rapidly. Swimmers who only have the ability to move a few metres through the water, are at best weak swimmers and thus at a greater risk than those who are more competent.

The more repetitions (i.e. practice and time) that a child acquires in learning to swim, the more automatic and safer the skill becomes.

However, it is important to realise that even the most competent of swimmers can (and do) struggle in aquatic emergencies. Often we hear stories in the media of parents and bystanders tragically drowning in an attempt to rescue a swimmer in trouble even though ‘they could swim.’ If these competent swimmers can drown, then no one is truly ‘drown-proof.’ At Col Jones we stress the importance of educating our parents and carers that whilst swimming lessons combined with active parental supervision are important parts of safer swimming, no one is 100% safe.

Author: Josephine Moss (Swim School Coordinator)