FAQ

The term “baby swimming” is not really correct because babies cannot really learn to swim. The course includes a special form of exercises, which positively affect physical, psychological and social development of children as well as their motor skills. The course is performed only in the presence of a familiar person, most commonly one of the parents and includes children from four months to four years of age.

Swimming involves movement different from everyday physical activities, such as: walking, running, crawling, climbing… Movement in water is acquired relatively quickly, but the process of learning swimming techniques, which enable us to move in water for a longer period of time, is relatively long. Therefore, the process of learning to swim should be initiated early enough, but only after a child’s body is optimally developed to accomplish demanding movements.

To acquire a certain motor movement or a set of movements a large number of repetitions is required (in extreme examples up to 8000 repetitions). Due to its characteristics (it is 800 times denser than air), water presents a specific environment for people. Therefore, it is necessary to get accustomed to moving in it. New-borns and infants are familiar with that environment since in the womb they were protected by warm fluid. After the birth, up to 6 months, babies mostly lie flat, they gradually start turning and noticing objects, then they learn how to sit, and at the age of 9 months they crawl and by their first birthday they start to walk.

During a stroll outside, they just lie or sit. Leach P. (1991) concludes that the desire for independent movement in babies grows from day to day. That is why we provide children with an opportunity for movement in water, in a warm fluid environment, where they can relax all body parts engaging in the three-dimensional movement on their own, which they will not be able to do on the dry land for quite some time. Early swimming thus enables a child to transfer from the phase of passive lying to the phase of active movement.

Plivački klub Natator jedini je u Zagrebu i Hrvatskoj ovlašteni izvoditelj programa po FREDS SWIM ACADEMY metodi te jedini u hrvatskoj ima osposobljene trenere za rad po ovoj metodi. Vježbe su organizirane u malim grupama na nekoliko lokacija u Gradu Zagrebu: u popodnevnim satima u Centru Mali dom, Baštijanova 1 d (križanje sa Selskom ulicom); vikendom na Zimskom plivalištu Mladost (Daničićeva)- program je obustavljen do travnja 2021., subotom prijepodne na Sportskom parku Mladost, Jarunska 5, u jutarnjim terminima u tjednu i vikendom na Bazenskom kompleksu Svetice (Maksimirska cesta 126), Bazen Utrina (samo u ljetnim mjesecima) i Bazenu Novi Jelkovec.

Sve informacije o tečaju (kad je početak, satnica, cijena, uvodna predavanja) možete dobiti na telefon 091/3030-891 od ponedjeljka do petka od 12 – 15 sati, na e-mail: info@natator.hr ili na web stranici www.plivanje-malisana.com

FREDS SWIM ACADEMY has been participating in the research of early development of children since 1986. The FREDS SWIM ACADEMY method of learning how to swim adjusted to each age group was developed using SWIMTRAINERS for babies and children. Babies and children are taught to swim using the three-step-learn-to-swim-system which results in the correct swimming technique. The three SWIMTRAINERS are used as a part of the learn-to-swim system, which implies reducing the buoyancy of the SWIMTRAINER in accordance with the child’s age and progress.

SWIMTRAINER is a specially designed swim ring open at back, while the inner part of the ring has inflatable pads on which a child lies while safety straps and clip fasteners prevent a child from slipping through. A child is in an optimal prone position. SWIMTRAINER has an inner and an outer inflatable chamber, while each safety belt and the belly part can also be inflated. There are three sizes of SWIMTRAINER: red, orange and yellow.

It is not necessary for parents to swim with babies. They can be accompanied by any other person they are accustomed to and who they trust. But, our experience has shown that babies prefer being in the pool with their parents and with them they are in their best mood and most motivated.

Dr. Lili Ahrendt, a scientist at the German Sport University Cologne has conducted a research showing that children who attend exercises in water do not fall ill more often than children who do not attend them.

For children with disabilities, swimming is an ideal opportunity for socialising and play with parents in water. Such children need more safety precautions and protection in the pool, which can be best provided by parents. They all enjoy group games. We recommend you to consult your paediatrician or physiatrist before including the child in the programme, and when enrolling your child to our programme let us know about the child’s problems so we could adjust certain exercises to the child’s needs. https://youtu.be/ZPCEN_ac4MU

As far as the hygienic standards are concerned, it is necessary to ensure pure water and cleanliness of swimming pool facilities. Swimmers are the main source of water contamination. That is why taking a shower before entering the pool is mandatory. Creams and other body care agents indirectly increase the potential of transfer of pathogenic micro-organisms through water and that way increase the use of disinfection substances.

The quality of the swimming pool water is determined by the rulebook on the hygienic standards for swimming pool water. The rulebook stipulates that the number of aerobic mesophillic bacteria should not exceed 200/ml in indoor swimming pools and 1000/ml in outdoor pools. Water should not contain coliform bacteria and the bacteria Pseudomonasaeruginosa.

Exercises in water are conducted in homogeneous groups of children, which means that children are divided into groups based on age (4-8 months, 8-12 months, 1-2 years, 2-4 years, 4-7 years). Consequently, the two named children cannot attend the same group.

It is advisable to buy it, but this is not a prerequisite. The baby will get familiar with the SWIMTRAINER at the pool, and you will be instructed on how to correctly put it on, hold it and move with it.

Neoprene swim trunks are not mandatory, but they are recommended, because they do not let through extracted bodily liquids and keep children warm. Instead of neoprene swim trunks you can use dispensable swim diapers, but they do not keep body warmth.

Exercises are held once per week, at the weekends.

At the pool, you use our props, so you do not need to buy anything. The offer of FREDS SWIM ACADEMY props is available on our website, so you can order them if you want.

Yes, the introductory lecture is intended only for parents, and due to the amount of information we provide there, you need to be concentrated. Therefore, we kindly ask you to come to the lecture without children.

SWIMTRAINER is a specially designed swim ring open at back while the inner part of the ring has inflatable pads on which a child lies and safety straps and clip fasteners which prevent a child from slipping through. A child is in an optimal prone position. SWIMTRAINER has an inner and an outer inflatable chamber, while each safety belt and the belly part can also be inflated. There are three sizes of SWIMTRAINER: red, orange and yellow.

Red SWIMTRAINER

is the biggest of the three and has the greatest stability and buoyancy providing a satisfactory support, which a child requires while getting accustomed to water and while acquiring the correct leg movement. Reduced space for arm movement at that level of learning to swim is intended to draw child’s attention to leg movement. At this first stage, arm movement has secondary importance. Adults need to be in the water at the same level as the child in order to be within the child’s eyesight and thus connected to it. A child is supported by adults who draw the SWIMTRAINER to themselves by holding it from below.

An adult’s movements need to be rhythmical and need to follow the pace of the child’s movement. When leg movement is internalised, when a child can swim independently for a few meters to reach a target and when it is able to change direction on its way, it is time to use the orange SWIMTRAINER. The orange SWIMTRAINER further develops arms and legs coordination. This transition should be done around the age of three.

The red SWIMTRAINER is ideal for swimming training of children aged from three months to four years. Using the red SWIMTRAINER, children progress from making reflex movements to acquiring internalised frog-like movements.

Orange SWIMTRAINER

is medium-sized, less buoyant and less stable. Thus, it enables greater freedom of movement. It enables leg movements to become automatic and coordinated with arm movement. Coordination gradually becomes automatic. A child can swim a longer distance using breaststroke, it changes its direction, it turns and it is independent and relaxed in water. Swimming longer distances is not recommended.

When a child learns how to swim correctly it is time to switch to the yellow SWIMTRAINER. Due to its less buoyancy, the orange SWIMTRAINER is suitable for children between 2 and 6 years of age. Using the orange SWIMTRAINER, children learn coordination of arm and leg movement.

Yellow SWIMTRAINER

is the smallest of the three SWIMTRAINERS, it is the least buoyant, the least stable and has the smallest volume. Due to that, it provides children with the greatest freedom of movement. Consequently, a child swims using its own strength and technique. When a child can swim a longer distance and is able to change directions using a yellow SWIMTRAINER, it is time for further methodical steps. The volume of air is gradually reduced in the outer part of the SWIMTRAINER. In these changed circumstances, a child should be able to swim greater distances and change direction.

Then, the air from the inner part of the ring is gradually let out aimed at balancing the child’s buoyancy. This way, the child depends entirely on its own buoyancy and swims with no air except for the lateral parts of the SWIMTRAINER, which still hold the air. The role of the lateral parts is not to provide physical but mental support to the child. At this level, a special attention should be paid to calm and uniform swimming. When a child has achieved that level, it can produce buoyancy on its own and stop using SWIMTRAINER.

A child is then ready for independent swimming. The yellow SWIMTRAINER has the least buoyancy and is intended for children aged 4 to 8. It presents a transition to the independent swimming where the coordination of limb movements is constant.

The aim of these exercises is the independent movement: by pushing forward using both legs simultaneously. Using the red SWIMTRAINER, babies have a limited space for arm movements, so the focus is on legs.

It depends on your child’s swimming skills. The red SWIMTRAINER has the biggest volume and thus buoyancy and stability. Therefore, it provides a huge support to an insecure child who is still getting used to water and helps it learn how to push forward using both legs simultaneously. When this movement is completely internalised and the child can cross a few meters on its own, it is time to start using the orange SWIMTRAINER. If you have noticed that your child is independent and has mastered frog-like movements, we recommend the orange SWIMTRAINER, but if it is still not confident, it is better to start with the red SWIMTRAINER.

Tečaj najčešće traje 10 sati, ali nekad može biti i kraći. Poduka plivanja najčešće traje 10-15 sati.

At the swimming pool we have neoprene swim trunks which you can rent. Our experienced coaches can help you determine the correct size. It is best to try both sizes.

Yes, but we recommend neoprene swim trunks since they keep your baby warm.

Yes, at the end of each course, we announce the new enrolment and old participants have a priority.

You need to be aware that children lose body warmth much more quickly than adults. That is why the time spent in the sea must be limited. Spending time in water colder than 28° C causes many diseases. That is why you should spend the time with your child in warm water or spend only a short time in the sea.

We recommend neoprene swimming suits because they keep body warmth and protect children from wind and sun. SWIMTRAINER is a helping tool enabling your child to swim with you. That way you will also have time for recreation and relaxation.

The swimming pool water has to be clean. If period bleeding is not abundant and can be controlled by a tampon, there is no reason for a mother not to swim in the pool. However, those are the days when it might be better to engage fathers.

Nema mogućnosti dolaska na probni sat, jer je najčešće potrebno nekoliko sati da se dijete prilagodi. Ukoliko želite vidjeti kako izgledaju naši sati, pogledajte naš YouTube kanal.

U dogovoru s vašim trenerom možete kratko snimiti i fotografirati isključivo vaše dijete. Fotografiranje i kratko snimanje nećemo dozvoliti na prvim satima dok traje prilagodba.