During one of the lessons, one of my students asked me an interesting question when I am about to end my classes.
He asked me if he has mastered the skills to swim, will he get drown.
I am surprised by this question and ask him where he got the question from.
He replied that this is the reply from his mother.
Upon hearing this, I asked my students for their opinion.
Surprisingly, they give me a puzzled look which seems to me that they have never asked themselves before.
My reply to them is it will depend on the conditions and whether their swim is under supervision.
I take the example of swimming in the sea to further illustrate my answer.
So what are the common myths you can hear of.
Below are the few points you can take point.
1) No Swimming during the Chinese Ghost Festival During the Chinese ghost festival, I often get enquiry from parents if their children are safe to swim during this period.
I am puzzled by their question and probed further.
Their replies are in same standard form citing that it is better to be safe than sorry during this period.
I understand their concern as I understand different parents have different religion beliefs.
However, I citied an example that during this period the children also went to school, so will the parents keep them at home for this reasons.
Furthermore, I will assure that the children will be in safe hands under my care.
I will advise them to supervise their kids during the swimming lessons too if they still feel a sense of unsecure.
2)Infant or toddlers should not learn to swim Research has shown that during the young ages of swimming, it has helped them in the development in their psycho- motor abilities, strength and others.
It also created a learning environment where the infant or toddlers can start to master water safety at a young age.
These lessons will give them a solid foundation in swimming and an excellent head start in their further swimming lessons.
Parents can also take this opportunity to bond with their children during this period.
3) I nearly drown before so I cannot swim again Whenever I hear this myth, I will relate to them with a bowl of noodles which does not taste nice.
Next, I will ask them if they will give up eating noodles due to this bowl of noodles.
Their replies are negative.
The same principle applies to swimming.
After that, I will encourage them to take up swimming in a gradually manner.
There are still a number of myths which I hear of.
If you have other myth, please do share with me.
Most importantly, have fun while swimming.