When it comes to swimwear less is more when learning to swim.

The popular baggy surfer style board shorts, loose fitting rash guard shirts, and tutu-inspired swimsuits may be fashionable but are NOT functional when it comes to lesson time. Instead, outfit your child in a snug fitting ‘racing style’ swimsuit for lesson time.

Anything that is worn in the pool beyond a basic swimsuit gets filled with water, which adds drag and weight that your little one has to overcome. This makes learning-to-swim a much more difficult task. At Old City Swim School we want to remove as many barriers to learning to swim as possible.

Learning to float and balance in the water is hard work! The more material your child is wearing, the more waterlogged and weighted down they are. If your child is struggling to pass a given level, or if you’re simply interested in setting your child up to perform at her best, we recommend leaving the rash guard, baggy shorts, and princess-inspired swimwear at home.

Recommended Swim Lesson Attire:

• Snug-fitting one-piece racer back style swimsuit for girls and snug-fitting shorts-style suit for boys that covers the thigh.
• For swimmers Level 4 and higher, a basic clear swim goggle is needed. (Avoid mask-style goggles and the popular designer goggles that tend to not function as well.) Goggles are optional for swimmers in levels 1 – 3.
• For anyone with hair long enough to get in their eyes a ponytail is a must and more preferably a swim cap (silicone or latex).

Thankfully UV protection from a swim shirt isn’t an issue in our indoor pool facility. Once your child learns our basic swimming survival skills of balance and floating, it’s much easier for your child to adapt those skills while adding in those necessary protective layers for outdoor play and wearing fun, fashion-forward pieces.

Hopefully, someday your child will be so good at swimming that in order to help them train effectively, their swim coach will require them to wear leggings and an extra baggy swimsuit at practice. Until then… leave the rash guard shirts, surfer board shorts, and costume-inspired swimsuits at home!

For more tips like this check out our FREE download on How to Set up your Child for Success in Swim Lessons!