Splash your way into winter with Limerick's new swim company

"It's a great privilege to see a child swim for the first time." Bríd Graham speaks from the heart. Small groups, close, individualised attention, strong parent-teacher communication and a high level of expectation for their teaching lessons underpin all classes at Limerick Splash Swim School.

Large groups impinge the development of children. As a primary school teacher since 1996, Splash Swim School Ireland owner Bríd clearly understands child development. Not every child is made to sit at a desk. They need movement, they need eye contact, to hear their name spoken; they are entitled to respect and an environment where they see their needs are being met. For this reason, parents accompany their children into the water, until the child wants to swim alone. 

The parent supports the child, reassures them and helps them understand the instructions the teacher gives. "Not a second is wasted" Bríd laughs-value for the parent and efficiency for the teacher! During Covid, we started to have parents in the water with older children, due to government restrictions. The change has been fundamental, children are happier, calmer, less anxious and more focused. The parent validates the effort of the swimmer and the child is delighted to have their adult 100% present in the lesson.

The parent sees how the learning takes place and can practice with the child between lessons; they can also support younger siblings. Splash now has three adults waiting to begin swim teacher training, such is their interest in the learning process. The secret? Small group lessons, in a positive learning environment where everyone can learn to swim! 

“Our teachers subscribe fully to our approach. The atmosphere is so calm and relaxed, each adult has a maximum of one child, so the parent can fully concentrate on the child for 30 minutes. We have children up to ten years of age with a supportive adult present. As adults, we can be anxious, children deserve as much understanding as adults; they are our customers and their needs come first! 

“Could you ever see teachers returning to the water?” we ask Bríd. “Absolutely not” is the emphatic reply. A happy child, making speedy progress, in a calm environment with a parent who sees the development of their child's aquatic skills? This is value for money and an ethical approach to child development. 

After the child develops their understanding of buoyancy and can follow all instructions, make eye contact and is happy to interact with the teacher, an Aquaplane is purchased. This helps the child develop their swim schools in a natural swim position, without impeding the use of the arms. When they learn to swim fully, the Aquaplane becomes their kickboard, their piece of swim kit which they have ownership over.

From absolute beginners to advanced swimmers, Splash Swim Schools Ireland guarantees a maximum of six swimmers per class. With this approach, it's easy to see why their seven swim schools along the West and South coast of Ireland are so popular! 

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