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National Drowning Prevention Alliance
Standards for Water Smart Babies Lessons
All standards are based on current research and best practices.
State Permitted Facility
- The pools must be permitted by local government agency that oversees aquatic facilities.
- The pool, deck, bathrooms, changing rooms must be clean and sanitary.
- Babies need warm water to have a successful experience. The water temperature of 97°-93°F is recommended.
- It is suggested that wet suits be used for temperatures lower than 90°F.
- All babies must wear an approved, snug-fitting swim diaper in the pool.
Small Class Ratio
- There should be a 1 to 6 instructor/child ratio with a parent or caregiver holding the child and participating in the lesson.
Credentialed Instructors
- Instructors must have a national swimming certification and a basic course in infant water safety.
- They should be certified in CPR and First Aid for the professional rescuer.
- Background checks should be required for every instructor and staff member at an aquatic facility.
Nurturing Instructional Style
- A good program builds upon a child’s successes.
- Instruction style should always be nurturing, positive and supportive.
- Instructors should be patient, gentle and enthusiastic to be successful.
Water Safety Curriculum
- Water safety skills should be taught.
- The lesson plans should be ordered in a step-by-step plan of development where one skill is built upon another in proper order. The skills should be practiced until they are mastered.
- The parent should know exactly what is expected of the child in each level of the program.
Prescription Form
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