Should Child Use Goggles While Swimming in Pool?
Swimming is a fun and healthy activity for children of all ages. Not only does it provide exercise and physical benefits, but it also helps children develop important skills like confidence and independence. However, when it comes to swimming in a pool, parents often wonder whether their child should wear goggles or not. In this article, we will explore the benefits of goggles and whether or not children should use them while swimming in a pool.
What are goggles?
Goggles are a type of eye wear that are specifically designed for swimming. They are typically made of plastic or rubber and have a strap that goes around the back of the head to hold them in place. The lenses are made of a special type of material that is resistant to fogging and scratching, and some goggles even have UV protection to help protect the eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Why should children use goggles while swimming?
There are several reasons why children should use goggles while swimming in a pool:
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Protect the eyes from chemicals: Swimming pools are treated with chemicals like chlorine to keep the water clean and safe for swimmers. However, these chemicals can irritate the eyes and cause redness and discomfort. Goggles can help protect the eyes from these chemicals and keep them comfortable while swimming.
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Improve visibility: Goggles can improve a child’s visibility while swimming, allowing them to see clearly underwater. This can help them avoid obstacles in the pool, such as other swimmers, pool toys, or the pool walls.
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Reduce eye strain: When children swim without goggles, they often squint or open their eyes wide to see underwater. This can cause eye strain and fatigue, leading to discomfort and headaches. Goggles can help reduce eye strain and make swimming a more enjoyable experience.
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Boost confidence: Children who wear goggles while swimming may feel more confident and comfortable in the water. This can help them develop their swimming skills and improve their overall performance.
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Encourage regular swimming: If children enjoy swimming and are comfortable in the water, they are more likely to want to swim regularly. Goggles can help make swimming a fun and enjoyable activity for children, encouraging them to swim more often and improve their skills.
When shouldn’t children use goggles while swimming?
While there are many benefits to using goggles while swimming, there are also some situations where goggles may not be necessary or appropriate:
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Infants and toddlers: Goggles may not be suitable for very young children, as they may not be able to keep them on their face or understand their purpose. Instead, parents can use swim masks or take their child swimming during non-peak hours when the pool is less crowded.
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Competitive swimming: In competitive swimming, goggles are often required to help swimmers see clearly and reduce drag. However, for young children who are just learning to swim, goggles may not be necessary and can even hinder their progress if they become overly reliant on them.
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Teaching basic skills: When children are first learning to swim and are focused on basic skills like floating and kicking, goggles may not be necessary. In fact, they can even be a distraction and take away from the important skills being taught.
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Recreational swimming: For children who are simply swimming for fun and exercise, goggles may not be necessary. As long as the water is comfortable and not too chlorinated, children can swim without goggles and still enjoy the activity.
Tips for choosing the right goggles for your child
If you decide to purchase goggles for your child, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you choose the right pair:
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Fit: Goggles should fit comfortably around your child’s eyes without being too tight or too loose. Look for goggles with adjustable straps to ensure a proper fit.
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Lenses: Choose lenses that are appropriate for your child’s swimming environment. For indoor pool swimming, clear lenses are ideal. For outdoor swimming, lenses with UV protection can help protect your child’s eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
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Anti-fog coating: Look for goggles with an anti-fog coating to prevent them from fogging up during use.
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Durability: Choose goggles that are durable and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. Avoid goggles with flimsy straps or lenses that are prone to scratching.
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Brand reputation: Stick with reputable brands that are known for producing high-quality goggles. Read reviews and ask for recommendations from other parents or swim instructors in swimming school.
In conclusion, goggles can be a great accessory for children to wear while swimming in a pool. They offer several benefits, including protecting the eyes from chemicals, improving visibility, reducing eye strain, boosting confidence, and encouraging regular swimming. However, they may not be necessary in all situations, such as for very young children or during basic swim instruction. When choosing goggles for your child, be sure to consider factors like fit, lenses, anti-fog coating, durability, and brand reputation. With the right goggles, swimming can be a safe and enjoyable activity for children of all ages.
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