Friday, July 15, 2016

Rules to Follow When Swimming For your Health And Safety


Be it a swimming pool or open water, you will always find instructions in place with rules and safety tips. If you wonder why, then this article will help you understand these rules that are meant for children’s health and safety when swimming. You certainly do not want them to become hurt due to the lack of knowledge, only to know how it could have been prevented by following a simple guideline.
Here are 14 Rules That Should Be Followed For Health And Safety When Swimming
  1. Always read the safety instructions, if you and your kids are going to a swimming pool. Follow the pool rules.
  2. Always wear proper swimming gear whether your child is in a public pool or taking private swimming lessons. Swim suit fabric is specially designed for swimming and swim caps are available to protect hair. Since, swimming pools have certain level of chemicals in water, not wearing goggles may hurt the eyes and cause irritation.
  3. Do not go into the pool with jewelry on. Ensure that you have removed your child’s jewelry like earrings, bracelets or necklaces.
  4. Remind your child to listen to the directions of the lifeguard. They are there to help and have been trained just for this. Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty. Swimming lessons in Toronto have lifeguards on duty at all times for the safety of swimmers.
  5. Since the ground around the pool is usually wet, it is advisable to be cautious while walking near it. Pay extra attention to your kids and don’t let them run, because they most likely will slip and fall into the pool.
  6. Pools usually have ‘No diving’ signs, because the pool is not deep enough and they may sustain head injuries if not obeyed.  Always advise children of these areas explaining why diving is not allowed.
  7. It is advisable to never swim alone. Always swim under supervision and this is a must in case of kids, because you never know what can go wrong. Even if your child is taking private swimming lessons, still maintain constant supervision.
  8. Avoid swimming if your kids have flu or cold because they may infect others very easily or feel worse.
  9. For adults, never swim under the influence of alcohol or medicine. Your weakened body will not have enough energy to swim and that increases the chances of drowning.
  10. Do not swim during a thunderstorm because of the risk of getting hit by lightning.
  11. Learning CPR and knowing basic first aid tips certainly helps in keeping your kids and friends safe. You never know when you or they may need it and there are situations where there isn’t enough time to wait for help. Swimming lessons like the ones offered by Zodiac Swim School provides first-aid safety and CPR courses which will prove useful in case of emergencies and reduce the response time.
  12. Always take a quick shower and wash off all dirt before going into the pool. Nobody wants to swim in a dirty pool, hence keeping it clean for others makes sense.
  13. No matter how much fun it may seem to fool around in water, never try stunts that are dangerous and may end very badly.
  14. While taking private swimming lessons, ensure that your child is protected from the sun. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from direct sunlight as well as from the chemicals in the water.

Before you go swimming…check for safety instructions. Save yourself and your loved ones from a mishap. Find  swimming lessons in Toronto from reputable swim schools like Zodiac Swim School and be a pro. To learn more about Zodiac, check them out here.

Friday, July 1, 2016

The Artistic Side Why It's Important to Kids


Drawing, music, paintings and theater arts are some of the summer camp activities that may not be offered in schools. Some ‘modern schools' have shifted their attention more to teaching the core subjects and forgetting that kids also need to learn how to create visual aesthetics as part of their development. Due to this understanding, kids summer camps have come up with summer activities to help your child learn new things while interacting and having fun with others.

Listed are some reasons as to why you should encourage your kids to learn arts:  

  •  Develop abilities useful in the future

Children who are engaged in art activities at a tender age have a higher probability of success later in life compared to those who are not. This is according to research carried out at Michigan University. The exposure to arts and all other summer camp activities enables kids to have a diverse mind. Later in life they become inventive, quickly learn to identify gaps in the market and startup companies or even grow their talents in drawing, singing or theater to hopefully become legends. Arts allow kids to become sharp in their thinking since much of what they make has to be well thought out in the first place.

  • Allows children to make sense of the environment around them

The human brain is made up of two parts i.e. the left and right hemispheres. Psychologically, the two parts have different functions. The left part is used in logistics and analysis. This is the part of the brain that is used in class when learning Science, English, Maths and other subjects. The right side of the brain plays a crucial role in creative thinking. When a child is drawing, this is the part of the brain that enables him/her to see the picture even before putting it down on paper. It is the part that triggers one's thinking of what goes on in the environment; the physical, spiritual and moral aspects of life.

  • Strengthen bonds between parents and children
The time you spend with your child apart from taking him/her to a kids summer camp is crucial. It may make a big difference in your child's life as the more time you spend with your child, the closer and dearer they become to you. You can learn more about them and therefore, help them solve their problems effectively.

  • Better performance in academics
Children who engage in art activities outside class are more successful in learning than those who don't participate in such activities.Kids who are exposed to arts are more creative and imaginative. They are great thinkers and problem solvers and are more focused and determined to get things done so they perform very well in school.

  • Arts help boost confidence
Performing arts help children develop confidence when talking with friends or even adults. In kids summer camps, children perform in plays, music and operas in front of an audience of their peers. With time, this helps to break the fear that is associated with a crowd.

In arts, it's all about acquiring skills that are vital for personality development. Zodiac Day Camps make sure that kids will be able to enhance their creativity and harness their artistic side throughout their summer day camp journey.