As a parent, you might be wondering: Are goggles really necessary for kids to swim? Swimming is an essential life skill, and ensuring your child’s comfort, vision, and safety in the water is key. So, do your children need goggles to swim?
In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of children’s swimming goggles, answer common questions, and help you make an informed decision – while considering the most effective approach for early swim lessons without relying on equipment.
Are Goggles Necessary for Swimming?
The answer is yes and no. Goggles can definitely make swimming more comfortable and help with visibility, but they’re not essential. It’s perfectly fine to swim without them, and it won’t harm your eyes.
At Swim4Life, we focus on teaching children to swim without goggles, which helps improve their water safety levels. Just imagine that your child is swimming with confidence, handling the water naturally, and being ready for anything. Doesn’t that sound better?
Pros of Wearing Swim Goggles
- Protect your eyes underwater and provide clear underwater vision, boost your children’s confidence.
- Prescription goggles are necessary for children with vision problems.
Cons of Wearing Swim Goggles
- Goggles can be uncomfortable or too tight if not fitted properly, adjusting goggles repeatedly can waste swimming time.
- They might leak or fog up, which can be really frustrating and time consuming to clean.
- Your children can become dependent on goggles and may fear swimming without them. This dependency could limit their ability to swim confidently in open water or during emergencies, when goggles may not be available
How to Swim Without Goggles
- As a swim teacher at Swim4Life, I believe it’s important to learn how to swim without goggles naturally, especially for open water swimming or in emergencies.
- This method of natural swimming will be introduced gradually during play or lessons, your child will be encouraged to open their eyes underwater in clean water, helping them build confidence.
- This approach ensures they’re well-prepared for any swimming situation, without relying on goggles.
We always teach our students to swim without goggles, but of course you could use it when swimming. Below are some tips on how to use and choose the correct ones and how to maintain it.
How to wear goggles for swimming?
When putting on goggles, make sure they fit snugly – not too tight. To test the seal, press them gently to your child’s face – if they stay in place without the straps, you’re good to go. To adjust swim goggle straps, just make small tweaks for a comfortable fit. And do goggles go over or under swim caps? They should usually go under the cap for a better seal.
Caring for and Maintaining Swim Goggles
How to Clean Swimming Goggles?
Teach your children to rinse them with fresh water after each use to remove chlorine or salt. Remember to avoid rubbing the inner lens as it can damage the coating, just gently wipe with a soft cloth to dry.
How Often Should You Replace Swimming Goggles?
Swimming goggles should be replaced when the straps become loose, the lenses get scratched, or they start leaking. You should check regularly for wear and tear to ensure a proper seal and clear vision during swims.
How to Care for Swim Goggles to Extend Lifespan
To extend the lifespan of swim goggles, store them in a protective case. Always rinse them after use to remove chemicals or salt, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight, which can damage the lenses and straps.
How Do You Stop Swimming Goggles from Fogging Up?
To stop your goggles from fogging up, try using anti-fog sprays or wipes made for goggles. Also, avoid touching the inside of the lenses since oils from your fingers can cause fog. Keeping your goggles clean and stored properly will help keep them fog-free.
How Much Do Swimming Goggles Cost?
Swimming goggles usually range from $10 to $50, depending on the brand and features. Prescription goggles tend to be a bit more expensive. It’s a good idea to invest in good swimming goggles for durability, ensuring they last longer and perform well in the water to protect your children’s eyes.
Swim4Life – Expert Swimming Classes for Babies/Infants
As mentioned earlier, children can choose to wear goggles based on their needs. We’ve covered everything you need to know about swimming with goggles. However, learning to swim without goggles is an essential skill for building confidence, especially when in open water or facing an emergency.
Our personalised programs focus on real skill-building, with small class sizes of just 4 children per session, ensuring each child gets the attention they need. Classes are available in Tarneit and Williams Landing. Ready to help your child become a confident swimmer? Book a session today and watch them grow into a skilled, independent swimmer.
