So we joined the local YMCA last weekend so my kids (4 and 5) can start swimming lessons. We went for an open swim time this weekend and it was SO COLD (its an indoor pool). My daugher's lips turned blue, I had to get out early, etc. Is there something we can get that will keep us warmer? Like a long sleeve shirt made for keeping us warmer in the water? Do they have things like that (besides a wetsuit which I assume would cost a ton)? Any ideas?
Thanks!
- X.
EDITED TO ADD: We asked about the pool temperature when we were there and they actually said it was a few degrees WARMER than they normally have it! So we definitely need to find something warmer to help...thanks for all the suggestions so far - keep them coming!
I bought long sleeved swim shirts for my kids last year. I wouldn't say it solved the problem by any means, but I think it did make it more tolerable. I can't remember where I got them, but I bought them online. You might be able to find a wetsuit on ebay or craigslist for cheap. The problem I came across when I looked for them is at that age most have some flotation stuff inside, which is counter productive to swim lessons.
Buy wetsuits. They're warmer than nothing. ;o)
It wouldn't HURT to mention this to the staff. I've known plenty lifeguards of indoor and outdoor pools, and I'm a frequent swimmer. Ask them what the temperature is of the pool. The college I went to had two big pools. One was Olympic sized and the other was a bit smaller. In the smaller one, they kept it warmer- I always preferred that pool. It was, on average, 85 degrees. If it ever felt cooler than 85, I told my lifeguard friend. LOL. Then she tested it, and turned it up if need be. Of course, the pool doesn't instantly get warmer, and I'm not saying that they will turn it up for you, but it is worth a try to mention... Show them the blue lips!
When my daughter took infant survival classes at age 2, we had the same issue. She was only in the water for 10 minutes each lesson but would come out with blue lips every time. I complained and was told that the temperature was kept cooler for the lap swimmers. I always heated up one of those rice/grain heat packs that you heat in the microwave and wrapped towels around it. As soon as she was out of the water, I placed the warm towels around her and had her hold the heat pad next to her tummy. I also stood her under the hand dryers in the shower room. Even with all of that, it would take about an hour to heat up her core temperature. A wet suit might help as well, especially if you have the kids get in a warm shower first and get some of that warm water between the wet suit and their skin.
In my opinion a long sleeve shirt like a rashguard will only make her colder. I suppose you could find something like a wetsuit? For kids to enjoy their swim class and relax, the temp should be 90 degrees. Your daughters lips should not be blue. Some swim schools have a warmer pool for the younger kids and/or kids that just need more warmth - at least the swim school we went to did. I'd confirm with the YMCA what the temperature actually was (keep in mind, if the pool is used for adults to lap swim in - then it's probably kept around 80) if they can't heat the pool to 90, I'd get a wet suit or find another place.
What about swimsuits that are meant to cover more of the body and protect from the sun - long shorts/skirts and t-shirt type tops?
I'd also ask the pool if they have any recommendations as you want your kids to be able to concentrate, but the pool is colder than you expected. Look online as a lot of places are clearancing their swimwear. They had an inexpensive wetsuit thing on onestepahead.com, but not your kids' sizes.
you should check the second hand thrift stores and also rerun sportshops...you can probably get a wet suit for kids cheap...or maybe freecycle or craigslist.....
I don't have anything additional to add because the posts so far have had some great suggestions, but for what its worth I have avoided swimming lessons at the Y because I know they keep their pools really cold (well, cold for me and I'm a whimp!). I see you live in Natick.... have you checked out the Westborough Tennis and Swim Club? If I remember right, I have heard their pool is more managable for lessons (temp wise). Best wishes and stay warm!
My son freezes even in relatively warm indoor pools. After 20 minutes he is huddled on the side shivering. We tried T-shirts, swim shirts, etc. The only thing that worked was to buy him a kid's short sleeve wetsuit (this time of year I can find clearance suits for about $30-35). We buy ours at Sports Authority. He has always been able to wear the wetsuit for 2-3 seasons, so well worth the money. Then we sell it for $10-15 at a giant garage sale.
I have been doing water aerobics or water yoga and water volleyball for years and the pools are getting colder in these northern states-inside and out-even in az
there are swim places to buy long sleeve swim suits , even 1- piece for adults and kids
lullas in mpls and call foss schools
my water teachers wear the full 1 piece capri long sleeve water suits
aqua.com i believe
its a sin that they keep the pools cooler for lappers sho often do not use the pools as often
i am lucky now, all st. Paul, mn pools have no chlorine-only new zealland moss-parks and rec started this 3 yrs. Ago-should go nationwide with all the allergens and asthma going around
good luck to all
As the other's have posted:
Tell the personell it is too cold.
Get her a wetsuit
She can even wear a tshirt over it if it is allowed.
Keep a dry towel handy and let her wrap in it and get warm before getting back in.
But really they should keep the temperature just below or above body temp. They probably have not reset it since summer.
Hope this helps:
http://www.nextag.com/thermal-swimwear/stores-html
