Swimming is an excellent activity for children of all ages, but ensuring they have the proper equipment to stay safe in the water is essential. If your child is starting swimming lessons or participating in a swim club, you'll need to ensure they have the right gear, including a good pair of swimming goggles.
Importance of swimming goggles
Here are three reasons why swimming goggles are so vital for children.
1. They keep water out of eyes
When water gets into a child's eyes, it can irritate them and even cause pain. Swimming goggles will help keep your child's eyes dry, which will help them stay comfortable while in the water.
2. They help children see underwater
If your child wears contacts, they'll still be able to see clearly while wearing swimming goggles. This will allow them to fully enjoy their time in the water without worrying about not being able to see where they're going.
3. They help protect against sunlight
Children in the water are exposed to more sunlight than they would be if they were on land. Swimming goggles will help protect your child's eyes from the harmful rays of the sun, which will help keep them safe while in the water.
Factors to consider when choosing swimming goggles
Having the right swimming gear is vital for safety. This includes a good pair of swimming goggles to keep water out of your child's eyes. Swimming goggles also help children see underwater and protect their eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Many different types and brands of swimming goggles are available, so it can be challenging to know which ones are best for your child. Read on for Fulton Swim School’s top tips on choosing the right swimming goggles for your little one!
1. Age – Choosing swimming goggles that are appropriate for your child's age is essential. If you choose goggles that are too big, they will leak. If you choose goggles that are too small, they will be uncomfortable. Additionally, some brands make specific age-range goggles with features like anti-fog coating and UV protection.
2. Face Shape – Not all swimming goggles will fit all face shapes, so it's crucial to find a comfortable pair that doesn't leak—for oval, round, or heart-shaped faces.
3. Nose Bridge – This is the distance between the two points on the outer edge of the nostrils. Some brands make adjustable nose bridges so that you can find the perfect fit for your child's nose.
4. Lenses – You can choose from different kinds of lenses.
- Clear lenses are great for indoor swimming.
- Tinted lenses are better for outdoor swimming and provide some protection from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- Mirrored lenses offer even more protection from UV rays and help reduce glare from the water's surface.
- Polarized lenses minimize glare even further and improve contrast and underwater clarity.
- Prescription lenses are also an option for children who wear glasses.
5. Straps – You want a comfortable and secure strap so that the goggles stay in place. Some brands make adjustable straps so that you can find the perfect fit for your child's head. Some goggles also have silicone straps that are more comfortable and don't pull on the hair or swim cap.
6. Usage – If your little one is only going to swim occasionally, you might not need to invest in a high-end pair of goggles. However, if your child is a more serious swimmer, it's worth investing in a better-quality pair that will last longer and provide more features.
How do you properly fit swimming goggles to a child's face?
When fitted correctly, swim goggles should fit snugly around your child's eyes and provide a watertight seal. Here are a few tips on how to achieve the perfect fit.
1. Measure your child's head using a soft tape measure. You'll need to know the circumference of their head just above the eyebrows to find the right size goggles.
2. With the help of an adult, put the goggles over your child's eyes and gently press them into place. The glasses should sit close to the eyes without being too tight.
3. Once the goggles are in place, have your child take a deep breath through their nose. This will help to create a vacuum effect and ensure a watertight seal around their eyes.
4. To release the vacuum, press on the side of the lenses with your finger and allow the air to escape gradually. Do not abruptly remove the goggles from your child's face, as this could cause skin irritation.
How to care for swimming goggles?
Although swimming goggles are designed to be durable, they still need to be properly cared for if you want them to last. Here are some tips on how to care for your swimming goggles.
- Rinse them off with water after each use. This will help remove any chlorine or other chemicals that can cause damage.
- Store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid places like direct sunlight or heat, which can cause the material to warp.
- Use saliva. If your goggles get foggy, try wiping them down with a small amount of saliva before putting them back on. This will help prevent the lenses from fogging up during your swim.
- Avoid touching the lenses with your fingers. This can leave oils and smudges that are difficult to remove.
How to store swimming goggles?
Proper storage is just as important as proper care when it comes to prolonging the life of your swimming goggles. Here are some tips on how to store your swimming goggles:
- Store your goggles in the case they came in. This will allow them to air out between uses and prevent them from being scratched or damaged by other objects in your bag. If you don't have the case they came in invest in a mesh bag, so they're not thrown around loosely in your bag.
- Avoid storing your goggles in extreme temperatures. This can cause the material to warp.
- This can fade the lenses and cause them to become brittle.
Still have questions about swimming goggles?
Come visit us at Fulton Swim School! Our knowledgeable instructors can help you choose the right swimming goggles for your child as well as walk you through our state of the art amenities and meet our amazing instructors. Our experienced and certified instructors offer a unique teaching method tailored to each swimmer. Contact us today to learn more about our program or to sign up for swimming lessons.
