CONCEPT | Krokodil-Schwimmschule

We train your child to be a confident swimmer!

We Make Your Child a Safe Swimmer

What do we mean by "safe swimmer"?

A safe swimmer is:

Comfortable Under and Over Water: They are at ease whether they are swimming on the surface or submerged.
Confident with Jumps: They can confidently perform several jumps into deep water.
Unfazed by Water: They handle swallowing water or having water splash in their eyes without fear.
Skilled in Both Strokes: They can swim equally well on their back and on their stomach.
Independent Swimmer: They can swim 200 meters without assistance.

By developing these skills, we ensure your child can enjoy the water safely and confidently.

Why Do Children Learn Backstroke First with Us?

Backstroke is recommended by the German Swimming Federation as an ideal starting stroke for several reasons:

Easy Leg Movement: The leg movements in backstroke are simple to learn, as they closely resemble walking on land.
Comfortable Floating: Children can easily float while lying on their backs, providing a sense of security in the water.
Flexible Breathing: Breathing is possible at any time, allowing children to focus on their technique without the stress of timing their breaths.
Continuous Movement: The kicking motions keep the body in motion, helping to build confidence and comfort in the water.
Foundation for Freestyle: Learning to kick on their backs lays a strong foundation for developing freestyle techniques later on, making the transition smoother and easier.

Disadvantages of Starting with the Breaststroke

Learning the correct breaststroke technique can be very challenging due to the complex coordination involved. The arms and legs must move alternately, all while coordinating with the proper breathing technique. Children who are not yet comfortable in the water may struggle to learn this advanced swimming style correctly.

If children begin with breaststroke too early, they often adopt an unnatural position in the water. This can lead to holding their head too far up, keeping their legs under their body, and adopting a seated position instead of lying flat. Incorrect technique can place significant strain on the cervical and lumbar spine, leading to potential discomfort or injury.

The following 5 skills are essentially for your child

float on the water
glide through the water
diving
jumping into the water
submergion

Why Long-Term Swimming is Important for Your Child?

Swimming is one of the healthiest sports, offering numerous benefits for your child:

Full-Body Workout: It engages the entire musculature while protecting the joints, promoting overall strength and fitness.
Cardiovascular Health: Swimming stimulates blood circulation and supports a healthy cardiovascular system.
Weight Management: It helps control and prevent obesity and overweight in children.
Endurance and Coordination: Swimming enhances endurance and develops your child’s coordination. The arm and leg movements require coupling and coordination, training their sense of balance and body control.
Body Awareness: Changing positions in the water improves a child’s sense of orientation and control.

A child who is comfortable in the water and has mastered essential skills—such as submerging, breathing, floating, gliding, and jumping—is more likely to enjoy swimming and continue participating in it throughout their life.

Why We Are Unique?

Our top priority is the safety of the children. We are committed to teaching your child how to become a confident and safe swimmer. While we take this responsibility seriously, we also believe that fun and a positive atmosphere in the pool are essential.

We tirelessly motivate your child, providing support to help them learn quickly and successfully complete their tasks. As they progress, your child will gain self-confidence and develop a sense of security in the water. Our lessons are diverse and engaging, ensuring that your child not only learns but also grows with each new skill they master.

The way to become a safe swimmer

The KSS Approach to Professional Swimming Education

At KSS, we focus on providing a professional swimming education with an emphasis on safety and skill development. Our program begins with the foundational techniques of backstroke and freestyle.

Enrollment and Assessment

When a new child joins our Crocodile program, they are placed in the Crocodile I course. This initial grouping allows our experienced coaches to assess each child's current swimming abilities. By understanding where your child stands, we can place them in the most suitable group, ensuring they receive tailored instruction that meets their needs.

Progression Through the Levels

The journey through our Crocodile courses is designed to build upon each stage of learning. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what your child will experience:

Familiarization with Water: In this initial stage, your child will become comfortable in the water. They will learn essential skills such as breathing, gliding, hovering, diving, and jumping. These activities are structured in methodical series, which means each skill builds on the previous one. For example, mastering gliding helps your child understand buoyancy and balance, essential for all swimming techniques.
Floating as a Starfish: Once your child is comfortable, they will learn to float on their back, often referred to as making a “seastar.” This skill is crucial as it instills a sense of safety and relaxation in the water. Floating on the back provides a secure position, allowing children to rest and breathe easily while maintaining awareness of their surroundings.
Improving Backstroke Skills: As they progress, your child will enhance their backstroke abilities. They will practice diving with their face underwater and learn to open their eyes while submerged. This skill is vital for building confidence and comfort in the water. Jumping into deep water under the guidance of a trainer also reinforces trust and safety.
Diving and Jumping Skills: At this stage, your child will be able to dive at least 1.25 meters. They will gain the independence to jump into the water and swim at least 50 meters on their back without assistance. Achieving this milestone leads to the awarding of the Seahorse badge (Seepferdchen), symbolizing their readiness for more advanced skills. We emphasize safety, which is why the badge is only given after they meet specific double requirements.
Introduction to Freestyle: To learn freestyle effectively, your child will now need swimming goggles and fins. These tools aid in refining their technique, particularly with breathing and the crawl-arm stroke. With the addition of these skills, they will begin to cover longer distances, progressing toward the bronze badge. This stage not only focuses on technique but also on endurance, ensuring your child develops the stamina needed for longer swims.

The Importance of No Aids

It’s important to note that at KSS, we do not use swimming aids like floaters. This approach encourages children to develop their natural swimming abilities without reliance on flotation devices. By learning to swim without aids, your child builds confidence and mastery over their movements in the water, laying a solid foundation for future swimming skills.

Our structured, progressive approach to swimming education ensures that your child develops the necessary skills to become a safe and competent swimmer. Each stage is thoughtfully designed to build confidence, enhance coordination, and promote a lifelong love of swimming. By focusing on these essential skills, we prepare your child not just for immediate success in swimming, but for a safe and enjoyable experience in the water for years to come.