What to Pack for Kids Swim Lessons in Vancouver
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Swim lessons in Vancouver are a year-round activity for most families. Whether your child is in parent-and-tot classes at the local community centre, moving up to independent lessons, or heading to a pool for a full term, the gear requirements are a bit more specific than grabbing any swimsuit off a rack.
Here is what we recommend packing, based on our own experience as parents and on what we carry at Little Treasures Kids.
The Right Swimsuit
For swimming lessons, a well-fitting one-piece is the most practical choice for younger kids. It stays in place during tumbling and backstroke practice, does not slip, and is easier for small children to manage in the change room on their own. Two-pieces are fine for older kids who have the change room routine sorted.
Chlorine breaks down swimwear fabric over time, so a suit with good chlorine resistance is worth paying a bit more for. Speedo's endurance fabric is the standard benchmark for pool use. For kids who split time between the pool and outdoor water, built-in UPF 50+ sun protection is worth considering as well.
We carry Speedo, KidORCA, Current Tyed, Rylee and Cru, and Quincy Mae at Little Treasures Kids.
Goggles
If your child is old enough to be in independent swim lessons, goggles make a significant difference in how comfortable they are in the water, which directly affects how quickly they progress. Look for a silicone seal that forms a proper fit around the eye socket without pinching, and adjustable straps. Bring a backup pair. Goggles get lost or stepped on with some regularity.
The Change Room Kit
A good change room routine saves time and reduces the post-swim meltdown that happens when wet children are cold and hungry. A microfibre or hooded towel dries fast and is easy to wrap around a small child quickly. A dry bag or waterproof bag to separate wet gear from dry clothes in the main bag makes the ride home considerably more pleasant. Pack a full change of clothes including socks, because wet hair and cold feet together make for a rough car ride. And pack a snack, because every child leaving swim lessons is immediately starving regardless of what they ate beforehand.
For Outdoor and Summer Swim Programs
Open water swimming, beach days, and outdoor pool programs add a few things to the list. Sun protection is the first priority. A rash guard or swim top with UPF 50+ coverage is easier to maintain than reapplying sunscreen every hour on a wriggling child. A good kids sunscreen for exposed skin is still necessary even with protective swimwear.
Where to Shop Swimwear Year-Round in Vancouver
One of the things we are consistent about at Little Treasures Kids is carrying swimwear year-round. Most retailers stock up in May and June and pull it by August, which leaves families who need gear for fall and winter swim lessons completely stuck.
We carry swimwear from September through May so you are never scrambling for a suit two days before the term starts. Both our Granville Island and Main and 29th locations carry it in-store, and we ship across Canada online.