WaterBabies & WaterKids

Osborn Aquatic Center has emerged as one of the leaders in WaterBabies and WaterKids programs on the West Coast. Osborn has taught the basic fundamental  swimming skills to 1000’s of infants and toddlers for over 20 years.

Constant vigilance is imperative to keep kids safe in and around water. Here at Osborn, it is our goal to prevent drowning incidents from happening by teaching the necessary skills to your child to be safe in and around water.

Our WaterBabies and WaterKids instructors lead the adult and child through songs and games to teach basic swimming skills:

  • breath control
  • front and back floats
  • submerged swimming
  • Introduction to arm and kicking movements

Schedule and registration links for WaterBabies and WaterKids classes can be found on our Youth Swimming Lessons page. 

 

Waterbabies vs. Waterkids

WaterBabies vs. WaterKids: What's the Difference? 

There are two main differences between WaterBabies and WaterKids. One difference is the age of the child. WaterBabies are between the ages of 6-18 months, while WaterKids are between the ages of 18-36 months.

The other difference between WaterBabies and WaterKids is the class content. WaterBabies focus on water adaptation, beginning breath control and other foundational skills. WaterKids reviews and builds upon the skills started in WaterBabies, while concentrating on preparing for our swim lesson program and continued skill development.

Parent Responsibilities

Parent/Caregiver's Role

The adult participates by smiling, being enthusiastic & reassuring and following the lead of the instructor.

We have found that for many children who have gone through our program that this class develops a positive experience towards water for the child along with earlier and more proficient swimming and safety skills. As you and your child participate in this class, you will be equipping them with valuable skills that can be used through out their entire lifetime.

Swim Diapers

Water Diaper Requirements

It is Oregon State law for all children who are not potty-trained to wear a plastic lined, reusable swim diaper and NOT a disposable diaper of any kind while in the water (this includes “Little Swimmers” and other disposable swim diapers). You will be asked each day, when you sign in for class, to show the cashiers at the front desk that you have an acceptable diaper.

Osborn does not allow disposable swim diapers because it has been our experience that they do not hold in the solid waste, which can contaminate the pool. If your child does have an accident, please exit the pool immediately and let a member of the OAC Staff know about it  right away, so that we can keep our facility clean and safe for all patrons.

You can purchase the proper swim diaper in our ProShop at the front desk. 

We carry two options:

  • Vinyl Swim Diaper..............................$5.50
  • Cloth Swim Diaper..……………......$13.50

The Vinyl Swim Diapers can be worn under a swimsuit or on their own and are machine washable. The N0n-disposable Swim Diaper come in a variety of colors & prints are machine washable and also count as a swimsuit.

Waterbabies Class

Daily Reminders

The following are steps that you and your child need to complete each day at Osborn, prior to starting your class.

  1. Check in on the attendance sheet at the front desk each day.
  2. Show the cashier your vinyl or cloth reusable swim diaper.
  3. Please remember registration includes 1 parent and 1 child. Any additional parents are welcome but will need to pay regular admission each  lesson. (We are not able to accommodate additional parents during group lesson times)
  4. Registration for a session does NOT include admission for open recreation or toddler time. Please pay for toddler time or open recreation before entering that section of the pool.
  5. Take a cleansing shower before entering the pool.
  6. Remove your shoes while on the pool deck.
  7. Always walk while inside our facility.
  8. Pick up a familiar water toy for your child. Toys are not available during non-lesson times.
  9. DO NOT get into the  pool until your instructor is ready to begin the class.
  10. Don’t forget to bring: your swim suit, a towel, a plastic-lined, non-disposable swim diaper (available at the front desk for purchase) and your goggles (optional).
Underwater picture

Underwater Pictures

Towards the end of each session instructors will take underwater pictures of your child during their dip for the day which will be available for purchase at the front desk in a digital format.

Cost for 1 picture..............................$2.50

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