What Can I Do At Home To Prepare For Swim Lessons?

Make bath-time the official prep-time for swim lessons. Rule #1 is to let the water run over their face and ears freely. Covering ears to prevent water from running over them will guarantee a slow learning curve for the backfloat later on. A child who is used to feeling the water over their ears will have a much easier time relaxing enough to let the water hold them up to float.

Likewise, if they are used to feeling water on their face, it will be much easier getting them to put their face in and eyes down towards the bottom of the pool, teaching proper body position for a front float or forward glide. So, at bath-time, show that it is no big deal getting water all over their head, face, and ears…all the while talking about what kinds of fun things they will do in swim class.

Encourage them to blow bubbles, put their eyes under, briefly hold their breath, kick their feet, and move their arms to “swim”. Be sure to get them excited to show their swim instructor their new talents, and reassure them how impressed and proud the instructor will be, knowing that they have been practicing at home!

Of course, any trips to the pool for aquatic fun outside of swim class will absolutely help build their confidence, and will inevitably help improve their swim skills. If you’re looking to help the cause, ask the swim instructor which skills they may need a little extra practice on, and feel free to ask for tips or suggestions as to how you can practice those at home with your little one – believe me, this is a swim instructor’s dream!!!

As for those future swimmers who may have cried most of the time, and continue to struggle with getting comfortable being in the water – no matter what, the message you want to send is that they did an amazing job at swim class. Pick out a moment that you can use as something that was so brave and impressive, and focus on that...even if they only put their eyes under for 2 seconds, call it their front float (or at least ”the first step” towards their front float) and tell them how great it was…and don’t forget to remind them how much fun they had while doing it!? The idea is you want them to get excited to go back and try it again – maybe even do a “front float“ for 5 seconds next time..?

While it may seem a touch manipulative to modify their memory of it all, think of it more like the placebo effect. Replacing fearful moments by connecting positive vibes to the experience of swim class can switch their perspective entirely, and make all the difference in their comfort and confidence level for the next one. In the end, just remember; what it all comes down to are those lovely summertime memories. Sure, swim lessons are important for summer safety and fun, but never should they be a stress-inducer for you or your little one ~ just ride the wave, and splash it up!

Thanks again for visiting our blog, and taking a virtual dip in the h2o! Don’t forget to share and subscribe, and be sure to swim over soon to www.freedivecozumel.com to check out the next one; Exercises for You to Help Your Baby Learn to Swim 💦

When Is My Child Ready For Swim Lessons?

This one is for all those swim parents out there with little ones who have not yet taken swim lessons. As a swim instructor with more than 30 years experience, one question I hear parents ask over and over is; when should kids start swim lessons ~ when are they ready? And the answer is; they were born ready. Seriously!

What most parents don’t realize is that the better question is, when are YOU ready for them to have swim lessons? It is us who puts our fear or discomfort unto them. Remember babies develop in a liquid environment, so the comfort level for them is no problema. Now they are breathing air, so the biggest concern is preventing water from entering the lungs, potentially causing drowning – obviously, this is true at any age. So the question becomes; what is the purpose of swim lessons at various ages?

Most programs offer learn to swim classes starting at 6 months. The swimmer will (typically) be accompanied by a parent until they are between 2-3 yrs old – depending on if they move on to the big kids class via private or group instruction. In baby/toddler classes, the main objective is comfort and safety. Actually, the class is more designed for the adult to understand basic swim skills and safety concepts – e.g. the importance of constant surveillance and what to look for.

As far as swim skills, adults will learn how to hold their child in a way that encourages proper body position in the water for easy transition to swim skills down the line. One more key concept is breath control ~ helping the little one learn to close their mouth underwater instead of swallowing while submerged, or inhaling water instead of air. Stay tuned, we will soon post a video for more specifics on how to do this.

While some programs boast about an infant “swimming” alone, be assured this is a primitive instinct self-rescue skill – definitely not “swimming” as in prepared for safe, independent play in the water. Usually, children are physically developed enough for more independent exploration around 2-4 years old. Formal strokes and skills begin to develop more rapidly around 5 years old. If a child has started lessons at an early age, the strokes usually come more easily. By then, they already have confidence, floatation, and breathing skills established, allowing them to focus on specific skills and techniques for learning the different swim strokes.

Thanks again for visiting our blog, and taking a virtual dip in the h2o! Don’t forget to share and subscribe, and be sure to swim over soon to check out the next one; How You Can Help Your Baby Learn to Swim 💦 

www.freedivecozumel.com

Why Mermaiding?

It can’t just be me – seems like suddenly there are mermaids everywhere, no? In advertisements, at pool b-day parties, fulfilling wishes, swimming in aquariums and even “dive” bars around the world. Don’t get me wrong, I have no complaints! I am extremely fond of this trend - suddenly I have a wardrobe of mermaid shirts that people have gifted me because they thought of me when they saw it – how lucky am I? J

For me professionally, the timing of this boost in mermaid popularity couldn’t be better. My original mermaid project was in 2013, working with Atlantis Submarines in Cozumel. Unfortunately, constant current at the dive site made the world’s first open water mermaid show extremely challenging, and we could no longer do it safely within budget. While I was heartbroken at the time, I remained firm in my belief that everything happens for a reason, and it happens at the exact right time.


Foto by Miguel Nunez

Consequently, my dream mermaid program shifted in a different direction, and continues to evolve today. These days, not only do I offer formal education and training for ladies aspiring to be professional mermaids, I have also created several other mermaid experiences and programs that encourage girls and women of all ages to dive into discovery of their inner mermaid. Here, during our mermaid sessions, we provide a safe and comfortable environment for peace and self-exploration in a lite-hearted, fun, yet "deep" and meaningful way...



Foto by Mik N' Drik Photography

Recently I've connected with like-minded conservation mermaids, and we are organizing projects

that aim to develop ideas for oceans, mermaids, and freediving. They have inspired me to dive deeper into ocean conservation issues. I'm grateful for the opportunity, and very excited to see what a network of mermaids around the world can accomplish in collaboration.

So...why mermaiding?

What about it makes me so sure that you ladies will fall in love with it if you just give it a try?

I believe now more than ever, we all need a little escape from the madness every once in a while. A way to keep things in perspective, to slow down and remember what is important, what matters, get back to basics, and let go of whatever is causing stress in our life. Too often we get so caught up in the daily grind, and consumed with all the distractions out there, that we fail to see that a little bit of peace and calm still exists somewhere. 

Mik N' Drik Photography

Once we take the time to nurture our own well-being, pay attention to what keeps us centered on an individual and personal level, it automatically shines thru in all of our experiences. A solid foundation is what gives us confidence, makes us feel strong, keeps us grounded, and generally healthy in body, mind, and spirit.

Myself being a naturally quick-tempered Italian, I can ensure you that a bit of time spent mermaiding is just the remedy to cool me down, bring things back to perspective, and recover balance from anything that might be out of whack. At times, it also works to cleanse any stagnant energy that I’m looking to literally wash away and leave behind. When things get really intense, nothing works your body hard to the core as much as a solid mermaid fitness workout session with the merFin!

When we release stress, take time for rest, and let go of all the madness for a while, we are undoubtedly sharper and better prepared to face challenges or endure any hard times that come our way. On the same token, stress release provides space to be completely present. To fully enjoy all the good times, to feel loved, and love your loved ones on a whole other level, in a deeper sense than you ever knew to be possible.

To me, and I'm sure to all of you ladies as well, there is no stress remedy that compares to the healing powers of vacation - especially one on a beach with crystal clear waters in front of you. Cozumel, Mexico is everything Caribbean with a warm welcome at an affordable price.

Why not give it a truly feminine touch and add some mermaid magic to complete the island vibe?

Mik N' Drik Photography

When you return home from your mer-vacation in Cozumel, I hope that you not only go back feeling well-rested, rejuvenated, and full of awesome stories to tell about all the discoveries you made, and experiences you had; I also hope that you keep a piece of that chill, mermaid-relaxed vibe thru your daily life. Once you’ve felt it, it’s easy to find a way to integrate that stillness and silence no matter what the situation.



Mik N' Drik Photography

I am so grateful to live in a place with spectacular views, where the different shades of blue hypnotize you, and the jungle transports you to a time where life was much simpler. Here, the pace of life alone infects you, causes you to slow down, and eventually allows you to reach a level of deep relaxation and tranquility. It would be my pleasure to share the mermaid vibe with you, and give you a taste of a mermaid lifestyle that can either provide the perfect getaway, or actually become your new career path if you choose.

Thanks so much for diving in to these aquatic adventures with me!

www.cozumelmermaids.com

Smile, Breathe, Get Aquatic!

A Freediver Mentality

World's 1st underwater o2 bar

This weekend, I was very pleased to be a part of the 1st freediving competition held in Cozumel, Mexico. It was definitely a last minute decision to join in, and I was over the moon when I received the call that a last minute sponsorship from Clear Lounge Cozumel was also going to happen..!?

For a moment, that "Oh Dear! What did I just get myself into?" anxiety creeped in, but I maintained my will to participate, and warded off those doubting thoughts. Since Thursday nite when the sponsor call came, and then thru-out the whole weekend, I felt like I was entrenched in the battle of evil monkey vs. cheerleader monkey in my head. Should I mention here that us going to see King Arthur in 3D Saturday nite only intensified the mood? Haha!

Keep It Positive

But really, I talk about it regularly in my freediving courses, there is no getting around it. In freediving, you are forced to explore the thoughts swirling around in your head because you literally have nothing else to do. Not even breathe. I can hear myself now, telling students my stories about competitive freediving; where freedivers realize the power of positive vs. negative thoughts, and harness that awareness to maximize performance results. Suddenly when you're truly pushing limits, and operating solely on the amount of oxygen you managed to gather in one particular inhale, it becomes crystal clear the physiological results of each. Stress consumes oxygen quickly, so you naturally go with the more positive and relaxed line of thinking - at least that is the idea.

Well, here goes!

Sounds easy, right? But, it is both the beauty and challenge of freediving and life in general - the simplicity of it. All this big preparation for moments in your life where you happen to be in "performance" mode. Preparation can be for months beforehand, but in the end, the few minutes leading up to your interpretation, all you do is breathe and control

Focus

your thoughts - maybe even visualize a bit. In competitive freediving, when it is your turn to take the stage of the swim lane next to the wall, they give you a countdown to your "official top" , which gives you a specific time to stop breathing. The clock is ticking, everyone is watching, wondering, anticipating if you are going to succeed or fail - waiting to see if you will come out clean, lose motor control "LMC", or maybe even blackout, due to low levels of oxygen.

A Mermaid's Breath

At the moment to take your "peak inhalation", you want to be a perfectionist and get it just right; not a breath too big that makes you feel full or overly buoyant, but one that is big enough to give the supply of oxygen needed for the breath-hold. You literally have one breath, one opportunity, one particular moment in time to get it right.

Same holds true for the actual performance unfolding - you want to be a perfectionist. Just enough movement to give you propulsion, but not too much effort, as you don't want to waste precious energy and oxygen.

Work Efficiently

In a way, I consider my approach to freediving a philosophy of life and a way of living. I am inherently a perfectionist, but I'm tired of beating myself up about it. Being a perfectionist in certain moments just makes sense, but everything doesn't have to be perfect all the time.

It is imperative to find balance. The easiest thing to do is just start paying attention. Have you told yourself you can, or you have you convinced yourself that you cannot? As my first freediving coach quoted to me -  either way you're right. I'm so grateful for freediving because it has shown me how counter-productive negative thoughts can be. Not only that, I've learned how to recognize the downward spiral of self-destruction outside of freediving, and am able to stop the madness with a simple happy thought.

Success!

So, what thoughts are you keeping? Do you fear failure or are you determined to come out victorious? Are you willing to demonstrate faith in yourself for the best possible outcome, or will you nurture doubt so much that suddenly you find yourself in the middle of the worst case scenario?

Ironically, especially after participating in Cozumel's 1st freediving competition this past weekend, what I have learned from competitive freediving is this; the results don't matter.

While it feels fantastic to give a solid effort, perform well, and get good results, what holds more meaning in the end is the lessons learned and the process of evaluation afterward. That which will change you - the depth that freedivers seek - is hindsight, the exploration and investigation of reasons and motivation for setting and achieving a goal, the search for error, the recognition of success, and the brainstorming to improve the next time. All of that keeps you sharp, and striving for perfection in a healthy manner.

Be True To You

In the end, I am the same person before and after my freedive performance. It is only a specific moment of time where I indulge in the sensation of getting aquatic...for that, I am so glad I did!

Thanks so much for diving in to these aquatic adventures with me!

 

www.swimfreedivecozumel.com 

 

Smile, Breathe, Get Aquatic!

The First Drop!

Here it all begins ~ the first drop in an unknown sea of posts. In creating this blog, I have a lot of hopes and wishes for it, and I thank you so much for dipping your toes in.

My name is Julie, but my family and friends have been calling me "Jewels" ever since I can remember. I had been recently certified to SCUBA dive when the internet was really beginning to change our world, and eventually we were all forced to tap in to our creative side and come up with an email address. I was lucky, mine was easy to come up with; jewelsdiver. It was Me. Actually, it still is; I am Jewels Diver on facebook and pretty much anywhere else you go on the internet.

I grew up in COlorado with the Rocky Mountains very close by. I have always been an aquatic person - learning to swim as a baby, starting on swim team at age 6, and my first job at 16 being a lifeguard and swim instructor. Since then, my professional career has always been intertwined with what I love to do and am passionate about. Among other jobs in the aquatics industry, I continued on to be a certified SCUBA instructor, water fitness instructor, and more recently freediving instructor and mermaid trainer.

I must say freediving and mermaiding are my favorite water sports now, but don't tell swimming or SCUBA ;) After my first course, my freediving experience went straight to the competitive arena in 2006. One of the highlights of my competitive freediving career is being a (former) US record holder for a freedive without fins to 44 meters (145 feet). I was also honored to represent the USA at various international competitions including the 2008 Team World Championship. The women's team won a silver medal there, we came 2nd to the Russian team with Japan just behind for 3rd place. These days, I consider myself a retired competitive freediver. I find the joys of mermaid training, and swim & freediving instruction much more rewarding. My focus now is on education for all ages, and especially empowering other females in a male-dominant dive industry.

Aquatic activities have always been a part of my life on a personal, competitive, or professional level. I feel very fortunate and lucky that it is still my way of life today. I live one block from the Caribbean Sea and I wouldn't have it any other way ~ well, maybe actually a place ON the beach would be nice ;)  I LOVE to get back to the mountains in the summer or winter, I definitely enjoy the rolling hills and plains of the midwest, and even enjoy the desert in the appropriate season. But I know I will always live where there is water ~ of the crystal clear caribbean-type to be exact.

At the end of the day, maybe my island lifestyle, outlook on life, and chosen profession are all just a way to indulge in my own desire to be on vacation ~ a permanent vacation! :) But I am certain that it all means more than that...I know that I am where I'm supposed to be. A freediving mermaid is Who I Am.

Thanks so much for diving in to these aquatic adventures with me!

www.swimfreedivecozumel.com

Smile, Breathe, Get Aquatic!

 



Mermaid Relax Experience