Rita Curtis, who has taught swimming courses for over 50 years, is the very knowledgeable host for this parent's guide to teaching young children how to swim. Using a building block approach, Curtis demonstrates a number of games to help instill confidence and teach fundamental swimming skills. The biggest plus here is Curtis' half-century of experience--her expertise is clear in the way she advises parents how to overcome children's fears, among other areas. Two aspects of the program make this a less than optimum choice, however. First, the instruction is given in voice-over narration with accompanying video footage, but also often with Curtis sitting directly in a chair talking to the camera (on top of this the program is not tightly scripted, and therefore some dead air space and repetitions crop up throughout). Secondly, although the word "safety" is repeatedly used, there's very little in the way of specific water safety instruction given.Water Safety for Kids, while it won't teach children how to swim, does pass along three very good rules. Hosted by instructor Sue Royston (whose video Swim Lessons for Kids is plugged at the beginning and end of the tape), the program emphasizes that children should always tell a grown-up before going into the water, always know how deep the water is before entering, and never get in the water when someone is drowning (they should call for help instead and throw the person a floatable object if available). The importance of the three rules and the program's low price need to be weighed against the fact that it's very short (15 min.). The pleasant background music and "quizzes" about the three rules will appeal to small children.Becoming Water Safe With Rita Curtis is an optional purchase (good information, so-so presentation). Water Safety for Kids is recommended, with reservations. (R. Pitman)
Becoming Water Safe With Rita Curtis; Water Safety For Kids
(1993) 75 min. $39.95 (booklet included). Moving Image Productions (dist. by The Video Studio). PPR. Color cover. Vol. 9, Issue 4
Becoming Water Safe With Rita Curtis; Water Safety For Kids
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