Is Your Baby a Water Baby? Toddlers Splash Their Way to Water Comfort

Bridget Martino wants her 14-month-old daughter, Eleanor, to be comfortable in water.

She relies on Water Babies, a Tinley Park Recreational class offered at White Water Canyon Water Park, to help build that confidence for her child. Plus, it’s fun.

“This is our second ... class," she said. "I really feel it’s made a difference in how Eleanor takes to the water."

Once a week, children ages 6 months to 3 years, come dressed in their cutest swimsuits (and swim diapers, for those that need it!) for an hour-long lesson with their parent or caregiver.

Mandi Vinson and Makenzie Mazibrook, certified lifeguards at White Water Canyon and Water Babies instructors, incorporate games, flotation devices and familiar songs while introducing movements that can help create safe and successful future swimmers.

As the class sang “The Wheels on the Bus,” students paired each verse with a different movement. They slapped their arms, kicked their legs and blowed bubbles in the water.

“The purpose of the class is to get young children used to the water," said Vinson, a 6-year lifeguard. "We want them to feel comfortable and safe, which in turn makes them happier in the water."

While the chance to splish and splash beckons most children, others can be a bit apprehensive about getting in the pool.

“Each child is different," Mazibrook said. "We encourage those afraid of the water to take their time until they’re ready to get in. It helps that children are in the water with their parent—that sets a high level of comfort right away.”

The comfort level was high at this week's Water Babies session, which had only smiling little ones in attendance. Oh, and lots of splashing.

The is located at 8220 W. 171st St., next to the Tony Bettenhausen Recreation Center. For Water Babies class or other registration information and schedules, visit the Tinley Park District website.