Should children wear goggles during swim lessons? A controversial debate!

The debate over whether children should wear goggles during swimming lessons is a hot topic in the aquatic world. Many instructors insist that goggles hinder a child’s ability to develop essential safety skills, arguing, "What happens if they fall into the water without goggles? They need to be able to swim without them!" On the other hand, I firmly believe that the benefits of goggles far outweigh any potential drawbacks.

The Case Against Goggles

Some swimming teachers advocate for a no-goggles approach, believing that children must learn to swim in all conditions. They argue that if a child relies too much on goggles, they might panic if they ever find themselves in water unexpectedly without them. Additionally, there is a belief that goggles create a false sense of security, making children too comfortable while swimming.

Some teachers also say that children are constantly fiddling with their goggles throughout the lesson, which becomes a distraction. But to me, this suggests that they simply don’t have the right fit! A well-fitted pair of goggles should stay in place comfortably and not need constant adjustment. Instead of banning goggles, ensuring a proper fit should be the priority.

Here are five reasons why some swimming teachers are hesitant to use goggles during lessons:

Over-Reliance on Visual Cues: Some teachers believe that using goggles encourages children to rely too heavily on seeing underwater. They argue that it’s more beneficial for children to develop an awareness of their surroundings through other senses, like touch and sound, rather than becoming dependent on their vision.
Distraction and Fiddling: Children may become distracted by their goggles, constantly adjusting them or fiddling with them during the lesson. Teachers feel that this takes away from the focus on swimming techniques and can disrupt the flow of the lesson.
Inhibiting Natural Water Skills: Teachers often worry that goggles could prevent children from learning essential water skills. For example, learning how to float, breathe, and orient themselves underwater might be delayed if children are too focused on the comfort or fit of their goggles.
Safety Concerns: Some teachers worry that if children become too reliant on goggles, they might struggle in emergency situations or when they need to swim without them. The concern is that goggles could give a false sense of security and that children should learn how to manage in the water without them first.
Fit and Comfort Issues: Not all goggles fit every child well, and poor-fitting goggles can cause discomfort, leaks, or distraction. Teachers may avoid goggles altogether to prevent these issues and to ensure that all children can focus on their swimming techniques without having to worry about adjusting or removing their goggles during lessons.

Why Goggles Are Beneficial

However, while the concern about water safety is valid, forcing children to swim without goggles can introduce unnecessary discomfort and resistance to learning. Here’s why I support the use of goggles in lessons:

1. Confidence Building

Many children are naturally hesitant to put their faces in the water, especially those new to swimming. The sting of chlorine, blurred vision, and the unknown beneath the surface can all feel overwhelming. Goggles remove that first big hurdle.

Take Emma, a nervous 5-year-old who clung to the side of the pool, refusing to let go. She didn’t want to get her eyes wet. After trying a pair of brightly coloured goggles with a comfy seal, her entire approach shifted. Within ten minutes, she was blowing bubbles with her face fully submerged and even trying to glide! Sometimes, removing just one barrier is enough to open the door to progress.

2. Encouraging Proper Technique

Children who aren’t comfortable putting their faces in the water tend to lift their heads high while swimming, which affects body position and hinders propulsion. Goggles give them the comfort to look down and streamline their bodies, which naturally improves their swimming technique.

Josh, a very energetic 6-year-old, loved swimming but always swam with his head up like a meerkat. As soon as we introduced goggles and played a few underwater treasure games, his head went down—and his front crawl completely changed. He began gliding, kicking with intent, and finally started breathing to the side instead of lifting his whole head.

3. Eye Protection

Chlorine and saltwater can be harsh on the eyes, especially when children are spending long periods in the water. Red, itchy eyes at the end of a lesson can turn a fun experience into a miserable one.

Sophie, who swam three times a week, would always complain of sore eyes at home, and her mum considered pulling her from lessons. The simple fix? A pair of good-quality goggles. Her eyes were no longer irritated, and swimming became something she looked forward to again. Goggles aren’t just about fun—they’re also about comfort and long-term participation.

4. Increased Engagement

Clear vision underwater makes lessons more fun and more interactive. Children can see toys, targets, and even their own hands moving through the water. When they can see clearly, they are more likely to stay focused and involved in the task at hand.

For example, in our “Underwater Explorer” game, children dive for hoops, fish, and coins. With goggles, they light up with excitement, swimming purposefully and confidently. Without them, most were reluctant to dive and more likely to sit on the steps. Being able to see transforms the way they feel about the water.

5. A Sense of Security

Water can feel unpredictable and even scary for some children, especially if they can’t see what’s going on below the surface. Goggles give them a sense of control—they can look around, anticipate movement, and orient themselves better.

Tom, a child with mild anxiety, used to freeze up mid-lesson if someone swam too close to him underwater. He hated not knowing what was around him. Once he wore goggles, he could track movement and space himself accordingly. His comfort level improved dramatically, and with that came progress. Goggles can be a powerful tool for children who need a bit more reassurance.

6. Adaptation Over Time

Just because children start with goggles doesn’t mean they can’t learn to swim without them. A balanced teaching approach introduces moments in the lesson where goggles are removed—like safety activities, jumping in, or practicing floating and resurfacing skills.

In our classes, we often say, “Goggles on for learning, off for safety skills.” Children get the best of both worlds. They develop strong technique and water confidence with goggles, and then learn essential life-saving skills like orienting, opening eyes underwater, and swimming short distances without them.

It doesn’t have to be one or the other—it can (and should) be both.

Final Thoughts

We don’t tell children to run barefoot just because they might lose their shoes one day. We equip them with the right tools to succeed first, and then introduce challenges when they’re ready. Swimming should be no different.

Goggles are not a crutch. They’re a learning tool. And like any tool, they must be used with intention. When fitted properly and introduced at the right time, goggles enhance a child’s swimming experience in every possible way.

Let’s stop debating whether goggles are “bad” and start focusing on how to use them well.

What’s your stance? Do you use goggles from the start, or introduce them later on? I’d love to hear what’s worked for you.

What are your thoughts? Should children always practice without goggles, or should we embrace their benefits while preparing them for different scenarios?

Here's how to know if goggles are the right fit:

Seal and Comfort:The goggles should create a gentle seal around the eyes without causing any discomfort. When the child puts them on, they should lightly press against the face, creating a suction that keeps water out, but without feeling too tight. If the child feels pressure or discomfort on the eyes or forehead, the goggles may be too tight or poorly shaped for their face.
No Leaks:Once the goggles are on, ask the child to gently press them against their face while keeping their head still. They should feel a slight suction. If water leaks into the goggles, even with gentle pressure, they’re not providing a proper seal. This could mean the size is wrong or the goggles are worn out.
Strap Adjustment:The strap should fit snugly, but not too tightly. It should hold the goggles securely in place without causing discomfort or leaving marks on the skin. If the strap is too loose, the goggles will slide off during movement, and if too tight, it can cause headaches or marks on the skin.
Proper Coverage:The goggles should cover the eyes comfortably, with enough space around the edges to prevent the water from getting in but not so much that they create a gap. The lenses should sit flat against the face, not pressing into the eyes or causing bulging.
Clear Vision Underwater:Finally, test the goggles in the water. They should provide a clear, unobstructed view without fogging up immediately. If the child feels like they can't see clearly or if the goggles fog up too quickly, they may not be the right fit for their face.