When Is the Right Age To Teach a Child To Swim?

Every family that has kids should consider enrolling them in swim lessons. It is a huge skill that can assist in the prevention of drowning, which is one of the leading causes of death in children. Both parents and children should be taught how to swim to keep their families safe while enjoying the water.

Teaching Children How To Swim

Choosing swim lessons really depends on the age of the child. All children don’t develop the same, meaning the age they begin learning to swim will vary. However, there are certain things you should take into consideration, including the physical and developmental abilities of your child, as well as their limitations and emotional maturity.

It is recommended by the AAP that children start learning how to swim at the age of one1. When children between the ages of one to four learn various ways to survive while in the water, it can significantly reduce their chances of drowning. Parents can also participate in classes with their young children to help safely introduce them to the water.

Swim spa swim lessons are almost mandatory for children four and up. This just means that children are definitely considered ready by the age of four since they can typically learn various water survival skills such as treading water and floating. By the ages of five and up, children should be able to effectively front crawl in the water.

Swim classes for infants are not recommended by the AAP because there is just no evidence that these classes reduce their chance of drowning when taken before the age of one. While infants may display certain movements that may look fit for swimming, they are unable to raise their heads above the water enough to actually breathe. But, if you want to just get your infant used to being in the water, it is safe to enroll them in a parent-child swimming class.

Furthermore, don’t forget that swimming lessons don’t make children 100% free from downing. These lessons are designed to help protect them and help in preventing drowning, but your child should always be supervised when near water.

Choosing the Right Swim Lessons for Your Child

When searching for a swim class for your child, there are several things you should look for. For example, only enroll your child in a course with well-qualified and experienced instructors. The instructors should also be certified in CPR and First Aid.

Additionally, you want to look for a class that teaches how to be safe in the water, whether your child is in it or near it. Children should never swim without an adult present. Children should also be taught what to do if they happen to fall into the water. This means that the class instructor should teach your child self-rescue methods.

Finally, when searching for a swim class for your child, ensure that the instructors allow parents to watch a class before deciding to stay with them.

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