There are so many things that parents need to teach their kids that it can be overwhelming, which is why we need to remind ourselves that we don’t have to teach them everything at once. It’s also important to prioritize certain safety measures, like teaching our kids to swim at an early age, because it can quite literally save their lives. Even if you don’t have a pool, you should know that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death among children. So regardless of whether you have a pool or not, it’s important for both you and your children to be aware of water safety skills. As for swimming, it’s a great skill for kids to learn at a young age.
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But at what age should you start teaching your kids how to swim? How do you choose a swimming class for them? What if you don’t know how to swim yourself? We’ve got answers to these questions and more coming right up courtesy of recommendations made by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Check them out and be sure to prioritize teaching your children how to swim and teaching everyone in your household water safety skills to keep everyone safe.
At what age should your kids learn to swim?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “swim lessons as a layer of protection against drowning” can start at the age of 1. But AAP also acknowledges that not all children develop at the same rate, so as a parent or caregiver, you need to keep their specific needs and comfort level in the water in mind.
What if I don’t know how to swim?
That’s OK, you can learn, too. There’s no time like the present. You can take an adult swim class that will have you swimming in no time. There is no shame in learning a new skill later in life, especially if it is a skill that can help you keep your family safe and provide you with tons of opportunities for family fun.
What if I’m terrified of water?
Do your best not to pass your fear onto your child. Hopefully, you can join take a class that helps you get over your own fear and be able to be in the water with your child. If that’s not possible, have another trusted adult or caregiver take classes with your child and you can observe.
What are the benefits of parent-child toddler and preschool swim classes?
Some studies suggest that swim lessons and training can help reduce the risk of drowning for kids who are between the ages of 1 and 4. Keep in mind that drownings are the leading cause of accidental deaths in children and sadly, the number keeps rising.
What about infant swim classes?
Aquatic classes for infants and their parents can be fun and help get kids accustomed to being in the water, but the AAP doesn’t recommend actual swimming lessons for children younger than 1 because they don’t have the breathing skills to actually swim yet.
But what about those videos of babies happily floating in pools I’ve seen?
Regardless of what you may see in videos or claims that anyone makes, when it comes to infants, there is no evidence that swim classes for babies under 1 prevent drownings. At that age, a child needs to be supervised when they are in or near water.
What should I look for when searching for aquatic programs or swim classes?
You want to look for instructors who both certified as a lifeguard and in first aid/resuscitation by the American Red Cross. If the class is for infants, stay away from any instructor or class that promises or guarantees to teach a child under 1 to swim.
Ask to observe a class before signing up.
The benefit of observing a swim class before signing up for it is that you can compare and contrast different classes and instructors to choose one that is the best fit for you and your child. You’ll get to see if kids get personal attention from the instructor or any assistants and check out the whole vibe in general.
Do I have to take the swim class, too?
If your child is under 4 years old, you should absolutely take the class with them. First of all, so that you will be there to supervise and also because you will also learn valuable safety habits. Also, it’s a great way to spend time with your child and see how they progress.
What if my kid isn’t interested in learning to swim?
Talk to your instructor and see if you can stick to water play until your child gets more curious about learning to swim. Forcing your little one to learn to swim when they aren’t emotionally ready yet could be traumatizing for both of you.
Most kids are ready to learn to swim by the time they are 4.
Before the age of 4 most kids don’t have the coordination needed to master certain swimming strokes. According to AAP: “By their 4th birthday, most children are ready for swim lessons. At this age, they usually can learn basic water survival skills such as floating, treading water and getting to an exit point.”
What if you can’t afford swim lessons?
AAP suggests that you check with your city government as many towns and cities offer scholarships that can help cover the cost. You can also ask check with your local recreation and parks department to see if it offers any low-cost options.
How do I know when my kid can stop taking swim classes?
If your child has learned water safety and can swim to your satisfaction, it’s up to you when to stop. If they like swimming and want to progress to more challenging classes then—budget and time permitting—let them. If they aren’t interested in learning more than the basics and they have mastered the basics, it’s OK to stop lessons.
What if my child is not making progress or really learning how to swim?
If your child is older than 4 and isn’t showing any progress class after class, it might be time to switch classes. Perhaps a different instructor may be what’s needed to get your child to swim. Not all instructors or classes are going to work for every child. But don’t give up.
Remember: Swim lessons do not make a child drown-proof.
Even if your child has taken lessons and is a proficient swimmer, she should never be left unsupervised by a pool or large body of water. There are no national standards for when a child who knows how to swim can be left to swim unsupervised, so you will have to make that call yourself. For example, Broward County, Florida, recommends that no child under 12 be left unsupervised when swimming, but again, that call is up to you and it’s best to err on the side of safety.
