How early can child learn to swim

Swim Lessons: When to Start & What Parents Should Know

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Safety & Prevention

Safety & Prevention

Learning to swim should be a priority for every family. It's an important life skill that can play a key role in helping to prevent drowning―a top cause of death among children. Children, and their parents, need to learn how to swim to help keep time in the water safe and fun!

Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on the best time to start swim lessons and what to look for in a quality learn-to-swim program.

When should my child learn to swim?

Children develop at different rates, and not all are ready to begin swim lessons at exactly the same age.  When making your decision, keep your child's emotional maturity, physical and developmental abilities and limitations, and comfort level in the water in mind.

The AAP recommends swim lessons as a layer of protection against drowning that can begin for many children starting at age 1.

Parent-child toddler & preschool swim classes: beneficial for many families

• Recent studies suggest that water survival skills training and swim lessons can help reduce drowning risk for children between ages 1-4. Classes that include both parents and their children also are a good way to introduce good water safety habits and start building swim readiness skills. If your child seems ready, it's a good idea to start lessons now.

Swim lessons for children ages 4 and up: a must for most families  

• 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. By age 5 or 6, most children in swim lessons can master the front crawl. If your child hasn't already started in a learn-to-swim program, now is the time!

Does AAP recommend infant swim classes?

• No, because there is currently no evidence that infant swim programs for babies under 1 year old lower their drowning risk. Infants this age may show reflex "swimming" movements but can't yet raise their heads out of the water well enough to breathe. It's OK to enroll in a parent-child water play class to help your infant get used to being in the pool, though; this can be a fun activity to enjoy together.    

Remember, swim lessons don't make kids "drown proof."

• Always keep in mind that swim lessons are just one of several important layers of protection needed to help prevent drowning. Another layer includes constant, focused supervision when your child is in or near a pool or any body of water. It also is essential to block access to pools during non-swim time. The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that 69% of children under the age of 5 years were not expected to be in the water at the time of a drowning.

What should I look for when choosing swim lessons?

Look for classes and instructors that follow guidelines focused not just on swim stroke techniques, but broader water survival competency skills. All children should learn how to get back to the surface from under water, propel themselves at least 25 yards, and get out of the water, for example. Instructors should evaluate children's progress and give ongoing feedback on their skill levels.

For children of all ages, look for programs that:

• Have experienced, qualified instructors. Swim instructors should be trained and certified through a nationally recognized learn-to-swim curriculum. There should also be lifeguards on duty who have current CPR and First Aid certification.

• Teach good safety habits in, on, and near water. Children should learn to never swim alone or without adult supervision. Instructors should teach children to always ask for permission from parents, lifeguards, or swimming instructors before they get into a pool or natural bodies of water like a lake.
  

• Teach what to do if they end up in the water unexpectedly. This includes practicing water competency skills such as self-rescue. Lessons should provide training with a variety of realistic conditions, such as falling in and swimming in clothes. Older children also should learn what to do if they see someone else in the water who is struggling, and how to get help.

• Let you watch a class first to see first-hand if it is right for your child. Not all swim lessons are created equal, and parents should investigate options to choose the best fit.  Are they swimming most of the time, or are there long periods of inactivity where they are waiting for their turn? Do children get one-on-one attention? Are the instructors friendly and knowledgeable?

• Require multiple sessions. Once children start lessons, you should be able to see gradual but consistent progress in their abilities over time. Continue lessons at least until your they master basic water competency skills.

In addition, for children under age 4, look for programs that:

• Provide an age-appropriate atmosphere. Your child should feel safe and secure during lessons, with activities that support their social, intellectual, physical, and emotional development. However, children need to develop a healthy respect for water, as well.

• Include "touch supervision." Whenever infants and toddlers are in or around water—even during swim lessons―an adult should be within arm's reach to provide "touch supervision." Parent participation should be encouraged, especially since it also helps families know what to practice in between classes. If you can't be in the water with your child, look for private classes that offer 1-on-1 instruction.

• Maintain water purity. Young children are more likely to swallow or breathe in water, so water disinfection and maintaining proper chlorine levels is really important. A good program should also require the child to wear a swimsuit that is snug-fitting at the legs to help avoid spreading body waste into the water.

• Keep the water warm. Hypothermia is a greater risk at this age. Ideally, swim and water safety classes for children age 3 and younger should be in water heated to 87 to 94 degrees Fahrenheit.
  

Remember:

Enrolling in quality swim lessons―once your child is ready for them―is one of several essential ways to help prevent drowning. Talk with your pediatrician if you have any questions about whether your child is developmentally ready for swim lessons and how to find a quality program for your family.

Additional Information:

• Infant Water Safety: Protect Your New Baby from Drowning

• Drowning Prevention for Curious Toddlers: What Parents Need to Know

• Water Safety for Teens
  

• Pool Dangers and Drowning Prevention―When It's Not Swimming Time

• Keep Kids with Autism Safe from Wandering: Tips from the AAP

• AAP Drowning Prevention Campaign Toolkit 

• Water Safety USA
  

The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.

When Is a Good Time to Start Swim Lessons?

In the United States, swimming is the most popular recreational activity for children and teenagers and the fourth most popular recreational activity overall. It's also a form of exercise, which is great for heart health and combating childhood obesity. Experts suggest that swimming is even excellent for your mental health.

Swimming is undoubtedly good for you — but at what age should you introduce it to your child? Read on to learn why teaching your child how to swim at an early age is essential, as well as tips for fostering a fun and safe learning experience.

The Best Age to Start Swim Lessons

Studies show that the best time for a child to start learning swim basics is between the ages of 1 and 4. However, infants aged 6 months to 3 years can participate in Parent and Child Lessons at the Y to start enjoying and getting acclimated to the water. These lessons also teach parents crucial water safety skills to better educate and protect your child.  If your child is older than 4, don't worry. It's never too late to learn. Ages 4 and up are when kids begin to grasp the techniques of swimming, like floating and swimming to a specific destination. 

Enrolling your child in swim lessons between the ages of 6 months and 4 years is the most effective way to help them acclimate to water. This early acclimation will encourage them not to fear swimming as their lessons get more challenging.

Benefits of Learning to Swim at a Young Age

Learning to swim at a young age can be very beneficial for your child's mental and physical development, help keep them safe and build lifelong skills. 

These are just a few advantages of teaching your child how to swim early in life.

• It builds a robust foundation for a healthy lifestyle: Swimming keeps kids healthy and exercises key areas of their physical development, including lung and muscle health, flexibility and stamina.
• They'll know what to do if they fall in: Formal swim lessons will teach your child the necessary survival skills they need to stay safe around the water.
• It builds vital skills: In addition to your child's physical development, swim lessons allow your child to meet other kids their age and practice their social skills. Because they have a shared interest, they might even make some new friends! 
• It's a break from screen time: Today, children are spending more time watching screens than ever before. Too much screen time often links to obesity, irregular sleep and behavioral problems. Experts recommend all children under 5 years old engage in less screen time to grow up healthier. Swimming is the ideal opportunity to introduce non-screen activities into your child's routine. 
• It could encourage a new interest: When your child learns to swim at a young age, it will encourage them to pursue new things with confidence, and could even spark an interest in other water-related activities like professional swimming, kayaking, diving and more.

What If My Child Doesn't Like It?

If you have started to introduce your child to the pool or enrolled them in swim lessons, only to find they don't enjoy it, don't worry! You can take a few steps to make the experience more enjoyable for both of you, and encourage them to view swimming differently.

• Start at home: Before opting for a formal swim class or in between lessons, let your child get comfortable with water at home. Bathtime is the perfect opportunity to get them used to the idea of being submerged in the water. Show them how much fun they can have by blowing bubbles or making small splashes. 
• Let them watch others swim: If your child is resisting swim lessons because they are afraid or unsure what to expect, let them watch you as you or other children around their same age enjoy the pool. You will help your child begin to see swimming as a fun activity rather than a lesson to learn or an obstacle to overcome.
• Make it fun: Don't let swimming lessons be a source of stress or worry for your child. Implement rewards, goals and activities to make it a fun and exciting time. Pool games are a great motivator and help your child learn how to float, kick and tread water without realizing it. You should also consider using a variety of toys and objects to make swim time more engaging, like pool noodles, goggles and snorkels.  
• Establish a routine: Repetition is an essential part of learning any new skill. Incorporate regular swimming lessons into your child's weekly routine. Doing so will give them something to look forward to and provide a chance to continue developing their ability over time. 
• Don't force it: If you've tried everything to encourage your child to enjoy swimming and nothing seems to work, it's best to let it go for now. It's possible that, in the future, they will become more curious and want to try again. In the meantime, there are several other ways to help your child stay active and develop social skills. 

Tips for Safe Swim Lessons

While enrolling your child in formal swim lessons at a young age can be very beneficial to their social and physical development, it's ultimately your decision. You know what's best for your child. If you've decided to pursue lessons, that's great! 

For a safe and enjoyable experience, keep these swimming safety tips in mind:

• Check that the water is at a comfortable temperature — not too hot and not too cold.
• Teach your child how to use flotation devices, including throw rings, so they know how to respond in an emergency.
• Enroll your child in formal swim lessons. Working one-on-one with your child is a good way to make them more comfortable with swimming, but lifeguards are trained professionals and equipped to handle lessons safely and effectively. 
• Choose your child's swim lessons carefully. Classes should be small, focused and led by a certified instructor. Keep in mind that not every program is suitable for all children. If your child isn't enjoying or benefiting from swim lessons, search other local options.
• When your child is swimming outside their formal lessons, monitor them at all times. Know how to recognize signs of stress in the water and consider taking an emergency CPR class.
• If your child is just starting, practice in a supervised pool before moving on to more unpredictable bodies of water, like a lake or ocean. 

Learn More About Swimming Lessons at the Y

A trained, caring instructor leads every swimming lesson at a Gateway Region YMCA. Our teachers emphasize water safety skills and focus on conquering milestones based on your child's experience and progress. Lifeguards conduct lessons in private, semi-private or small class environments, so each child receives the level of attention and guidance they need. With the Gateway Region YMCA SwimWins communication tool, you'll also enjoy staying informed about every part of your child's swim journey. If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you could also consider a parent-and-child swim lesson to create lasting memories together. 

To learn more, visit us online or find a Y near you!

When and how to teach a child to swim?

You came to the sea or to the river in the village, laid out a towel on the beach, and your child looks enviously at his peers who are splashing in the water, because he cannot swim? Or, on the contrary, are you trying with all your might to shove the baby in for a swim, but he doesn’t, says he’s afraid? It seems like an adult already, it's time to learn! Or maybe it's better to leave him alone, everything has its time?

When it's time to teach a child to swim and what needs to be done so that these lessons are not a burden for him, but a pleasure. At the height of the summer season, the editors of Tlum.Ru decided to answer all these "water" questions. Here are the advice of doctors and the opinions of experienced mothers who have already taught their babies to stay afloat. nine0003

Should babies and toddlers swim?

To begin with, it is worth saying that the truth is "everything has its time." Teaching a child to stay on the water from infancy, as is now popular, is not always correct, and sometimes even harmful. Doctors advise up to 4 years to give the child the right to just swim without teaching him any techniques. Let him enter the water shallowly, splash with water and get used to this element. So he will learn not to be afraid of water, he will understand that nothing bad will happen if it gets into his eyes, nose or ears, he will swallow a little and in general he will be ready for learning. nine0003

At this time, you can teach the child to lower his face into the water, exhale into it, push off from the parent with his legs, lie on the water. You can put glasses on your child and send him to study objects at the bottom. You should not let him go free swimming, it is better to tow the child by the handles on the surface.

As for the sea, if your baby no longer tries to swallow water and enjoys swimming, all the same procedures can be done there from a very early age. The only recommendation is that the water should be above 24 degrees. If the water temperature is lower, then only short immersions in the water in an embrace are suitable for you so that the child does not freeze. nine0003

Parents' opinion:

“We have been swimming since a month, the child is delighted. First, with an instructor, a few lessons, as soon as I learned to hold my breath and dive well, we were moved to a large pool, where I already work with him myself.

“We started swimming at the age… it was 10-11 months old, I don’t remember well) the first two lessons I cried, it was cold for him, I bought a suit… Now you can’t pull it out of the pool by the ears… it’s already the third year))”.

_{THE BEST CARTOONS ABOUT THE SEA}

“We’ve been swimming in the sea for two, but I don’t know how it happened) Somehow I took it and swam, we just were given a diva))) and since then somehow with arms and legs He’s been trying for a year now, we’re thinking of giving him to the pool, he really likes it!!”

“At 3 years old, a child can (and should!) be taught, if not to swim, then to hold his breath in the water. This is a vital skill, since in sleeves and in a circle and in a boat you can turn your face into the water, and the child should not be frightened, not confused, but simply hold his breath. Therefore, I advise you not to put a circle on the child right away, but first to play "hide and seek" in the water, learn to dive and hold your breath and get used to the large volume of water and space. nine0022