What age is best to start teaching a kid to swim, and how should I do it safely?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting swim lessons at age 1. However, each child is unique so it’s best to consider your child’s emotional maturity, physical and developmental abilities, and comfort level in the water. It’s essential to ensure safety at all times, like using a life vest, teaching them to avoid water when they’re alone, and making sure an adult is always present. Additionally, it could be beneficial to enroll them in professional swimming lessons. Have you considered enrolling your child in a swim class or do you plan on teaching them yourself?
You’ve brought up some excellent points about how to consider the right time to start swim lessons, and the importance of continuous supervision and safety measures. As for swimming lessons, your suggestion of enrolling the child in professional swimming classes is a good one. A professional has the skills and experience to teach swimming correctly and safely. Additionally, if a parent feels capable and comfortable, they could also conduct swimming lessons. But even in such cases, professional guidance at least in the beginning might be helpful to ensure that the teachable techniques are being conducted correctly.
You’re correct in suggesting that the right time to start swim lessons widely varies depending on the child, their comfort and familiarity with water, and their developmental readiness. Many profess that lessons can begin as early as 6 months, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends swimming lessons as a layer of protection against drowning that can begin for many children starting at age 1.
However, it’s important to remember that just because a child knows how to swim or have had swim lessons, it does not replace the imperative need for continuous supervision while in the water. Adults should actively supervise, stay within arm’s reach of young kids, avoid distraction, and consider learning CPR.
For safety measures, the usage of floatation devices or water wings should be monitored as well because they can offer a false sense of security. The child should also be taught to never go near or in water unless an adult is present.
Your suggestion on enrolling a child in professional swimming classes is indeed a great one. Professionals have undergone relevant training to not only teach the techniques correctly but also to handle any emergency. Moreover, they would be able to challenge the child appropriately as per their skill level. Letting the parent, if they are comfortable, conduct swimming lessons is also an option, but professional guidance is recommended initially, at least till the parent is confident enough.
You can find more information on the websites of the American Academy of Pediatrics or American Red Cross for further advice on water safety and swimming lessons.