July 21, 2022
July 21, 2022
As a parent, you always endeavor to keep your children safe and secure. One of the best ways to do that is to get them involved in swimming lessons early in their lives. But what is the best age to start swimming lessons? And are swimming lessons worth it? There are a lot of questions parents have for a topic that, on the surface, seems like a shallow subject (if you’ll pardon the pun!). Read on to find out how deep this topic truly goes and learn what you need to know as a parent when it comes to swimming lessons for your child.
When Should Kids Learn to Swim?
If you’ve ever seen infant swimming lessons advertised and thought that swimming lessons for babies are a little overboard, we’re here to tell you: they’re really not! While all children develop at different paces, some children are ready to learn to swim at a very young age. If you’re wondering when to start swimming lessons for a baby, the answer is when they can paddle their arms and kick their legs. Swimming lessons with parents are great exercises for a baby, and even children under the age of one can benefit from getting used to being in the water, though you may want to speak to your pediatrician about it before taking the plunge.
For older toddlers who are not yet developmentally ready to learn to swim on their own, kids between the age of one and four can take classes that help to teach them crucial water safety skills. These classes should be taken with one or both parents. And remember that for the younger crowd, swim lessons are never a substitute for proper supervision by adults around a pool.
Swimming Lessons for Kids Four and Up
Learning to swim in a class structure will be the most beneficial for children aged four and up. By the time they reach the age of four, kids are generally coordinated enough to learn strokes as they kick their feet, which is vital for successful swimming form. Plus, the water safety skills they learn can really be taken to heart at this age.
When you enroll your child in a swimming lesson program, there are some features to look for, including:
For parents looking to sign their child up for a class if they are under age four, look for these features in a program:
If you can, observe a swim class before you sign your child up for it. That way, you can get a better sense of what goes on during a class and if it’s the right fit for your child.
The Benefits of Learning to Swim
There are so many benefits to a child learning to swim that go beyond their safety, even if that is the most important thing. Some of the ways your child will benefit developmentally from swimming include:
Learning how to swim is truly the gift that keeps on giving to children. It will benefit them their entire lives not only to not be afraid of the water, but to be comfortable in it and actually have fun. Plus, as a parent, it helps to give you peace of mind that your child knows how to handle themselves in a body of water.
Featured image by Kiana Bosman on Unsplash