Swimming is an important life skill. If you’re like most parents, you are eager to teach your child how to swim safely. But, it can be hard to know how and when to get started, even if you are a strong swimmer. A qualified swim instructor can teach your child age-appropriate skills and life-saving techniques. Swim instructors typically hold certifications through nationally recognized organizations like the American Red Cross or Infant Swim Resource.
Ideally, it’s a good idea to introduce your child to the water as early as 6 months old. At this age, children are generally not fearful of the water. In fact, most infants will reflexively hold their breath when submerged for short periods of time.
PARENT-CHILD SWIM LESSONS
Swim programs affiliated with the American Red Cross or YMCA typically offer Parent-Child classes for children under the age of 2 or 3. These classes are designed to introduce your child to the water and promote water safety. In these classes, both parent and child actively participate in the water.
Infant Swim Resource in a nationally-recognized program that focuses on aquatic survival for infants and children. These lessons are structured differently than traditional swim lessons. Children start lessons around 6 months old. Lessons are one-one-one with the instructor for 10 minutes, five days a week. Children are asked to continue lessons until the child can demonstrate self-rescue skills - typically 6 weeks.
LEARN-TO-SWIM LESSONS & STROKE DEVELOPMENT
Toddlers and older children are ready for Learn-To-Swim classes and lessons that focus on stroke development. Programs like these focus on building skills one step at a time. Instructors break down swimming strokes into basic movements: kicking, breathing and arm movements. As kids master these building blocks, they develop confidence in the water.
PRIVATE VS. GROUP SWIM LESSONS
Toddlers and older children are ready for Learn-To-Swim classes and lessons that focus on stroke development. Programs like these focus on building skills one step at a time. Instructors break down swimming strokes into basic movements: kicking, breathing and arm movements. As kids master these building blocks, they develop confidence in the water.
ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATE LESSONS
Private lessons offer individual attention and instruction tailored to your child. These lessons are typically more expensive and often shorter than group lessons. Lessons may be 30 minutes for young children.
ADVANTAGES OF GROUP LESSONS
If you would like your child to take lessons year-round, lessons at an indoor pool can be a great option. Many programs offer one lesson a week throughout the year to build skills. Group lessons also have the advantage of “positive peer pressure.” Some youngsters will see their friends doing a certain skill and decide that they can do the same thing, even if they are a bit timid.
GET YOUR OWN