The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends swim lessons for all children. Swim lessons are an important way to decrease the risk of drowning. Here are answers to a few common questions that parents have about swim lessons for children.
At what age should I enroll my child in swim lessons?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, swim lessons can start as early as 1 year of age. There are some swim classes that start younger than 1 year of age; these are not supported by the AAP at this time. At the latest, children 4 years of age and older should have swim lessons.
What should I look for in a reputable swim lesson provider?
Find swim lessons that have a good reputation and trained instructors. Effective swim lessons teach children self-rescue techniques. These techniques are essential for a child to learn what to do if something unexpected happens, such as falling in the water.
How long will it take my child to learn how to swim?
This will vary. Children will learn best with frequent, consistent lessons. Children have different comfort levels when it comes to water, therefore the time it takes to master the basics will be different from one child to the next.
Aren’t most swim classes very expensive?
It is true that many swim lessons may be cost-prohibitive. There are, however, affordable options as well. Your city’s governmental website probably has a list of local reputable swim lesson providers. I also have heard great things about YMCA swim lessons. Additionally, scholarships or payment plans may be available as well.
*Please keep in mind that swim lessons are not a full-proof way to guarantee that drowning will not occur. Even strong swimmers have a risk of drowning in certain situations. It is essential that all children (from children who don’t know how to swim up to children who are very strong swimmers) are always supervised by an adult when in or near water.
According to the AAP 69% of children under the age of 5 years were not expected to be in the water at the time of drowning. Children have curious minds and unpredictable behavior at times-keep your eyes on your children!
Please refer to the following for more information: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Swim-Lessons.aspx
Stay safe!
Little Spurs Pediatric Urgent Care opened in 2006 in San Antonio, Texas. With multiple locations in San Antonio and Dallas, they are open seven days a week with extended evening hours and see walk-in patients or through an online check-in system. They accept most commercial insurance and Medicaid plans.
