It’s never too late to learn how to swim – but what about too early? Like watching your child ride a bicycle without training wheels, seeing them swim across the pool is very rewarding. Swimming is an excellent activity for any age group but should be done with proper precautions. This is the main reason why taking your child to swim classes is so important. With lessons, your child will build a foundation of confidence in the water and will be able to glide across the pool with ease.

At what age is appropriate to begin learning how to swim? Is it all right to start even earlier if you’re in the water with them? Let’s discuss:

Four Is the Magic Number

To start proper swimming lessons, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that the appropriate age is four. “Proper” lessons indicate sessions without a parent in the water. Instead, children are independently guided to learn from a certified instructor.

The reason why four is the magical number is that children at are “developmentally ready” to swim during this time. Four is the age where children can take direction, work with peers and an instructor, and understand the importance of progressing in a skill.

What Do They Learn?

At four, children learn how to utilize their fine motor skills with new swim techniques, listen to directions from a certified instructor, hold their breath for a short time underwater, and go swimming without the assistance of their parents. They are also taught critical preventative drowning techniques. Swim lessons will also build their confidence levels, as they will be steadily encouraged to progress by their instructor along with their peers who are all learning together.

The Benefits of Starting Earlier than Four

Four is a perfect age to start independent certified instructor-led courses, but what about the wide variety of courses aimed at babies and toddlers?

Swim classes are an enjoyable way to bond between parents and children. Parent & Me classes are highly recommended, as taking classes with your toddler helps them feel comfortable in a body of water and lets them have fun in a safe, supportive environment with you within arm’s reach.

Not only that, other significant benefits are teaching your child as early as one, including:

  • Lessons on how to be safe around and in the water with a young child
  • Drowning prevention techniques like swimming to the side of the pool
  • Using the “buddy system,” team building with the other toddlers
  • Floating or treading water

Blue Buoy Serves Orange County

Blue Buoy Swim School has a variety of certified instructors, ready to answer any questions you have regarding your child’s safety or the classes offered. Between the Parent & Me classes for babies and toddlers, or the wide variety of children-focused courses, we’re well prepared to give your child the proper tools necessary to succeed. With over 40 decades of experience under our roof, we’d love to teach your child (and you!) the swimming skills that will last a lifetime!